Benadryl Dosage For Dogs
The exact Benadryl dose for your dog depends on its size. To determine your dogs Benadryl dosage, talk with your trusted vet. Alternatively, you can follow these guidelines:
- 30 Ibs or smaller 10 mg per dose or 1/2 adult Benadryl tablet
- 30-50 Ibs 25 mg per dose or 1 adult Benadryl tablet
- over 50 Ibs 50 mg per dose or 2 adult Benadryl tablets
When using Benadryl for your dog, it is critical not to exceed the recommended dosage. Too much Benadryl per pound of body weight can result in an overdose. Diphenhydramine overdoses manifest with pronounced excitability of the central nervous system and include signs and symptoms like:
Once you are aware of the importance of giving your dog the right Benadryl dosage, it is time to put the knowledge into practice and administer the medicine. It is best to give your dog Benadryl on a full stomach.
Since most dogs are naturally inclined to refuse tablets, it is a good idea to break the medication and put it in your dogs food or use a pill pocket.
How Do I Calculate The Benadryl Dose For Dogs In Ml
To calculate the liquid Benadryl dose:
The Bottom Line On Benadryl For Dogs
There are plenty of options out there for dogs suffering from allergies. Though Benadryl isnt the be-all and end-all for relieving allergy symptoms, it can be an effective option for dog health as long as you consult your vet and give your dog the recommended dosage.
To learn more about supporting your pets allergies the natural way, check outPetHonestys delicious and health-conscious supplements with all the allergy-fighting ingredients your dog needs to live well.
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Benadryl And Dog Anxiety
Weve answered the questions, How much Benadryl can I give my dog? and Can I give my dog Benadryl for allergies? But there are some other instances where diphenhydramine HCL is used for dogs. Heres what you need to know.
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. Look for a dog supplement that has soothing active ingredients such as chamomile, ginger root, passion flower, and hemp oil. These ingredients work together to curb your dogs anxiety by creating a calming effect.
How Do I Count The Benadryl Dose For Dogs
To count the Benadryl dose for dogs, you should:
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What Is Benadryl Used For In Dogs
- Allergies: Benadryl is a brand name for a type of drug known as Diphenhydramine an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as rashes, itching, and dog eye allergies that can come from seasonal or environmental allergens.
- Anxiety: Benadryl contains soothing properties, which can promote calmness in dogs during high-stress situations .
- Insomnia: For dogs with trouble sleeping, Benadryl can make your dog feel drowsy and promote sleep.
- Itching: Diphenhydramine can decrease itching and minimize the reaction of insect bites and bee stings.
- Motion sickness: Since the active ingredient in Diphenhydramine is similar to the active ingredient found in Dramamine , Benadryl can be useful to treat nausea and motion sickness when traveling.
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.
Can Benadryl Be Used For Dog Allergies
Benadryl is an antihistamine that blocks the H-1 receptors on smooth muscle and blood vessels. Taken orally, Benadryl can be mild to moderately effective for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms.
Vets commonly use it to treat environmental allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be used as a pre-treatment for possible vaccine reactions.
But if your pet is having an acute allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing, take them straight to the vet. Many allergic diseases also require a combination of allergy medicine and treatment of underlying infections.
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Potential Side Effects Of Benadryl For Dogs
The most common side effect in dogs while taking Benadryl is drowsiness, so you may see your dog a littlesleepy. And if thats the goal then were happy for you.
There are potential life threatening reactions that all dog owners should be aware of, especially if your doggo is taking any other medications or has pre-existing medical conditions. Talking to your vet beforehand will not only give you the insight you need but a clear and confident yes before pulling Benadryl out of the medicine cabinet.
Like many allergic reactions, side effects will occur within the first hour, so keep an eye on your pup and watch out for any of these symptoms.
Side effects for Benadryl in dogs include:
- Sedation of the central nervous system
If you notice your dog having any of the above symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
You should also watch out for signs of an overdose, which may include:
Feel comfortable knowing that for the most part, over-the-counter Benadryl is totally fine, and sometimes even the best option for your dog. Bottom line: if your veterinarian gives you the ok, youre in the clear.
If youre in a pinch and having trouble contacting your vet, speak with us at Airvet wed be happy to help you decide if Benadryl is the best option for your furry friend.
When Should I Avoid Giving My Dog Benadryl
While Benadryl is good for treating occasional allergic reactions, it shouldn’t be your drug of choice if your pet has on-going food, environmental, or seasonal allergies. Because it causes drowsiness and acts as a sedative, regularly giving your pet Benadryl can decrease their quality of life. They won’t be able to enjoy their daily activities or time with their family if they’re mildly sedated.
Instead, try allergy testing to identify what’s causing your dog’s symptoms. For environmental and seasonal allergies, support your pet’s immune system with an all-natural allergy supplement for dogs, and talk to your vet about alternative antihistamines that won’t cause drowsiness.
You should also avoid giving your dog Benadryl if they’re having a serious allergic reaction that includes swelling or difficulty breathing. Instead, take your dog to your vet or the nearest 24-hour emergency vet immediately.
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How Much Benadryl Can You Give A Dog
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 50-pound dog would get 50 milligrams of Benadryl. Brand name and generic forms generally come in 25-milligram tablets, so that 50-pound dog would get two tablets at a time. If your dogs weight is in between a multiple of 25, you can break tablets in half to get the right dosage.
Childrens liquid Benadryl can be used for small dogs using the same dosage. 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 containing xylitol.
