Reminder: It’s always recommended to consult your veterinarian for advice before giving any medication to your pet, including Benadryl.
Benadryl for dogs
Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is one of the few over-the-counter medications intended for humans that veterinarians sometimes recommend for pets, allowing pet owners to administer it at home.
You might be considering giving Benadryl to your dog to help them relax or to address a mild allergic reaction, like after an insect sting. While Benadryl is typically safe for dogs and has a broad safety range, it may not always be the right solution for your dog’s problem.
In some cases, Benadryl may have the opposite effect on certain dogs, causing increased anxiety instead of calming them down. Additionally, it should be avoided in pets with specific health conditions or those taking certain medications.
So, when is it safe and effective to use Benadryl® for dogs, and when should you consider another treatment? Here are a few important points to consider before giving your dog Benadryl.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine that works by blocking H-1 receptors in the body, preventing them from reacting to histamine. It can also help with nausea and vomiting by suppressing the brain’s chemoreceptor trigger zone (the vomiting center) and reducing the response of the vestibular system (the balance center in the ear) to motion.
Veterinarians often recommend Benadryl for dogs to manage mild allergic reactions or to alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or vestibular disorders.
Can Benadryl Be Used for Dog Allergies?
When taken orally, Benadryl can help relieve mild allergic symptoms in dogs caused by common allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites. It is especially effective when combined with other allergy treatments. Benadryl can also treat mild allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Additionally, it may be used before vaccination to prevent mild allergic reactions.
However, if your dog is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek immediate veterinary care. Severe reactions can be life-threatening, and dogs may need urgent treatment, including steroids and epinephrine, along with Benadryl.
Can Dogs Take Benadryl for Anxiety?
You may have heard that Benadryl can help dogs with travel anxiety or fear of fireworks and thunderstorms, but it’s generally not very effective for treating anxiety. While Benadryl may cause some dogs to become drowsy and less responsive, it doesn’t address the underlying anxiety.
However, Benadryl can be useful for preventing motion sickness in dogs. If your dog is feeling anxious due to nausea while traveling, it might help alleviate the discomfort. Interestingly, some dogs and cats might actually react oppositely to Benadryl, becoming hyperactive instead of sedated.
If your dog struggles with anxiety, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to find the right treatment plan, which could include changes to their environment, behavioral training, prescription medications, or calming tools like anxiety vests and pheromones.
Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs?
In most cases, Benadryl is well-tolerated by dogs, with few side effects and a low risk of overdose when administered correctly. However, it’s important to check with your vet before giving it to your dog, especially if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is on certain medications.
Benadryl for dogs
There are situations where Benadryl should either be avoided or used cautiously, such as:
- Cardiac conditions (heart disease)
- Certain lung issues
- Liver disease
- Seizure disorders
- Urination difficulties
- Glaucoma
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors and some antifungal treatments
Side Effects of Benadryl for Dogs
At the recommended dose, the most common side effects in dogs are drowsiness and mild unsteadiness. However, if your dog receives too much Benadryl, they may experience:
- Increased sedation or agitation
- Severe lack of coordination
- Disorientation
- Unusual behaviors, such as aggression
- Slow breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Coma
- Seizures
If your dog exhibits any concerning symptoms after taking Benadryl, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What’s the Benadryl Dosage for Dogs?
The best way to determine the correct dose of Benadryl® for your dog is to consult your veterinarian. It’s important to ensure that the Benadryl you give contains only diphenhydramine and doesn’t have added ingredients like Tylenol, which can be harmful.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the typical dosage is 2–4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of your dog’s body weight, or about 0.9–1.8 milligrams per pound.
A simple and practical guideline is to give your dog 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of their weight, up to three times a day. For instance, a 10-pound dog would receive a 10 mg dose in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Your Dog’s Weight and Benadryl Dosage
| Dog’s Weight | Recommended Dosage | Maximum Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 5 mg | 10 mg |
| 10 pounds | 10 mg | 20 mg |
| 20 pounds | 20 mg | 40 mg |
| 30 pounds | 30 mg | 60 mg |
| 40 pounds | 40 mg | 80 mg |
| 50 pounds | 50 mg | 100 mg |
| 75 pounds | 75 mg | 150 mg |
| 100 pounds | 100 mg | 200 mg |
Benadryl comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and chewable tablets for children, which can make determining the correct dosage for your dog a bit tricky. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to consult your vet for guidance! Benadryl for dogs
Benadryl Tablets and Capsules
Benadryl tablets typically come in 25 mg or 50 mg doses, which are suitable for dogs weighing 25 pounds or 50 pounds, respectively. For larger dogs, you can give multiple tablets or capsules to reach the correct dose. You can also split 25 mg tablets in half to adjust the dosage. For example, a 60-pound dog would need one 50 mg tablet and half of a 25 mg tablet. Benadryl for dogs
Children’s Chewable or Liquid Benadryl for Dogs
Benadryl for dogs
Children’s chewable or liquid Benadryl is a great option for small dogs. A single chewable children’s tablet contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine and can be halved for dogs under 10 pounds. The children’s liquid version has 2.5 mg/ml, which can be easier to administer to small dogs that may resist pills.Benadryl for dogs
How Often Can You Give Your Dog Benadryl?
Benadryl can be given to dogs every eight to 12 hours, which means up to two or three times a day. Benadryl for dogs
Are There Alternatives to Giving a Dog Benadryl?
While diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has been used for years, ongoing research has led to alternative treatments that may be more effective. To manage a dog’s allergies, combining different treatments—like medicated shampoos, supplements, and prescription medications—is often the most successful approach. Benadryl for dogs
For dogs with anxiety, prescription anti-anxiety medications, along with a behavioral modification plan, can be far more effective than Benadryl alone. Benadryl for dogs
If you have any questions about giving your dog Benadryl or need advice on other ways to keep them healthy and happy, be sure to consult your veterinarian. They can provide personalized guidance for your pet’s specific needs. Benadryl for dogs
