Benadryl (sp?)

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

A veterinarian has actually suggested benadryl as a remedy for calming my hyperactive doodle. I just can't. Maybe this is  common practice and I am unaware? Any thoughts?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

How old is your dog?  What is being suggested is giving your dog a sedative.  I wouldn't do it.  Perhaps he needs more exercise or more stimulation.  What is he doing that makes you characterize him as "hyperactive"?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Yes just classic puppy behavior, he will outgrow it without any medication.  If you are really concerned talk to a dog trainer and perhaps get some sessions.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

As you said, all classic puppy behavior, which can all be addressed with training. 

Benadryl, as you probably know, is an antihistamine which can cause drowsiness. Vets often recommend it for short-term use in allergy situations, although there are better antihistamines that don't cause dorwsiness. But I certainly wouldn't use it as a sedative to keep an exuberant puppy from doing what comes naturally, lol. He just needs a good training program and a lot of exercise to burn off some of that energy. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

YES!

[Robin & Josie]

Not sure I'd be comfortable with that either. Are you supposed to give it every day? How "hyperactive" is he? I think they're all pretty active - especially if he's a puppy.

I haven't tried it yet, but there's a homeopathic thing called "Zen" that was recommended by our Petco trainer. I wasn't completely comfortable with that either, but the vet ok'd it. It has camomile and tryptophan in it. I may resort to it some night if we can't settle our pup at bedtime.

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin used to peak around bedtime.  We called it the "witching hour."  He was always the most hyper when he was tired.  I think because they are tired, their impulse control is very low.  If he has had a good active day with exercise and short training sessions that should be all that is required.  When Gavin got like that, I would give him a little time out and he would usually crash once all stimulation was taken away.

[BG and Gavin]

No I did not use the crate for a time out because I did not want a negative association.  I would put him in the bathroom with a baby gate across the doorway.  We were out of his sight there but could still hear him if started trouble (not that there was anything for him to get into there).  Generally he would just clunk down on the floor and go to sleep.

[Miss Ellie]

In a dog's world, exercise is the best medicine...in the people world I truly believe it is laughter...and lots of it!