How to Euthanize a Dog with Benadryl [2024] Putting Dogs Down at Home

Putting a Dog to Sleep with Benadryl at Home

In the entire lifetimes of our beloved pets, we dedicate most of our time and effort to making their moments memorable and their lives as comfortable as possible.

Sadly, we are sometimes faced with hard decisions to part ways with our amazing companions, and it’s not always easy.

Euthanasia is one such experience that, even though we wouldn’t want for any dog, sometimes becomes imperative and the only better option.

Seeing your little friend getting old, or suffering endlessly from an incurable infection, with no hope for relief is as painful as putting them to their final rest.

However, even when you feel that quietus may be the suitable and most merciful option for your buddy, it’s always necessary to seek alternative options.

Euthanasia should only be a last resort and not an option for convenience. We also emphasize that you consult the vet before taking any steps on your own.

Besides, don’t forget to reexamine your particular state’s laws before doing it yourself (DIY) at home. Some states only consider the practice legal when conducted by professionals, so do not get yourself on the wrong side of the law.

While there are many justifiable reasons for euthanasia, there are equally as many ways to take early measures to prevent the same.

For example, overcrowded shelters annually euthanize dogs that are abandoned by their owners. If every dog owner were to keep their pets safe regardless of their circumstances, shelters wouldn’t be overcrowded.

We thus advise owners to take care of their pets. If you feel the need to abandon your loved one, look for a pet lover who can take better care of your dog – leaving them to suffer a worse fate is quite inhumane.

However, if the situation demands it, you can perform euthanasia on your dog with Benadryl. There are also other effective medications such as Tylenol.

Euthanasia is a delicate process, and we mostly recommend it as per the vet’s advice. In this discussion, we’ll take you through the different uses of Benadryl, how to use it to facilitate euthanasia, and the considerations you should take into account.

The Different Uses of Benadryl

Benadryl is a counterirritant or an antihistamine. Vets and dog owners use it to calm dogs and prevent allergic reactions. It’s usually sold over the counter.

This drug is available in different forms, including liquid solutions, gels, oral tablets, topical sprays, and creams.

Apart from being an effective antihistamine, Benadryl effectively cures different allergies, including skin irritation and fever.

It would be best to administer Benadryl with the vet’s recommendation because it contains some strong ingredients.

Benadryl is often sold in 25 mg tablets and precise liquid solutions. Administering a liquid dosage is easier because the solution is already measured. On the other hand, tablets need to be split into smaller, precise bits before administration.

An overdose can be lethal, so ensure you measure the correct liquid or tablet dosage before giving it to your dog.

The following are additional uses of Benadryl:

Treating cell tumors

Cancerous growths release histamines in large amounts. Benadryl contains antihistamines that inhibit the bulky secretion of histamine. Before administering Benadryl to treat tumors, ensure you consult your vet on the right doses.

Treating heartworms

Dogs get heartworms from mosquito bites. Dog owners are advised to visit the vet for vaccination against heartworms regularly. Besides vaccination, Benadryl dosages are quite effective in eliminating heartworms.

Traveling

Dogs can get stressed when traveling over long distances. They may show signs of nausea and discomfort along the way. If your dog shows any of these signs, try a prescribed dosage of Benadryl – it keeps dogs relaxed, calm and gets rid of nausea.

Putting dogs to sleep

The recommended dosage for Benadryl is one milligram for each dog’s pound of weight. For example, a dog weighing fifty pounds will require two 25 mg tablets of Benadryl.

There are different reasons for putting a dog to sleep – they may be anxious in the presence of many guests or nervous when there is a loud noise such as fireworks. Administering a Benadryl dose will calm them and peacefully take them to the world of slumber.

However, Benadryl isn’t recommended for everyone – it can only be given to puppies weighing six pounds and above. A pup weighing any less can’t handle the strong Benadryl ingredients. Giving the drug will only cause them early health complications.

Side Effects of Using Benadryl

Remember to use the correct and recommended dosage because it increases the chances of effective treatment and minimizes the risk of health problems due to an overdose.

Benadryl, like most antihistamines, comes with side effects:

The dog retains urine for an unusually long time.
The mouth becomes dry.
A dog’s heartbeat increases – the dog will also breathe more rapidly.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and increase in appetites are relatively uncommon – they may or may not occur.

Note that it’s not advisable to give Benadryl over and again to your dog – when given repeatedly, it becomes ineffective and fails to fulfill its purpose.

Besides, administering Benadryl in more than recommended dosages in the hope of quick results can damage the dog’s liver and kidney in the long run. To prevent any health problems, adhere to the vet’s prescriptions.

If your dog suffers from continuous allergic reactions that require Benadryl throughout his life, ensure you talk to the veterinarian for suitable alternatives. After getting the other options, you can begin administering the new medication, switching to Benadryl from time to time.

Euthanizing Dogs with Benadryl

Euthanasia is another area where there’s a major use of Benadryl. We split this application from other purposes because of the exceptional circumstances involved.

Deciding to finally part ways with your favorite companion can be the saddest moment of your life.

However, if you’ve come to that decision with the vet’s support, there’s no denying that it’s certainly for the best.

