My dog has itchy skin and allergies. Benadryl isn't helping. What's next?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 25 lbs
Hi. Miller has been bad for a week with possible allergic reaction. He is currently allergic to chicken but hasn't been given one as we recall. For 7 days he has been on Benadryl, *active ingredient acrivastine not diphenhydraphine. 5 days - 1 pill a day, last 2 days - 3 pills a day. It is not helping, if anything making things worse. He has symptoms of itchy skin, early conjintivitis, sleeps more and seems tired. What is next course of action?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 13th, 2020
The next thing to do is go to the veterinarian. If the antihistamines are not working, he may need something stronger. These lesions could also now be infected. Make sure to protect the area from rubbing or scratching and he should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Have him examined soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 26th, 2016
Place an e-collar (cone) on Hannah to prevent further scratching. Confirm the Benadryl dose with your veterinarian. If the spots do not resolve, have her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection, allergies or other causes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has seasonal allergies that I can usually control with benadryl and washing him once a week but he seems to be having a bad bout. I added omega 3 supplements to his diet and have been spraying him with "veterinary formula clinical care antisep
This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat him with a high quality flea treatment (e.g. advantage), then get him to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy. Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics). simultaneously you should start him on a prescription hypoallergenic diet for at least 2 months. Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider putting him on a long term allergy treatment (Atopica or Apoquel).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog keeps scratching herself. So bad that she now has patches. I was told to try Benadryl and I also bought a lavender anti itch shampoo and conditioner. Nothing seems to be helping. I have no idea what’s wrong. Please help.
She could have allergies, mites, fleas, or a skin infection. Since Benadryl and the shampoo didn’t work, she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need an antibiotic, corticosteroid , and/or other medications to help relieve the itching. Make sure to use a good flea prevention, like Nexgard, Bravecto, Credelio, or Advantage.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog had what appears to be hive like bumps yesterday morning and even after Benadryl yesterday they are still apparent today and they are itchy for him. I attached a photo of the most prominent ones but he has them all over his back
Chewy may be having an allergic reaction. If it hasn't improved with Benadryl, he may need some injectable medications from the vet to get his symptoms under control. I recommend bringing him in right away.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has a rash on her stomach, legs and armpits. It’s red and blotchy and very itchy, not raised at all. I was instructed by the vet to be giving her Benadryl for seasonal allergies which I started a few days ago once her itching became worse. I’m
The spots where the rashes are definitely fit with seasonal environmental allergies. They may not have been there before, but would not be due to the Benadryl. It's more likely that it's a progression of the allergies and a sign that the Benadryl is not working well. Dogs tend to not be helped by certain antihistamines, but may be helped better by others. Luckily there are a few alternatives that can be bought over the counter. I recommend calling you veterinarian and asking if they could suggest another antihistamine. As long as they have no other concerns with Riley, they should be happy to give you an alternative. If the second antihistamine doesn't work and you still notice the rash/itching, then he will likely need a recheck exam and stronger medication. One thing you can do for the rash and itchy skin, is give a bath with cool water using an oatmeal or aloe shampoo. You can get these shampoos at the pet store. I hope that helps and Riley gets better soon.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is itching and licking after a bath with oatmeal wash. I adopted him a month ago, this is the second time that I've used it. Additionally, I've used a flea/tick serum on him for the second time ( 30 day application). I've given him Benadryl an
Poor Max. It sounds like he may have an allergy to the shampoo or an environmental allergy. If you have already tried Benadryl and a sensitive skin shampoo the next step is to get stronger medicaitons through your vet. I would recommend asking your vet about trying a short trial of Apoquel (allergy medication) on Max. You may also want to consider switching flea preventions, especially if the one he is currently on isn't veterinary approved. I highly recommend Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Firstshield (Vectra) for flea prevention. I hope this helps and you can continue the Benadryl (as long as he doesn't have any contraindications to its use- i.e. Heart disease) in the meantime so that he at least has something on board for the itch. Best of luck at the vet and take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has been having problems with his skin. At first we thought it could be fleas & treated him, also thought it could be allergies and have been giving him benadryl. Things seemed to be getting better but now they seem worse
Hi and thanks for posting! Oh my! Poor Buster- his skin condition looks very infected and painful. He really should see a veterinarian for some antibiotics for his skin infection. If all else has been ruled out, then it may be a seasonal or a food allergy. If Buster's skin issues flare up all year round, it may be a food allergy. If Buster's skin issues flare up at certain times of the year (such as fall or spring time) it may be a seasonal allergy. There are lots of things we can do for both types of allergies. Changing the food to a novel protein source can help if it is a food allergy. If a seasonal or environmental allergy is suspected, they can test for this with a blood or skin testing. Immunotherapy injections towards the allergen can be very helpful. There are medications out there that can help as well. Cytopoint or Apoquel work wonders. Prescription Antihistamines can also help for seasonal allergies. Benadryl may or may not work very well. I hope this and thanks for u
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is itching and chewing around is mouth and genital area. He has bumps and pimple like spots on his mouth and a rash on his thighs,testicles, and a swollen bump on the tip of his penis. He also is licking his paw and it look a like he chewed sk
These symptoms do sound likely that Nino has allergies. If it has been going on for weeks and is getting worse, he likely has seasonal/environmental allergies. Unfortunately over the counter allergy meds such as Benadryl don't work all that well, and he really needs something more effective to control his symptoms, which would need to come from a vet. The pimples you are seeing probably indicate a secondary skin infection which will need antibiotics to clear up. So, he will need a vet visit to improve. In the meantime you can keep those areas clean and dry; I recommend bathing him with a mild oatmeal based shampoo and drying him thoroughly. You can also wipe down his feet and muzzle with a damp cloth when he comes in for the night to get as much pollen, grass, and other allergens off him before he goes to bed. Hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
We are camping up north and my dogs eye lids are red and has flat red spots on the inside of his legs...gave him Benadryl and not itching
Benadryl is used to treat allergic reactions and allergies so if it seems to be helping then he probably has allergies. If the signs persist then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic and a corticosteroid to help treat the problem. You could also bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. Hope he he feels better soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My maltese has a really bad itching problem. We thought at first that it was fleas causing it, but as she's gotten older and as we've done treatments, she doesn't have any fleas, and her scratching is still horrible. She does it to the point to where
It sounds like poor Cheyenne is very uncomfortable! I'd recommend getting her an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist. They are experts in allergies, and they can run tests to identify exactly what is causing her allergies and therefore prescribe the best treatment that will hopefully give her some relief. Speak to your vet about a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Anasha is an older dog she was coughing and all of a sudden stopped and this happened...bumps all over her body took her to the vet they said a food allergy but it has gotten worse after benadryl for a week her eyes are red and back legs very weak
Poor thing. That looks very uncomfortable. This does look consistent with an allergic reaction to something, although it could anything she's reacting to. Skin issues like this can also be caused less commonly by a primary problem with the skin or even some types of cancer. I would recommend going back for another visit as soon as possible to try to get to the bottom of this. A simple reaction wouldn't stick around so long. Next steps may include general blood work, sampling the bumps (either with a needle or a minor surgery), or even a trial of different medication. If you're vet isn't sure what to do next, I'd strongly recommend asking for a referral to a dermatologist.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Have A Vet Question?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
