My guinea pig has allergies. When will Benadryl work & for how long?

Question

hi my guinea pig has been prescribed diphenhydramine for possible allergies. he has already been treated for a possible respiratory infection but with no results. If this doesn't end up working he will have to be sedated for x rays. I am supposed to give him the drug for two weeks. At what point should i see an improvement if he has allergies? If he does improve will he be on this for the rest of his life? Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered | 1.66 lbs

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for your question about Oliver, and I am sorry that he is having some respiratory issues. If he has allergies and is being treated with the diphenhydramine regularly, you should see some sort of improvement within a week of being on it. As far as your question about whether life-long treatment will be required, that would depend on whether you and your veterinarian could identify the item (or items) that Oliver is allergic to. If that can be identified and eliminated from the environment, then you may not need constant treatment. It may then only be required on an as needed basis. If you do not see improvement on the diphenhydramine, then I would agree with your veterinarian that radiographs (x-rays) would be needed. Unfortunately, pneumonia and other lung issues are very common in guinea pigs, and this would show up on the radiographs. If that is seen, your veterinarian would likely need to change up the treatments that have been tried in Oliver before. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Oliver feels better soon.

My guinea pig has allergies. When will Benadryl work & for how long?

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