Ultimate guide: Learn how to safely use Benadryl for dogs (2024)

The desire to reach into your medicine closet to cure your dog is natural but potentially hazardous.Several human drugs may be safely administered to dogs if appropriately handled. Talk to your vet before giving your dog any over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl.

To treat dog allergies, travel jitters, dry mouth, high blood pressure, or motion sickness in dogs, veterinarians often prescribe diphenhydramine, better known by its trade name Benadryl to canines.

Read on to get complete details about Benadryl for dogs.

Signs and symptoms of dog allergies

Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies.

You need to be aware ofthe signs and symptoms so you can seek proper treatmentif your dog suffers from allergies.

Skin irritation

One of the most common signs of an allergy is skin irritation. Your dog may scratch excessively or bite its skin.

Allergies can cause redness, inflammation, and even hair loss.

Itchy ears

Dogs with allergies may also experience itchiness in their ears, leading to frequent shaking or tilting of the head.

Allergies can cause ear infections if left untreated.

Sneezing and coughing

Similar to humans, dogs with allergies may also exhibit sneezing and coughing as a response to allergens in their environment.

Watery eyes

If your dog’s eyes are watery or have excessive discharge, it could indicate an allergic reaction.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Ingestion of allergens through food or other sourcescan cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Licking paws

Dogs suffering from allergies may constantly lick their paws due to irritation caused by contact with allergens.

Breathing difficulties

In severe cases, dogs mayexperience difficulty breathing due to inflammation in their airways caused byan allergic reaction.

Monitor your dog’s symptoms and consult a veterinarian if you suspect an allergy.A proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatmentoptions.

Furthermore, these symptoms could also indicate other health problems, such as infections or parasites.

Therefore, seeking professional advice before administering any medication, including Benadryl, is essential.

Do vets prescribe Benadryl?

Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Ethanolamine-derivative antihistamines, which may traverse the blood-brain barrier, are effective, but they also carry a high risk of side effects and allergic reactions.

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine drug that falls into this category. Benadryl is FDA-approved for veterinary use and is widely used in veterinary offices throughout the United States to treat allergic reactions.

Diphenhydramine acts by inhibiting the body’s ability to process histamines. This treatment alleviates the itching, sneezing, and hives associated with an acute allergic reaction. However, the body continues to manufacture histamines, but the receptor antagonist stops them.

Can dogs take liquid Benadryl?

Benadryl often alleviates the allergy symptoms of seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and even allergy symptoms to snake and bug or insect bites.

When prescribed in the correct dosage, Benadryl can help settle agitated dogs. The medication also helps alleviate and relieve motion sickness.

Veterinarians also give Benadryl to dogs with mast cell tumors to reduce the consequences of mast cell degranulation-induced histamine production.

And Benadryl is a great item to keep in your first-aid kit in case your dog has a severe allergic reaction. The medication helps ease itchy skin, usually caused by allergies.

If you give your dog liquid Benadryl, avoid the adult formula because it often contains alcohol, which is toxic for dogs.

When to consult your vet about Benadryl for dogs?

Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s allergy symptoms before using Benadryl. There could be drug interactions, so before giving it to your dog, be sure to mention any other medications your dog takes.

If you notice signs of itchy or red eyes, your dog could have an allergy, leading to more significant health issues.

But beware, the medication could make your dog’s health worse in certain circ*mstances. The medication does not treat glaucoma or red, goopy eyes, indicating allergies.

Overdose risks

Benadryl may lead to an overdose if you give your dog too much. For example, a hyper-excitable central nervous system might lead to death.

Other warning signs include:

• Anxiety-inducing heart rate
• Dilated eyes
• Agitation
• Constipation
• Seizures
• Extreme lethargy

Contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you fear your dog has ingested too much Benadryl.

What’s the correct dose?

Consult your dog’s veterinarian to get the most accurate dose based on your pet’s weight. You can give your dog 1 mg of Benadryl per pound, so if your dog weighs 10 pounds, you can give your dog a 10 mg dose up to three times per day.

Jerry Klein, a chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, recommends not giving a puppy Benadryl without consulting your vet. Puppies can be particularly susceptible to some drugs. In addition, the medication is not safe for pregnant or lactating dogs.

Be cautious about using time-release capsules for your dog because the dose may be affected. Also, avoid using capsules, which can burst open and release an excessive amount of medicine, putting your dog in danger of an accidental overdose.

If you use liquid Benadryl, check to determine whether it contains salt, which can potentially be dangerous for your dog. And avoid giving your dog any medication that contains alcohol.

