[yorkietalkjilly]

My vet would never recommend sedation from Benadryl for my dog due to MY bad back. He'd just say having a well-behaved dog is something you train them to be so that they are prepared to cope with your down-times and illnesses without you having to drug them to make it through. You can figure out some things to help keep them busy from your bedridden position for a bit but for the most part, my vet would tell me to do just what I do - just lie there and let your dog be if you don't feel like entertaining him - he'll figure it out and play with his toys, chewies or go lie down, watch out the window, etc., unless he spoiled and doesn't know how to act without your constant attention and feedback. And if I had a vet that did specifically suggested sedating my dog due to my poor health, I would find a different vet as he doesn't have my dog's health as his foremost consideration.

Once you feel better, actually training your little guy, playing some challenging games with him will teach him that you are his pack leader and if you say, "Crate up/go to bed" or "Relax", he will, knowing that it won't be permanent and secure inside that life will resume its fun times again some day and accept life as it is until that time, living in the eternal hope that most dogs live in. Dogs learn how to naturally cope with enforced down-times without any drugs given half the chance. All of mine have and I'm no great dog-trainer or expert.