Every pet owner wants the best for their canine companion. One of the very few over-the-counter drugs made for humans that some veterinarians may have pet parents give to their dogs at home is diphenhydramine, also well-known as Benadryl. If your dog is suffering from a mild allergic reaction or was stung by an insect, Benadryl can help keep them calm. Even though dogs mainly tolerate Benadryl well, it is not always the solution. What is the suggested dosage for your dog? How often should you give it Benadryl, and is it safe to use on your specific pet? Benadryl may have the opposite effect for some dogs. It should not be used with animals that have some medical conditions because it can increase your pet’s anxiety. We will go over when it is safe and effective to give your dog Benadryl, when to use other treatments, and whether your veterinarian is on board. Before giving your dog Benadryl, think about these points.
An antihistamine called Benadryl stops histamine from triggering the body’s H-1 receptors. By blocking the chemoreceptor trigger zone, the brain’s vomiting center, it reduces nausea and vomiting. It also reduces the body’s balance center’s reaction to motion, which is the vestibular apparatus in your ear.
What Does Benadryl Do?
Benadryl is a nonprescription antihistamine that also goes by its generic name, diphenhydramine HCL (this is also its active ingredient). Benadryl can help in reducing allergy symptoms in both you and your dog that come from seasonal allergies, environmental allergies, food allergies, and insect bites. According to vets and hospitals, the most common sign of a dog with an allergy is itching of the skin. Skin conditions can arise in conjunction with respiratory symptoms as well. In some cases, the symptoms include the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
Both the name Benadryl and other diphenhydramine medicines mainly come in tablets of 25 miligrams. Fortunately, the math included to decide the proper Benadryl dose for dogs is quite straightforward.
How Much Benadryl Dose Can I Give To My Dog?
Vets suggest offering a standard dosage of 25 miligrams for a 25 pound dog 2 to 3 times per day. As a common rule, use 1 milligram per pound of your dog’s body weight. For instance, a 50 pound dog would be given two 25 milligram tablets. Small dogs under 25 pounds can be given children’s liquid Benadryl. To make sure you are giving your pet the proper dosage, talk to your veterinarian before opening the medicine cabinet or going to the closest pharmacy to buy over-the-counter medications. This is specifically essential if your dog already has health problems or is taking any other medications.
Sometimes the seriousness of an allergic reaction necessitates a visit to the animal hospital for a vaccination. To treat the symptoms as soon as possible, the doctor may need to inject the medication directly into the dog’s skin. With antihistamines like Benadryl, exercise caution because overdosing is not unheard of. Diphenhydramine poisoning can be deadly, so always check with your veterinarian before starting a new medicine or taking too much of one. Constipation, agitation, dilated pupils, seizures, and a fast heartbeat are all symptoms of a Benadryl overdose. Call the Pet Poison Helpline or get in touch with your veterinarian right away if you think your dog may be showing symptoms of a Benadryl overdose.
Why Some Dogs Benefit from Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine, i.e., it inhibits the histamine reaction that is responsible for itching, swelling, and mild allergic reactions. In dogs, it might be effective for:
- Mild itching
- Seasonal allergies
- Bug bites or stings reactions
- Mild anxiety or motion sickness cases
- Induced-vaccination irritation.
Nevertheless, vets emphasize that Benadryl is not effective for all dogs, especially those with chronic skin allergies or food sensitivities. Most pets cannot get sufficient relief from antihistamines alone; thus, the reason why allergy management has been updated to include omega-3s, medicated shampoos, or prescription medications for those who need them.
What Are The Side Effects Of Benadryl?
Will my dog become sleepy after taking Benadryl? Yes, it could. Benadryl has some possible side effects, just like the majority of unprescriped drugs. Dry mouth, hypersalivation, sleepiness, increased heart rate, dyspnea, hypertension, sedation, urination, and appetite loss are main side effects. Make sure you offer Benadryl at the right dosage by first speaking with your veterinarian to prevent these possible side effects or an overdose.
