benedryl

Question
I have a 13 yr old pug that has become very restless at night pacing, barking, whining. Would benedryl help him relax and sleep at night ?

Answer
Hi Jackie,

Anytime an elderly dog has a change of behavior, it's best to get a vet exam.

Benedryl might calm your dog, but you might be masking symptoms of something potentially life threatening. The symptoms of pacing, barking, and whining could be mean something serious such as a heart problem.  There's also a condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is sort of like Alzheimer's that humans can get, that also has the symptoms of nighttime restlessness.

There is medication available that helps early stages of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and if your dog has any form of heart disease there are medications and treatments for that as well.

Best of luck,
Patti