Schnauzer w/allergies

Question
My 5 yr old schnauzer is constantly rubbing his beard and now that it's winter he goes outside and drags his nose/beard thru the snow.  He's just lately started chewing/licking his feet. When I take him for walks, he has a bout of coughing (sounds almost as if he's wheezing).  Could this be an allergy or asthma?  

Answer
Hi Nancy!
Yes,it could be allergies.  That's what the chewing on the feet sound like.  The coughing may need to be checked out, as dogs that cough/wheeze sometimes have heart problems. It wouldn't hurt to have that checked by a Vet.  If you would like to try Benadryl to stop the itching, I will post below the instructions.

God Bless!
Becky

Benadryl for Dogs or Cats

Benadryl is a brand name for an anti-histamine (diphenhydramine).  Although it is considered fairly safe for use in dogs and cats,  please be aware that it does have potential adverse side effects.  It may interact with other meds that your pet is taking, so do not use it without first consulting your veterinarian. You should also use extreme caution using Benadryl in dogs that have glaucoma, prostatic disease, cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism.  

Benadryl is quite effective when used in proper dosages.  
Stops itching
Controls vomiting
Good for motion sickness
Can be used as a mild tranquilizer
Good for snake bites
Useful for vaccination reactions
Good for bee stings and insect bites

Be sure to use only the plain Benadryl formula. Giving benadryl with other combination of meds could be fatal, so be sure to read the box.

Liquid Benadryl is too high in alcohol content to be safely used for animals.  Please use capsule or pill form.  

Dosage every 8 hours
Dogs under 30 lbs and Cats :  10 mg
Dogs 30-50 lbs:  25 mg
Dogs over 50 lbs: 50 mg