How To Identify The Overdose Of Benadryl?
You dog might experience a Benadryl overdose if the dosage guidelines are not followed. The following are symptoms of Benadryl overdose –
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Hypotension
- Abnormal heart rate
- Extra excitement
- Seizures
- Pronounced sedation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
When Benadryl Is Not Enough
Benadryl may relieve mild symptoms, but it cannot be used for emergencies. Sudden swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting after a stinger, or collapse calls for a vet visit straight away. Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions cannot be treated with Benadryl.
Moreover, pet owners are advised not to use Benadryl as a long-term solution for their pets’ persistent itching condition, which usually points to a more serious problem, such as food allergy, mites, yeast infections, or environmental factors.
Alternatives To Giving A Dog Benadryl
While Benadryl is nonprescripted and convenient, diphenhydramine has been around for some time. Constant research has helped to develop new treatments that can be more effective than Benadryl.
Different kind of treatments are the best way to treat a dog’s allergies, per the guidance of your reliable veterinarian. Medicated shampoos, supplements, and prescription medicines can work together to lower your dog’s allergies and allergic reactions. Prescription anti-anxiety medicines combined with behavirol programs will do an overall better job than giving your dog more Benadryl.
Conclusion
Many pet parents turning to the internet for help stumble upon the frequently asked question: “Can I give my dog Benadryl?” Besides being one of the few human drugs that can be given to dogs, Benadryl has to be administered carefully, properly, and only in the right situations. You can give your dog Benadryl, but it is important to do so safely. Benadryl can help allergies, anxiety, and motion sickness in dogs, but the right dosage relies on your dog’s weight, health, and any other medicines they may be taking. The general dosage is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2 to 3 times per day, but always consult your veterinarian before administering any medicine to ensure it is perfect for your pet. Never use Benadryl products that has additional active ingredients, like decongestants or pain relievers, as these can be harmful to dogs.
FAQs
Can you give Benadryl to a dog?
Yes, Benadryl can be given to dogs for allergies, itching, and mild reactions, but always under the advice of your veterinarian.
Can dogs take Benadryl?
Dogs can take plain Benadryl tablets or capsules. The liquid is toxic to pets if it contains alcohol or sweeteners such as xylitol.
How often can you give a dog Benadryl?
Usually, every 8-12 hours (2-3 times a day), but always check with your own veterinarian.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
The dosage depends on the weight of your dog. Generally, the dose is 1 mg per pound, and Benadryl usually comes in 25 mg doses. Always ask your veterinarian how to dose your dog.
How much Benadryl to give a dog?
The recommended dose is 1 mg per pound of your dog’s weight, usually every 8-12 hours. Example: if your dog weighs 25 pounds, you would give them 25 mg of Benadryl per dose.
Does Benadryl make dogs sleepy?
Yes, it generally makes dogs drowsy. This can be helpful if your dog is anxious, but it will also make them tired.
How much Benadryl to I give my dog?
Follow the 1 mg per pound formula. For confirmation, always check the label to get the dosage correct and verify the dose from your veterinarian.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for allergies?
Yes, Benadryl can help with allergies or insect bites and with symptoms like itching, sneezing, and swelling.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog in proportion to their weight?
- 10 lb – 10 mg
- 25 lb – 25 mg
- 50 lb – 50 mg
- 80 lb – 75-80 mg
Repeat every 8-12 hours based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
How much Benadryl for a 50 lb dog?
A 50 lb dog can have 50 mg per dose, 2-3 times a day.
How much Benadryl for an 80 lb dog?
An 80 lb dog may take 75-80 mg per dose, typically every 8-12 hours.
Is it safe to give my dog Benadryl?
Yes, if given in the recommended dose, but do not give Benadryl to a dog with heart, thyroid, or high blood pressure problems.
How often do I give my dog Benadryl?
Benadryl can be given at 8-12 intervals, and at most 3 times in 24 hours.
