[don&ernie]

My Bailey has been having an itchy spot on his side for almost a year. He chews the area until it's raw. After trying a few prescriptions from the vet, I found that the best thing to prevent his itching, and least expensive, is benedryl every 12 hours. He's been on it for a month now. He hardly itches at all and doesn't show any side effects.

I'm hoping it's ok to continue the regimin of benedryl. Has anyone here had their dog on benedryl daily for extended periods?

 

[TwoLu]

My first question would be why does he have an itchy spot and why isn't it going away?

If your original vet doesn't know why I would seek a second opinion.

As far as Benadryl goes, as with any medication, I wouldn't want to give it on a long term basis or daily basis without knowing what was causing the original problem.

 

[Opus]

I agree. Winston had an itchy spot as well as an all over itch. We cured it by focusing on making his skin and coat healthier. Fish oil added to his kibble pretty much did away with it in a few weeks and now we keep him on a fish based kibble. His itchy spot is gone and now he only scratches if he sees the camera.

I would also have the spot checked thouroughly for a tick, or bug bite or other source of itch.

I just don't think keeping your dog on a drug for prolonged periods is good unless you know exactly why. Chronic diseases are one thing. An itch usually isn't considered chronic.
Like people, your dog could eventually build up a resistance to benadryl, (or any other antihistamine) making it useless in an emergency.

 

[Sephly]

I dont think if you use the benedryl you rub on an itchy (liquid) would be too bad but like the others have said, i'd get a second opinion in case another vet can tell you what it is.