Suffering from pesky seasonal allergies? Having an allergic reaction to an insect bite? Feeling those food allergy or motion sickness woes? Benadryl® to the rescue! This over-the-counter antihistamine is a go-to for many of us pet parents. But did you know you can give your dog this human medication, too?
We spoke with a vet expert about the ins and outs of Benadryl® for dogs: when it’s appropriate to give a dog Benadryl®, how it can help, how much you can safely give your fur baby and more.
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What Does Benadryl® Treat in Dogs?
Benadryl® has a number of uses for dogs. Dog allergies are definitely a thing, and this over-the-counter med is sometimes the answer. While many uses are related to treating the symptoms of allergies, the benefits of Benadryl® go beyond just those.
The following are health conditions your dog could have that you may consider treating with Benadryl® (with your vet’s approval):
- Itchiness from skin allergies/itchy skin
- Environmental allergies
- Seasonal allergies
- Food allergies
- Swelling/inflammation
- Hives
- Runny nose
- Watery or runny eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Allergic reactions to insect bites
- Allergic reactions to insect stings
- Allergic reactions to snake bites
- Motion sickness (Benadryl® can cause drowsiness)
- Anxiety (Benadryl® has a mild sedative effect)
- Mast cell tumors (Benadryl® helps mitigate histamine-release effects)
- Used with certain medications or vaccines to prevent allergic reactions
Again, seek your vet’s advice before giving your dog Benadryl®. Your vet needs to determine the underlying health condition causing the symptom(s) so they know whether Benadryl® is an appropriate treatment.
For example, you may notice your dog has goopy red eyes and think, “It’s allergy season! Fido must have a case of seasonal allergies that are annoying his eyes.”
That’s certainly possible. However, goopy, red eyes are also a symptom of dry eyes or even a health condition that affects the eyes called glaucoma. Benadryl® won’t help either of those. Furthermore, the actual problem would remain untreated if you went straight to the antihistamine.
Also note that in the case of anxiety, medication—both prescription and over-the-counter—usually isn’t the first-line treatment. So it’s important that pet parents don’t diagnose and treat their dogs on their own.
What Kind of Benadryl® Should I Give My Dog?
Benadryl® comes in several forms:
- Benadryl® tablets
- Benadryl® chewable tablets
- Children’s liquid Benadryl®
- Liqui-gel Benadryl® capsules
In addition to the regular form for adults, there’s also children’s Benadryl®.
Jason Dombrosky, DVM, medical director at VEG in San Ramon, California, says one form isn’t necessarily superior to another.
However, he emphasizes, you always want to read the ingredients because some forms, including generics, contain additives that are harmful to dogs. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is one example of a dangerous additive. It’s toxic to dogs, so pet parents should always ensure anything they give a dog doesn’t contain it.
Also note that as long as you’re reading ingredients and avoiding additives, a generic form of Benadryl®—diphenhydramine is the main active ingredient, and the medication will often be sold under various store brands—is just as effective as the brand name.
The main difference is that the generic form of this over-the-counter med is generally less expensive than the name brand form.
How Much Benadryl® Can I Give My Dog?
It’s extremely important to ensure you’re giving your dog the correct dosage of Benadryl®. Your vet will let you know the correct dosage for your pet.
The appropriate dose of Benadryl® for dogs is determined by your dog’s weight. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that for every 1 kilogram (or 2.2 pounds) of body weight, you can give your dog 2-4 mgs of diphenhydramine.
An easier way to look at it, especially for small dogs: The correct dosage is roughly 1-2 mg of Benadryl® per 1 pound of body weight.
10 pounds
10 mg
4 ml
20 pounds
20 mg
8 ml
30 pounds
30 mg
12 ml
40 pounds
40 mg
16 ml
50 pounds
50 mg
20 ml
60 pounds
60 mg
24 ml
70 pounds
70 mg
28 ml
80 pounds
80 mg
32 ml
90 pounds
90 mg
36 ml
100 pounds
100 mg
40 ml
How often can I give my dog Benadryl®?
Dr. Dombrosky says you can safely give your dog two to three doses of Benadryl® during each 24-hour period as long as you’re following the guidelines for the correct dosage. But again, follow your vet's advice.
What Benadryl® Side Effects Should I Watch For?
As with all medications, there are potential side effects when using Benadryl® for dogs.
Dr. Dombrosky suggests pet parents keep an eye out for the following:
Common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Urinary retention
Less common side effects:
- Behavioral changes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Increased heart rate
How to Spot a Benadryl® Overdose
Additionally, it’s possible for your dog to experience a Benadryl® overdose if the Benadryl® dosage guidelines aren’t carefully followed. Dr. Dombrosky says the followings are signs of a Benadryl® overdose in dogs:
Central nervous system (CNS):
- Agitation
- Excessive excitement
- Seizures
- Pronounced sedation
Gastrointestinal:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Cardiovascular:
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Hypotension (low blood pressure), if xylitol is in the liquid formulation
- Abnormal heart rate
FAQs about Benadryl® for Dogs
Q:
Does Benadryl® work for an anaphylactic reaction?
Q:
Is Benadryl® given to dogs as a premedication for vaccines or medications?
Q:
Should a pet parent use children’s Benadryl® or regular Benadryl®?
Q:
Is Benadryl® a mild sedative?
Q:
How much Benadryl® can I give my dog?
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