Benadryl is diphenhydramine, and is sold generically and by other manufacturers under different names.

That's what I gave my pup; I just rolled the tablet into a slice of cheese to get her to eat it. If the melts have other ingredients in them, I'll probably just stick w/ the tablets.

Benadryl also has products with the word Benadryl prominent in the name that contain other ingredients.

I would take care to read the ingredients before buying.

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

If the melts have other ingredients in them, I'll probably just stick w/ the tablets.

They do, including Aspartame.

yes, they definitely have other ingredients in them. If you have to give it as a regular thing for allergies or if your dog has a local reaction to a sting or otherwise, then you should only give the regular (generic is even cheaper) benedryl and make sure to check the label. Absorption rate is 20-30 minutes taken internally (swallowing) If your dog is prone to tempting fate (like mine is!) and is severely allergic, then you should look into getting an epi pen prescribed for such cases. Make sure you understand how to use it and ask your vet to show you what to do!
If (this is a BIG if) your dog is having a life threatening allergic reaction (breathing passages shutting down, wheezing, facial swelling 1-20 minutes after the sting, bite, etc) and you are too far away from the vet (more than 5-10 minutes) the 20+ absorption rate is too slow and it will not take effect in time. In my case, I opted to give the quick melt strips because these you can place them under the tongue for near immediate effect. (That is why nitroglycerin sprays are done under the tongue - all the capillaries under there absorb directly into the bloodstream) This bought me enough time to get my dog to the nearest vet for an epinephrine shot. If I hadn't, my dog would have died. But I would not give her that med unless it was an airway emergency. The last few times she has done it (three times total in her life) I have had the epi shot then taken her in. I didn't use the strips those times. DON'T give the strips unless it is a dire emergency, and make sure you take in the packaging so the vet can see the ingredient list. Sorry for the confusion guys.