Can I give my dog Benadryl for hives

Benadryl Dosage For Dogs: Safe Guidelines & Dosage Charts

Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCI) is one of the very few human over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe for dogs and that veterinarians often recommend. Many pup owners find this antihistamine helpful in relieving mild allergic reactions, mild itchy skin, and motion sickness in their canine counterparts. The widely accepted guideline is 1mg per pound of your dogs weight.

But before you share the Benadryl in your medicine cabinet with your dog, its important to know a few details to ensure your pups safety. Well tell you which forms of Benadryl are safe to administer to your pup, give you a handy dosage chart, and answer some other questions you may have about giving this OTC medication to your furry friend.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

While Benadryl is safe for most dogs, please remember that its so important to discuss giving it or any medication or supplement with your veterinarian. Your vet can make sure any non-prescribed product, like Benadryl, is safe for your dogs specific health conditions and will help give you dosing guidance.

With that said, the general dosing guide for Benadryl is pretty straightforward. Most vets and experts recommended a standard dose of roughly 1mg/pound. The standard Benadryl youll find in stores is 25mg/tablet for adult Benadryl. You can also use Childrens Liquid Benadryl, which is 12.5mg/5 ml. However, vets usually only recommend Childrens Liquid Benadryl for dogs under 10 pounds because its easier to achieve an accurate dose vs. tablets.

You can increase this dose a bit if needed, but be sure to get your vets okay. Benadryl is safe to give to dogs every eight to 12 hours (one to three times per day) in the short term. But for long-term use, its a good idea to consult your vet.

Benadryl For Dogs: Dosage By Weight

Did You Know?

When comparing Benadryl dosage levels for dogs to what adult humans can take, you may wonder why recommended doses for our canine counterparts are so high. Theres a simple reason for this. Dogs metabolize Benadryl and other antihistamines much faster than humans.

Childrens Liquid Benadryl For Dogs Dosage Chart

In general, vets usually recommend tablets for dogs over 10 pounds. However, if your dog loathes taking pills or you have trouble cutting up tablets, Childrens Liquid Benadryl is also safe for dogs of all sizes.

Types Of Benadryl To Avoid Giving Your Dog

Diphenhydraminehydrochloride is the active ingredient in American Benadryl (found in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy, and Hong Kong). However, in the U.K. and Denmark, the active ingredients areacrivastinein Benadryl Allergy Relief andcetirizinein Benadryl Once a Day. Limited information exists on acrivastine and cetirizine use in dogs, soif youre in Europe, make sure the active ingredient is diphenhydramine, the only form of Benadryl thats considered safe for dogs.

Regarding American Benadryl, you should avoid giving your pup the following forms:

• Liqui-Gels: Capsules are nearly impossible to break up to get the appropriate dose. Theyre also absorbed differently in dogs than in humans so this may cause issues with your pups dosage.
• Adult Liquid Benadryl: contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion:This Benadryl formula contains phenylephrine HCl, a common decongestant in human cold medications thats not safe for dogs.
• Extra Strength: While extra strength Benadryl is safe for dogs, it comes in 50 mg/tablet, and most vet dosing guidelines are for the 25 mg/tablet standard Benadryl. So, youll have to do your own calculations. To ensure your pups safety, its best to stick with vet guidelines.

Use Benadryl Cautiously With Some Dogs

Benadryl can make some conditions worse, so you should use caution if your pup suffers from any of the following health issues. Be sure to discuss Benadryl use with your veterinarian in these cases and if theres a possibility of adverse interactions with any other medication your furry friend is taking.

• Pregnancy or nursing
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Our Personal Experience With Benadryl And Dogs

Several members of our team occasionally give our pups Benadryl under our veterinarians recommendations. Weve all found it to be safe and effective.

Lily got a hornet sting on her left back leg while on a walk. It swelled up quickly. When we got home, we immediately gave her Benadryl and monitored her symptoms closely for any changes. Additionally, we applied ice for 10 minutes once an hour. While she was still limping a few hours later, this treatment combo helped reduce some of the swelling and discomfort. Thankfully, within two days, Lily was feeling significantly better.

Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and pet parent of two rescue dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?

Typically, the effects of Benadryl last in your furry friends system for six to eight hours. But most vets and experts recommend giving your pup Benadryl every eight to 12 hours to account for differences in metabolism.

How Long Does It Take For Benadryl To Kick In For Dogs?

In most cases, it only takes about 1/2 hour to one hour for Benadryl to become effective for dogs. However, this time frame may vary depending on the dose you gave your pup as well as her age, weight, and health status.

Are There Side Effects & Overdosing Concerns With Benadryl Use In Dogs?

Most dogs tolerate Benadryl extremely well, and the risk of overdose is low. Side effects and overdosing are rare, but see our ultimate guide on Benadryl use in dogs to learn more about both of these concerns, as well as more detailed information about how Benadryl can help your pup.

Is Benadryl Effective For Dog Anxiety?

