If your dog is suffering from allergies or itching, understanding the correct dosage of Benadryl® for dogs is imperative for their comfort and safety. Benadryl® (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that can provide relief from symptoms such as itching, skin swelling, and allergies. However, it is important to use Benadryl® safely and consult with your veterinarian before administering it to your dog.
💊 Key Takeaways
A Quick Tip: How Much Benadryl Can You Give Your Dog?
While Benadryl® can be helpful for dogs, it's important to administer the correct amount. The maximum recommended dosage is 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). To give you an idea:
- A small dog around 10 pounds (4.5 kg) should receive no more than 18 mg.
- A medium-sized dog weighing 25 pounds (11.3 kg) could be given up to 45 mg.
- For larger dogs around 50 pounds (22.7 kg), the maximum amount is 90 mg.
Remember, these are just examples. For the most accurate dosage specific to your dog, consult the detailed chart and guidance provided later in this article.
What is Benadryl and How Does It Work?
Benadryl, known as diphenhydramine HCl, is a first-generation antihistamine. This drug counteracts histamines that can cause itching, swelling, sneezing, and other allergic symptoms. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, it can also influence certain brain areas to combat nausea and vomiting.
Though not officially approved by the FDA for veterinary use and is considered off-label, many veterinarians recommend Benadryl to manage various conditions in dogs, establishing its reputation as a safe and effective treatment option under appropriate circumstances.
Therapeutic Uses of Benadryl for Dogs
Benadryl is versatile and addresses a variety of conditions:
- Allergic Reactions: Effective for allergies from pollen, mold, household mites, food, insect bites, and even snake bites. Although routinely used, Benadryl appears to be better at preventing allergic reactions than treating them.
- Vaccine Reactions: Benadryl can be used pre-emptively for dogs sensitive to vaccinations and to prevent a vaccine reaction from occurring.
- Symptomatic Relief: Treats hives, swelling, redness, coughing, sneezing, and certain acute allergic reactions.
- Anxiety and Motion Sickness: While its calming properties can be beneficial for some pets facing travel anxiety or motion sickness, a comprehensive approach involving other treatments such as maropitant (Cerenia®) might be more suitable.
- Mast-cell Tumor Treatment: Mast cells can release histamines and therefore using an anti-histamine seems logical. This is especially important during the surgical removal of a mast cell tumor and some veterinarians will give Benadryl before the procedure.
It's vital to remember that Benadryl is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consultation with your veterinarian will ensure it is appropriate for your dog and works as expected.
Determining the Right Benadryl Dosage for Dogs
When determining the right dosage of Benadryl for your dog, it's essential to consider their weight, specific allergies, itching symptoms, and the potential side effects.
The dosage of Benadryl for dogs is based on their body weight, with a recommended range of 2 to 4 milligrams per kilogram (or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound) of their weight. 🚨 See the chart below for easy dosing based on your dog's weight.
If your dog is experiencing mild allergies or itching, the lower end of the dosage range may be sufficient. However, for more severe symptoms, such as swelling or sneezing, your veterinarian may recommend a higher dosage.
Benadryl appears to work better in dogs when started at the very onset of the allergic symptoms, compared to using it during the peak of symptoms.
The sedative effects of Benadryl can vary among dogs but it appears to be dose-dependent. The higher the dose used, the greater the chance of sedation.
With that, some dogs may experience drowsiness or lethargy after taking the medication, while others may not be affected at all. It's important to monitor your dog's response to the medication and adjust the dosage accordingly. If your dog becomes overly sedated or experiences any concerning side effects, consult with your veterinarian.
Benadryl Dosage Chart for Dogs
The following Benadryl dosage chart for dogs serves as a reference, and it is important to note that it should not replace professional veterinary guidance from your veterinarian. Doses can be repeated every 8 hours as needed.
| Dog weight in pounds (lbs) | Low End of Dose Range (mg) | High End of Dose Range (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| <10 | 10 | 20 |
| 10 - 20 | 10 - 20 | 20 - 35 |
| 20 - 30 | 20 - 30 | 35 - 55 |
| 30 - 40 | 30 - 35 | 55 - 75 |
| 40 - 50 | 35 - 45 | 75 - 90 |
| 50 - 60 | 45 - 55 | 90 - 110 |
| 60 - 70 | 55 - 65 | 110 - 130 |
| 70 - 80 | 65 - 75 | 130 - 145 |
Using Liquid or Tablets
When it comes to giving your dog Benadryl, you have the option of using either liquid Benadryl or tablets, and each form has its dosage considerations and administration techniques.
For dogs weighing less than 10 pounds, it may be easier to administer liquid Benadryl, whereas, for dogs weighing more than 10 pounds, tablets are recommended for ease of use as the volume of medication may be too high.
Additionally, dogs weighing less than 15 pounds would be more easily dosed with the children's form, which is a lower strength.
When using liquid Benadryl, it is important to measure the dosage accurately using a syringe or a dropper. The liquid can be mixed with your dog's food or administered directly into their mouth. Tablets should be given whole or crushed and mixed with a small amount of food to ensure your dog consumes the entire dose.
Potential Side Effects and Important Information
Benadryl is generally well-tolerated by many dogs, but it does come with potential adverse effects:
- Drowsiness or sedation, although not as pronounced as it is in people
- Digestive upsets like diarrhea or vomiting; Can be reduced if given with food.
- Agitation, more common at higher doses
- Seizures
- Dry mouth
- Constricted pupils
- Urinary retention
Additionally, if your pet has pre-existing conditions like glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, or seizure disorders, or if they are pregnant, discussing with your veterinarian is very important before using Benadryl in your dog.
🚨 NEVER give your dog an "Allergy and Sinus" form of Benadryl or any antihistamine to your dog. The sinus component often refers to to addition of pseudoephedrine, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Make sure your Benadryl ONLY contains diphenhydramine as the medicinal ingredient.
FAQ
Can I use Benadryl for my dog's allergies?
Yes, Benadryl can be safely used for dogs to alleviate symptoms of allergies. It will work best when used before and just at the onset of allergy symptoms, compared to using during a flare-up.
How do I determine the right dosage for my dog?
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 2 to 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound of the dog's weight. Make sure to check with your vet for the right dosage based on your dog's specific needs and medical history.
Should I use liquid or tablets for administering Benadryl to my dog?
If your dog is less than 10 pounds, giving the liquid version may be easier. Additionally, for larger dogs, tablets are advised as the volume of medication required would be too high in most cases.
Are there any potential side effects of Benadryl for dogs?
Yes, Benadryl can result in side effects in dogs. These may include drowsiness, dry mouth, constricted pupils, and occasional digestive upsets, such as diarrhea or vomiting. In some instances, dogs may display signs of agitation or urinary retention. It is important to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions and seek veterinary assistance if needed.
How often can I give my dog Benadryl?
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 2-3 times per day (every 8-12 hours). However, you should consult with your veterinarian for specific dosing instructions for your dog.
Benadryl can be a safe and effective option for managing allergies and allergic reactions in dogs when used correctly. It is important to follow the recommended dosage, consult with your veterinarian, and carefully monitor your dog's response to the medication. Never hesitate to seek professional guidance if you have any concerns or questions about giving Benadryl to your dog.