Is your dog struggling with itching, allergies, or anxiety and you are not sure if you can give Benadryl or not? Here we will provide you complete information about the use of Benadryl for your canine friend with a safe dosage.

Benadryl is absolutely safe for dogs if given as per recommended dosage. However, you must give Benadryl only after vet consultation.

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What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is an antihistamine that is useful in preventing H-1 receptor reaction with histamine in the body. It is beneficial in treating nausea and vomiting by hindering the vomiting center in the brain and reducing the response of the vestibular apparatus to motion. As per veterinarians, it is safe for dogs to consume Benadryl as a treatment for mild allergies, reducing vomiting, etc.

Is it safe to give Benadryl to Dogs?

Yes, Benadryl is a safe medicine for dogs, however, there are some side effects associated also. If the medicine is given as per recommended dosage, it is well tolerated. Even if it is safe, you must not give it to your dog without vet consultation because it can react negatively to some health conditions or other medication that you must have given your dog earlier.

Some of the major cases when the Benadryl is not safe include:

Cardiac issues
Lungs diseases
Liver problems
Seizures
Urinary disorders
Glaucoma
Pregnancy

Types of Benadryl

Benadryl is available in 3 forms – Tablet, Capsule, and Liquid. These forms have different recommended dosages depending on their strength. Make sure to check the proper dosage before giving it to your dog.

Tablet – Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.
Capsule – Benadryl capsules are available in 25mg and 50mg.
Liquid – Benadryl syrups for dogs are available in 12.5mg/5ml strength.

How much Benadryl is safe for Dogs?

1mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight is safe for use every 8-12 hours. This dosage helps in maintaining the effect of the medicine all day. If your dog weighs less than 10 pounds, it is better to give a liquid form of the medicine to your dog.

For dogs weighing 10+ pounds, you can give them tablets. However, you must ensure that your dog is getting the complete dosage required to attain the desired effect.

Recommended Dosage

There is a simple formula that you can use to calculate the recommended Benadryl liquid dose for your dog. If your dog weighs 10 pounds, you can use the formula – 10lbs/2.5=4. So you can give 4ml of Benadryl to your dog.

Here the Dosage chart by weight:

Dog Weight	Liquid Benadryl Dosage	Tablet Benadryl Dosage	Total Daily Benadryl Dosage
5 lbs	2 ml	5 mg	10 mg
10lbs	4 ml	10 mg	20 mg
15 lbs	6 ml	15 mg	30 mg
20 lbs	8 ml	20 mg	40 mg
25 lbs	10 ml	25 mg	50 mg
30 lbs	12 ml	30 mg	60 mg
35 lbs	14 ml	35 mg	70 mg

Uses of Benadryl For Dogs:

Benadryl is used for treating various health issues in dogs, such as:

Sneezing due to environmental allergens
Reverse sneezing
Red eyes due to allergies
Watery Eyes
Itching
Hives
Skill allergies
Season allergies
Mild itching and skin irritation
Mild sedation to reduce anxiety
Prevent acute allergic reactions
Respiratory issues

Side Effects of Benadryl on Dogs

Some of the normal side effects of Benadryl include drowsiness and imbalance in dogs. These side effects subside after a few hours. But if the side effects occur due to overdose or wrong dosage, you must rush to the vet. Here are some side effects:

High sedation or agitation
Severe unsteadiness
Disorientation
Aggression
Slow breathing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Coma
Seizures
Unusual behaviour

Overdose of Benadryl

Benadryl overdose in dogs can cause serious complications, which is why it is important to stick to the proper recommended dose. Here are the signs to know if your dog has a Benadryl overdose:

Increase in heartbeat – rapid heartbeat which is more than normal range.
Dilated Pupils – Visible enlargement of pupils of dog eyes.
Hyperactivity- restlessness or increase in activity level.
Constipation – No bowel movement
Seizures- severe twitching or convulsions.
Dry Mouth – reduces saliva production or increased thirst.
Urination issues – pain or inability to pass urine.

In case you notice the following signs in your dogs after taking Benadryl, you must immediately rush to the veterinarian to get emergency treatment.

Conclusion

Benadryl is a very useful drug in treating allergies in dogs. It is also used to treat anxiety in dogs. If the medicine is not given as per recommended dose, there can be some severe side effects, including sleepiness, gastric issues, overstimulation, etc. Make sure you don’t give Benadryl to your dog without a vet consultation.

FAQs

1) Is 25 mg dosage safe for dogs?

For dogs weighing 25 lbs (11.3kg), you can give 22.6 mg to 45.2 mg of Benadryl three times a day. If you have a 25 mg Benadryl tablet, you can give it 3 times.

2) What is the recommended dose of Benadryl for dogs?

For adult dogs, you can give 1-2 capsules every 4-6 hours. Make sure not to give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

3) Will my dog get sleepy after consuming Benadryl?

Yes, sleepiness is one of the side effects of Benadryl that your dog can also experience. The symptoms are temporary but if you notice the symptoms getting worse, you must consult with a vet.

4) How much time does Benadryl take to show results?

After taking Benadryl, it can take up to 30 minutes to show effect.

5) What should I do if I gave a double dose of Benadryl to my dog?

If you have mistakenly given an overdose of Benadryl to your dog, you must immediately contact the veterinary clinic and get emergency treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of Vets.