LICKING/CHEWING PAWS

Question
MY FOUR-YEAR-OLD MALE LABRADOR IS CONSTANTLY LICKING HIS PAWS AND SCRATCHING HIS FACE.  MY VET PRESCRIBED HIM PRESIDONE, WHICH STOPPED THE SCRATCHING/ITCHING/LICKING. HOWEVER, THE MEDICINE CAUSED HIM TO DEVELOPE INCONTINENCE AND A BLADDER INFECTION.  THE VET STOPPED THE PRESIDONE AND PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOCTICS FOR THE INFECTION.  THE INFECTION HAS CLEARD UP AND THE VET DID NOT WANT TO PUT HIM BACK ON THE PRESIDONE BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT CAUSED THE INCONTINENCE.  MY QUESTION IS WHAT CAN I GIVE MY DOG TO STOP HIS ITCHING/SCRATCHING/LICKING.  WILL BENADRYL HELP AND CAN I USE THE HUMAN KIND? IS THERE AN HERBAL PRODUCT?

Answer
Hello T,
Yes, Benadryl might be the answer here.  I have typed a thing or two about Benadryl that I will copy and paste here. Good luck to you!    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.  Make sure is is Bendadryl ONLY, not a combination of pain relievers.  

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