The sedative effects of Benadryl may help some dogs with situational anxiety, such as for fireworks, thunderstorms, or car rides. However, Benadryl can cause hyperactivity rather than sedation in some dogs. So many experts believe you have better options for anxiety relief for your furry friend. Alternatives to Benadryl include CBD oil, dog-specific calming supplements, or prescription medications for chronic anxiety.

Can I Use Childrens Chewable Tablets For My Dog?

Yes, Childrens Chewable Benadryl tablets are safe for dogs. Theyre ideal for smaller dogs. A full chewable childrens tablet contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine, so you can cut one in half for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds as an easy alternative to Childrens Liquid Benadryl.

Alternatives To Benadryl In Treating Chronic Allergy Symptoms

One of the most popular uses of Benadryl in dogs is to treat allergic reactions. This application can be extremely effective for temporary or short-term allergy symptoms, such as reactions to an insect bite or bee sting or mild seasonal allergies from pollen. However, Benadryl isnt your best line of defense if your pup suffers from long-term allergy problems.

If youve noticed that your pup is incessantly scratching her skin no matter what time of year, she could have a food intolerance or allergies to household environmental factors, such as dust mites or mold. For chronic allergic symptoms, which can include itchy, irritated skin and/or digestive issues, you may want to consider dog allergy supplements,daily medications, or monthly injections.

However, for chronic allergy symptoms, we recommend first consulting your veterinarian. Alternatively, you can give your pup anat-home dog allergy test kit. Thesekits test forintolerances to many food and environmental factors.Then, you can share these results with your vet to work on further diagnostics and a treatment plan.

Benadryl For Dogs

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are used appropriately.

Veterinarians use diphenhydramine for dogs, commonly known by the over-the-counter human medication brand name Benadryl, for dogs on a regular basis to treat allergies, travel anxiety, and motion sickness. While you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog human medication, here is what you need to know about using diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs.

What Is Benadryl?

Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier making them very effective but also increasing risks of adverse side effects. While Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is considered safe for use in dogs and cats and is commonly used in veterinary practices across the U.S.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the receptors that receive histamines in the body. This relieves many of the symptoms associated with allergies, like itching, sneezing, and hives. The body still produces histamines, but the receptor antagonist blocks the receptors from registering the histamines.

What Does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?

Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to bites from snakes and insectsall respond to Benadryl in most cases. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including:

• Hives
• Swelling and inflammation
• Redness
• Runny nose and eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Anaphylactic reaction

One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs. Diphenhydramine may help relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate travel anxiety in pets. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may sometimes relieve anxiety, its best to talk to your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to determine and treat whats causing the anxiety.

Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of the massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment, as it helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to heartworm treatment therapy. Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your diphenhydramine for dogs.

When to Ask Your Vet About Benadryl For Dogs

Before you reach for Benadryl, consult your veterinarian about your dogs symptoms. Allergy symptoms like itching and red eyes may also be signs of more serious conditions. In some cases, giving your dog Benadryl can actually worsen your dogs condition.

Red, goopy eyes could be a symptom of allergies, or it could also be a sign of glaucoma or dry eye, which Benadryl will not help treat. Similarly, itching is frequently associated with allergies and other skin conditions. Your vet will also be able to tell you whether Benadryl will interact with any other medications that your dog is taking.

Side Effects of Benadryl

There are side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs that all owners should be aware of. Most side effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so monitor your dog carefully during this time.

If your dog has any of the following conditions, only use Benadryl after consulting your veterinarian:

Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Urinary retention
• Hypersalivation
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

Rare side effects include:

Benadryl Overdose

Its possible to overdose on Benadryl. Signs of an overdose include hyper-excitability of the central nervous system, which can be fatal. Other warning signs to watch for are:

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

The best way to determine the correct Benadryl dosage for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day. However, this dosage can vary depending on your dogs medical conditions.

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, warns that you should always consult with a veterinarian before giving Benadryl to a puppy because young puppies can be very sensitive to certain medications. The drug is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.

Never use time-release capsules for dogs, as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs than in humans and may affect your dogs dosage. They may also break open when chewed and deliver too much medication at one time, putting your dog at risk of an overdose. Your veterinarian can prescribe diphenhydramine capsules for dogs.

Its best to avoid using liquid Benadryl if it contains sodium, which can cause other side effects. Also, avoid any form of Benadryl that contains alcohol. Your vet can prescribe diphenhydramine liquid for dogs.

Childrens Benadryl pills or tablets can be used safely if you ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage. Your vet can even prescribe diphenhydramine flavored chews if your dog refuses to take pills or liquids.

Is Benadryl Safe For Your Dog?

Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs when used according to the instructions of a veterinarian. As with any new medication, always observe your dog closely after administration to make sure there arent any adverse reactions. If you have any further questions about diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs, contact your veterinarian for more information. And remember to keep all medicineshuman and canineout of reach of your curious dog.