How much benadryl should i give a dog

In some cases people also give Benadryl to cats. This popular drug is one of the few over-the-counter medications that the vet often recommends for owners to administer at home to their dogs and cats. What is Benadryl used for in dogs? Types of Benadryl for dogs How does Benadryl work?

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Dosage of Benadryl How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs? Side effects of Benadryl How does Benadryl interact with other drugs? Natural alternatives to Benadryl. While Benadryl is FDA approved for human use, it is not FDA approved for animal use, though some types of Benadryl are considered relatively safe for dogs and cats.

An allergic reaction causes a chemical release of histamine in the body. Once released, histamine binds to receptors on specific cells, causing itchiness and inflammation.

These receptors are known as H-1 receptors. Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and works by blocking the H-1 receptors and decreasing the effects of histamine. When you give your dog Benadryl for motion sickness, it works by blocking the impulses to the vomiting center in the brain of the dog. It is possible for dogs to overdose on Benadryl, and the symptoms can be life-threatening. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Ironically, Benadryl can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. Just as with all drugs, you should always watch your dog closely after their first use.

As an approximate guideline, the maximum dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1mg for every 1 pound of the dog's body weight, given times per day, about hours apart. Many factors can change this general guideline, so you should always talk to your vet to determine the proper dosage for your dog.

In general, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until the desired effect is reached. Some dogs are more sensitive to Benadryl than others, so starting small is best. Thankfully, diphenhydramine has a fairly wide safety margin in dogs. A safe and easy dosage to remember is 1 milligram per pound of body weight. For example, a pound dog would get 50 milligrams of Benadryl. Brand name and generic forms generally come in milligram tablets, so that pound dog would get two tablets at a time.

Avoid the adult formula of liquid Benadryl, as this often contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. As with any flavored human medication, always check the inactive ingredients for xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.

Do not give your pet any medication or any other substance containing xylitol. Do not give Benadryl if your dog has a heart condition particularly high blood pressure , glaucoma, seizures, bladder issues particularly an obstruction , or lung disease. Always consult your vet beforehand as new medications or overusing the drug can result in fatal diphenhydramine poisoning. Signs of Benadryl overdose include constipation, agitation, dilated pupils, seizures, and rapid heart rate.

Will Benadryl make my dog sleepy? It could, yes. Like most over-the-counter medications, Benadryl comes with some potential side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, hypersalivation, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, sedation, urinary retention, and loss of appetite. To avoid these possible adverse reactions or a potential overdose, consult your veterinarian first to be certain you administer the correct dosage of Benadryl.

Due to its side effect of drowsiness, some pet parents use Benadryl as a mild sedative for anxious dogs in overwhelming situations like vet visits, car rides, fireworks, or thunderstorms. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that Benadryl may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in dogs, especially during travel. If you have a pooch with anxiety, you might also want to consider a natural calming supplement.

Calming hemp-based chews , for example, can help make stressful situations less of an anxiety-inducing process. Talk to your vet before giving your dog liquid Benadryl. Home Dog Care Center. Published: August 20, Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful?

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