Outlaw 3
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Aug 2008
Location: Southeast TN
Posts: 130 |
Benadryl is not harmful
I have to disagree with you on the Benadryl being bad for dogs. Of course you give them steroids and antibiotics when you have them readily available which I think I said as much in my post, but I am talking about being in the woods and not in a vet clinic. I think by the time the guy has the dog to the vet, they could take it from there.
When I worked for the Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation, Benadryl was the only thing we were allowed to give hikers and tourists if they did get stung by bees, yellowjackets, or hornets or bitten by a snake or spider because its lack of negative side effects. When someone gets stung, they are injected with venom the severity of the side effects of each sting are dependent on the individuals allergic reaction. The same is the case with snake bites or so I've been taught.
"A bite from any venomous snake should be taken very seriously and immediate medical attention sought, as allergic reaction and secondary infection are always possible." I'd rather take steps against the allergic reaction than to assume it won't happen. If the only negative effect of Benadryl is it slows down the blood flow, then I would say mission accomplished since that is the first thing they tell you when you are bitten is to calm down and don't let your racing heart send the venom coursing through your body faster.
...but keep doing what you are doing if it works, I know I will continue to do the same thing that has worked for me. We have had as many as 6 dogs get bitten in one day, and so far we have not lost any dogs to a snake bite taking the steps I've described and I've never overdosed a dog or human on Benadryl.
The Dexamethazone is a steroid which is an immunosuppressant this helps control the bodies reaction to the venom. That is the same idea that is behind using antihistamines.
One of the main symptoms that you encounter with a dog or person that has been bitten is angioedema which is a rapid swelling of the subcutaneous tissue. This is treated by the use antihistamines (Benadryl), prednisolone (steroid), or adrenaline, depending on severity.
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Chris Henderson
www.outlawhounds.webs.com
http://tellicobearandboar.webs.com/
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