Once you are sure there’s no avoiding euthanasia and it’s the best last resort for your friend, you can request your vet’s help in giving your dog a final rest.

While you can carry out the process on your own, it’s always best to seek a professional’s help or personnel certified by the government. Sometimes, the vet’s help may come at a price you may not afford.

You can either choose to hold the function at your home, with the vet’s help, of course, or visit the clinic. Either way, it’s always good for dogs to peacefully shut their eyes with their beloved families surrounding them.

In the last minutes of preparation, ensure everything is well under control before giving the vet the final go-ahead.

Some states allow caregivers to carry out the euthanasia process. If you prefer to be the one around your companion in their last moments, make sure you are familiar with a routine euthanasia.

Besides, ensure you get the right information and know the exact Benadryl amounts to administer.

The vet will carry out the following steps during euthanasia – if you administer the dosage, ensure you follow each step to the latter. However, we recommend that the vet stays with you throughout the process:

Checking for side effects

The first step is to check if the Benadryl you plan to use has side effects that may adversely affect your dog before he euthanasia process.

Check for side effects by administering a small amount of Benadryl, then waiting for an hour or so to observe any allergic reactions.

If there are no signs, proceed with the dosage.

Administering the dosage

The dosage administration is the heart of the process. It should be carried out with extra caution and strict adherence to the given instructions.

The recommended dosage for Benadryl is usually a milligram per your dog’s pound weight. In euthanasia, the effective dosage is three times the normal dose. If your dog weighs thirty pounds, give him Benadryl three times his weight, which is ninety milligrams.

You can mix the dosage in the dog’s favorite food by breaking it into small bits. Benadryl gels and solutions blend well with wet foods. If it’s a liquid dosage, use a dropper by placing it on an open side of the dog’s muzzle and squeezing in the right amount.

When vets are in charge of the quietus, they will explain how the entire process will be conducted before proceeding to the actual euthanasia. The place you wish the process to be carried out is your choice – it can be your home or the vet’s clinic.

The euthanasia

This final process isn’t like any typical treatment plan and will thus require extra precaution. Most vets take charge from this point and may only require you as an assistant.

However, if your state has favorable laws, and you prefer to deliver the dosage and keep the vet as an aide, be sure to expect some challenges, including bladder issues. Nonetheless, the vet will certainly help you manage any unexpected situations.

The first step at this stage is to find a comfortable place where your dog won’t feel frightened. The vet will inject an IV or Intravenous Catheter into your dog’s system to prevent any dilacerations.

Benadryl dosages come immediately after the infusion of IV. After giving the right dose, the vet will wait for some time and then use his stethoscope to confirm the completion of euthanasia and the dog’s perpetual siesta.

Reasons for Euthanasia

The dog grows old

Senior dogs experience mobility challenges, are more prone to illnesses, and sometimes can’t get up. They also don’t eat as actively as they used to in their adult days and can collapse due to body fatigue.

These and many other predispositions can make your dog’s life extremely painful and difficult. However, the decision to carry out euthanasia should be the only option left and backed by the vet.

Health issues

Quietus will only be an alternative if the dog’s illness is severe, incurable, and causes the dog a lot of pain. Chronic infections include cancer and disc diseases.

Permanent aggressive behavior

Aggressive dogs are violent and can bite anyone, including their family. If you feel your dog is extremely aggressive, make sure to confirm that no training can help correct the trait before recommending euthanasia.

Overcrowded shelters

Shelters pick up dogs that are abandoned by their owners. They quickly become overcrowded due to low adoption turnouts – more people abandon their dogs, and fewer people adopt them.

After getting the court’s permission, shelters consider euthanasia for the many dogs that lack willing adopters and caring homes.

It’s our plea to every dog owner to always keep their pets safe and not to desert these lovely animals, unless when transferring them to more enthusiastic adopters.

Recommended Benadryl Dosages During Treatment

Benadryl is to be administered two to three times each day or as per the vet’s recommendations. Also, don’t forget to follow the prescriptions to the last dosage, even when your dog starts showing signs of improvement.

Besides, don’t use Benadryl for too long – it can stop being effective. Make sure to discuss with your vet other potent alternatives in case there is a need for prolonged antihistamine use.

Always give your dog the right dosages – one milligram for one pound of weight – an overdose can result in cramps, which often cause abdominal pains to the dog.

Guides for the Following:

Conclusion

Severing tight bonds with the ones we love is usually a painful experience, even when the situation calls for it and the vet agrees with your decision.

Euthanasia is not an easy process – it’s a critical and emotional time for all the involved parties, especially your dog.

You should therefore strive to make the final hours of your longtime buddy very comfortable and peaceful.

Having a vet by your side during the entire process will prevent any mistakes – errors during euthanasia can adversely affect your dog or do more harm than good. So, don’t rush.

Besides, you need to know if your state laws allow you to actively partake in the process or exclusively requires certified experts and veterinarians to be in complete charge.

It’s always crucial that you follow the right steps. Use the correct dosages, and if you plan to carry out euthanasia at home, make the necessary arrangements to warrant your dog a comfortable and stress-free send-off.

Even though you may physically part ways with your old-time friend, you’ll always be with them in the sweet memories you share and forever in your heart.