Common side effects

While Benadryl is generally considered safe for canines,there are potential side effects that pet owners shouldknow.

The most common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness.

Because the medication works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, it can also affect other neurotransmitters that regulate sleep and acts like a mild sedative.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase to minimize this side effect. If your dog becomes excessively sleepy or lethargic after taking Benadryl, it may indicate the dosage is too high.

Another possible side effect of Benadryl is dry mouth or excessive thirst. Diphenhydramine’s anticholinergic properties can inhibit saliva production and cause dehydration.

When taking this medication, ensureyour dog has access to plenty of fresh water and monitortheir water intake closely.

In some cases, dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset after taking Benadryl, which can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

If these symptoms persist or become severe, consult yourvet to adjust the dosage or switch to a different treatment option.

Some breeds are more sensitive to the effects of diphenhydramine than others.

Dogs with brachycephalic (flat-faced) features, such as pugs and bulldogs, have smaller airways and respiratory systems, making them more prone to breathing difficulties when sedated by medications like Benadryl.

Other less common but more severe side effects includeallergic reactions like hives or facial swelling,changes in heart rate or blood pressure, and neurological symptoms such as seizures or tremors.

If your dog experiences these reactions, discontinue use and seek veterinary care immediately.

Always consult your vet before giving Benadryl if your dog has a pre-existing condition or takes other medication.

Dogs may experience any of the following adverse effects after taking Benadryl:

• Rapid heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Excessive drool
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Rapid breathing

Is Benadryl safe for dogs?

When administered following a veterinarian’s recommendations, Benadryl is a generally safe and effective treatment for dogs. Always keep a watchful eye on your dog after giving it any new medication to watch for harmful side effects.

Benadryl for dogs is safe but before you give your dog any medication, consult with your veterinarian. You also need to be careful that your dog can’t get into your medications without supervision.

Giving human medications to dogs can be dangerous and even life-threatening due to their different metabolisms, potential for incorrect dosages, harmful ingredients, and lack of proper diagnosis.

It is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medication, including Benadryl, to your pet.

Consult veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog to ensure its safety and well-being and avoid unnecessary risks.

Avoid a Benadryl overdose

So, can you give your dog a Benadryl overdose? The short answer is yes. It is possible for dogs to experience an overdose of Benadryl.

However, it’s important to note that the likelihood of this occurring depends on several factors such as the dog’s size, weight, and overall health condition.

The appropriate dose of Benadryl for dogs is 1 milligram per pound of body weight. This means that a 25-pound dog should receive approximately 25 milligrams of Benadryl.

Exceeding this dosage could result in an overdose. Additionally, giving your dog other medications or supplements along with Benadryl can also increase the risk of an overdose.

An overdose of Benadryl can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors, and even coma in severe cases.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested too much Benadryl or is experiencing these symptoms after taking their recommended dosage, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

Wrapping up

You may provide your dog up to 1 mg per pound two or three times per day. Benadryl pills come in 25mg and 50mg dosages, so be prepared to cut the pills before you give the medicine to your dogs.

FAQs

Can you give dogs Benadryl for anyallergy?

Benadryl can be given todogs to treat allergic reactions caused by insect bites, seasonal allergies, and even food allergies. However, if your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction to a specific medication or substance, it is best to consult your veterinarian before giving them Benadryl.

How do you give dogs Benadryl?

Give one dose every 8-12 hours as needed. However, based on your dog’s weight, staying within the maximum daily dosage is essential.

How much Benadryl should you give your dog?

The recommended dosage is 1 mg per pound of body weight. For example, if your dog weighs 10 pounds, you should give them 10 mg of Benadryl. It is always important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog, as the dosage may vary depending on their specific condition.

Is it safe to give my dog 50 mg?

Your dog’s weight determines the Benadryl dose. If your dog weighs 50 pounds, a 50 mg dose up to three times per day is safe. Be prepared to cut the pills to meet your dog’s needs.

Can you use a liquid or capsule form of Benadryl for dogs?

Yes, both forms are safe. However, if you use the liquid form, make sure it does not contain alcohol or xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.

Can you use children’s or adult’s Benadryl for dogs?

It is best to use a Benadryl formula specifically made for dogs. If you can only find children’s or adult Benadryl, make sure it does not contain any additional ingredients, such as decongestants or alcohol, which can be harmful to dogs. As with any flavored human medication, check the ingredients for the artificial sweetener xylitol, also known as birch sugar. This sweetener is toxic for dogs.

How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs?

The effects of Benadryl can usually be seen within 30 minutes to an hour after administration. However, the duration of its effectiveness may vary depending on the severity of your dog’s condition.

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