Cammie,
You are welcome to give some benadryl given that your pet isn't having any problems breathing, isn't have seizures, isn't non-responsive, etc. Of course, in that case he'd need to go to a vet right away. The common dosage for benadryl is 1mg/#. So, a 25# puppy would get 25mg benadryl twice daily. This may take a few dosages to bring the entirity of the swelling down. He should be feeling better in a few hours. If he's not, let me know.
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Sami
Veterinary Nurse
8 yrs experience with animals, 3 in emergency med. Owner of 3 APBT and 3 sphynx
You can give him another dose once he's reached the 8 hour mark of the final dose. Again, sometimes it takes a few doses before he'll see the benefits of oral benadryl.
If you want faster results, you can take him to an emergency center (or regular vet, if they are open) where they will probably give an injectable antihistamine to him which will work much faster than oral medications will. Usually benefits of injectable antihistamines work within 30 minutes. Some vets couple them with an anti-inflammatory agent which will also help to make you pet feel better even quicker. After he's feeling better, they will probably want you to continue care at home with benadryl. For the record, some pets respond only to injectable anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories.
If you would prefer continuing the at home treatment, you can redose with benadryl again at the 8 hour mark of the final dose. Oatmeal shampoo may help to relieve some discomfort, remember to bathe in luke water to cool water (not cold).
If you're wanting results for him now, a veterinary visit would be your next best route.
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