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My dog is stressed by shots. Can I give melatonin or Benadryl?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old | 12 lbs

Romeo is due for his annual series of vaccines. This includes Bordatella. They’re gonna spread his shots out a week apart. He had bloody diarrhea last year when got all his shots together. But he also had new flea med that day. Not sure if it was stress related or not. Can Romeo have a calming supplement with Melatonin before his shots or after to prevent stress? Would Benadryl be better? Thank you

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2023

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Romeo. His bloody diarrhea could have been stressed related from the vet visit, but I do not recommend giving him Benadryl. Benadryl is used in pets for allergic reactions, not for calming, and it can actually have the opposite effect. In terms of the Melatonin, I can't say for certain it is safe for him. I would check with his vet. Best of luck.

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