It is best to check with a vet to make sure your cat s symptoms are indicative of allergies and not another condition.
Diphenhydramine for cats side effects.
Do not give benadryl to your cat if they are on tranquilizers this is the list of drugs which benadryl can react with.
Vomiting diarrhea and lack of appetite are also possible.
Overdoses do occur and can result in horrific irreversible damage.
Even when you follow your vets instructions for administering benadryl to your cat the following side effects may occur.
They will be able to tell you what to do next based on your cat s individual condition.
The result is that many animals begin to drool uncontrollably.
The most common side effect is lethargy dry mouth and urinary retention.
If you notice any of these side effects it is imperative that you closely monitor your cat to make sure that the reaction doesn t worsen.
Depressants of the central nervous system.
Diphenhydramine is typically given as an oral medication and the bitter taste can sometimes trigger excessive salivation in cats.
These may become worse for some cats during the summer and spring months when pollen concentrations are higher in the air.
If your cat experiences any of the above side effects while taking benadryl notify your vet for further instruction.
Side effects of benadryl in cats.
Like humans cats can have allergies.
Discontinue this medication at least 2 weeks before testing.
It is possible for some cats to experience side effects when taking benadryl.
It is an excellent remedy as it is inexpensive effective and does not have a high chance of causing undesirable side effects as long as the dosage is correct.
Common side effects may include 2.
Please always consult with your vet to make sure this will be ok.
One of the most common side effects of diphenhydramine is excessive drooling.
Make sure the only active ingredient is diphenhydramine hydrochloride as some preparations may also contain more than one active ingredient which can lead to severe poisoning in cats.
Excitement rather than lethargy can occur occasionally especially in cats.
Again only give your cat the recommended dose of benadryl.
Due to an increased risk of serious or life threatening side effects.
This side effect may be more noticeable if the cat has experienced a slight overdose but should pass within a few hours.
Side effects all medications have potential side effects the most commonly seen adverse effects are cns depression lethargy and anticholinergic effects urinary retention and dry mouth.
Some common side effects of benadryl that you might notice in your cat include.
Like humans cats can experience fatigue and clumsiness when taking diphenhydramine.
In the most severe cases of overdose the cat will experience seizures and shortness of breath.
The cat may drool or foam at the mouth when you give the medication.
Generally this only lasts for a short time after ingestion of the medicine.
If too much medicine is administered overdoses can lead to seizures coma difficulties breathing or even death.
Diphenhydramine can alter the results of skin allergy testing.
This is normal as benadryl tastes quite bitter to them.
This is not typically a serious concern or a potential threat to your cat s wellbeing but it can nevertheless be a discomfort to the animal.
Additionally contact your vet.
Especially if your cat is taking other meds for other issues like tranquilizers.