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My dog's allergies are better. Should I stop Benadryl or add supplements?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Female | spayed | 5 years and 5 months old | 17 lbs

My vet recommended Benadryl for my dog for her itching and environmental allergies but she doesn't appear to be having any itching right now. Her eyes sometimes would get bloodshot, would Benadryl help with that? I'm wondering if I should temporarily discontinue the Benadryl since she's doing better? I don't want to add unnecessary supplements to her diet. Right now she's on a joint pill because her breed is prone to joint problems. Does she need fish oil or probiotics? she's on Acana kibble.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2017

If Chloe seems to be doing well I would suggest that you do discontinue the Benadryl. Dogs actually will build up a tolerance to the Benadryl if given consistently over a period of time. At that time it will either stop working or she will need more to get the same effect. You can always start it up again. The probiotic may help with allergies believe it or not so you can definitely do that - it will not hurt anything and might help. I like Fortiflora but you can use any probiotic made for dogs (not human ones or dairy). I do not have any first hand experience using this product but I have had a lot of people tell me it works well for allergies: http://www.dinovite.com/ You can also add the fish oil if you want to as well. It is always recommended. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Seems like you are doing a very good job. You can use the Benadryl on an as needed basis. Fish oil helps quite a bit with skin issues so I think that would be a good idea. You can get the veterinary commercial fish oil you can buy online or at your local pet store. Good luck and have a great night!

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