Pet Insurance Can Help Pay Vet Bills
Dogs can develop so many chronic problems over their lifetimes, as well as unforeseen accidents and illnesses. But if you get pet insurance early in your dogs life , health issues that arise in the future could be covered for vet visits and prescription medications. See our reviews of the best pet insurance companies to learn more.
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Types Of Dog Allergies
Generally, allergies in dogs are categorized into three groups: environmental allergies, food allergies, and flea allergies.
Environmental allergies, sometimes called seasonal allergies, involve allergic reactions to things like pollen, mold, dirt, or dust. In other words, things dogs come across in their environment, perhaps seasonally.
Food allergies are also relatively common, affecting about 10% of all dogs. When a dog has a food allergy, the immune system is reacting to an allergen thats an ingredient in their dog food. Beef, chicken, dairy, soy, and wheat are common offenders.
Last but not least is flea allergy dermatitis . A dog with FAD reacts to a protein in flea saliva, which causes intense itchy skin and excessive scratching.
Whether it’s environmental or related to a dietary ingredient or a flea infestation, your dog’s allergies will cause some noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of environmental allergies include:
- Excessive itchiness and associated scratching, licking, and chewing
- Red, inflamed skin
- Excessive dandruff
Talk to your vet if you notice these symptoms of allergies. Your dog may need to undergo allergy testing so that treatment can start. Here’s the good news: Dog allergies are treatable.
How Benadryl Works For Dogs
Can you give dogs Benadryl? Like humans, dogs are also prone to allergies. Antihistamines are often used to relieve the symptoms brought by these allergies. Benadryl is one of the well-known antihistamines available for humans. Over the years, it has also been used to treat allergies in dogs. But can dogs take Benadryl? And is Benadryl safe for dogs? While it has not been approved yet by FDA for veterinary use as stated by The American Kennel Club, veterinarians have already considered it safe to give Benadryl to dogs and is now commonly used in veterinary practices for several reasons.
In this article, we will talk about what Benadryl for dogs is, how Benadryl works for dogs, Benadryl dosage for dogs, potential side-effects to Benadryl in dogs, and some of the important things about giving dogs Benadryl that every pet parent should know.
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Claritin Dosage For Dogs
The recommended Claritin dose for dogs is between 0.1 and 0.55 mg per pound of body weight once or twice per day. Since it is not advisable to crush the tablet, the loratadine amount is often calculated in the total dose. Namely:
- Small dogs can be given one 5 mg tablet once per day
- Medium dogs can be given one 10 mg tablet once per day
- Large dogs can be given one 10 mg tablet twice per day.
If you forget to give your dog Claritin either provide the medication as soon as you remember or skip the missed dose and then continue with the regular administration schedule.
In both cases, it is critical not to double up the missed dose. This is because high Loratadine doses are linked with behavioral changes , and in severe cases, overdoses may result in a rapid heart rate and stroke.
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If your dog is prescribed antihistamines you will need to try them for 2-3 weeks to see if it helps. If it doesnt, youll need to stop giving it to your dog and try another until you find one that works, following the advice of your vet.
There are also a number of potential side effects your dog might have after taking antihistamines, including drowsiness, an tummy upset, hyperactivity, drooling and an increased heart rate.
This is in general though, and antihistamines arent safe for every dog to take depending on their specific needs or underlying health conditions. You must always check with your vet if antihistamines are safe for your individual dog before you give them any.
There are some antihistamines formulated for use in pets and these are generally safe to use as long as you follow the recommended dosage from your vet. However, your vet might prescribe human antihistamines that you can get over the counter at pharmacies. So are these still safe for your dog?
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What Are The Side Effects Of Benadryl In Dogs
Potential side effects include:
- Urinary retention
- Less commonly diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite
Its possible to overdose a dog with Benadryl. If you catch your dog with an open bottle of Benadryl, contact your vet or a pet poison control center to determine the best course of action. Inducing vomiting is often effective if the pills have been consumed recently.
Signs of a Benadryl overdose include:
Benadryl For Dogs Whove Had An Anaphylactic Reaction
Since I like to use my veterinary experiences to explain conditions and medications, lets meet Cooper, a Pug who almost died in my arms after a routine vaccination. Immediately prior, Coopers family had checked out at our reception desk. Cooper was ambling at the end of his leash, sniffing the ground. I had waved goodbye and moved on to my next appointment.
As they prepared to leave, Cooper vomited. His dad felt embarrassed, apologized for the mess on the floor, and offered to clean it up. Thankfully, my astute receptionist quickly put the pieces together. She raced around the corner, took one look at Coopers swelling muzzle, scooped him up, and rushed him into our treatment area.
The Pugs little gums were turning a sickening greyish color and his rectal temperature was starting to climb. To treat Cooper, he received an injection of diphenhydramine and a cocktail of other medications. Thankfully, the Benadryl and other medications did the job. Cooper went home that evening with no issues at all.
The most common and impactful use for Benadryl in veterinary medicine is the scenario I just described abovetreating allergic reactions.
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Benadryl Does Work For My Dog But Needs To Be A Little Stronger
It is common for Benadryl to not be enough to treat some conditions such as chronic allergies or allergic reactions. There are several antihistamines on the market and some dogs respond better to different ones. What doesnât work in one dog can work better in a different dog. Other antihistamines recommended by vets are cetirizine and Loratadine , both of which can be more effective in some dogs. See your veterinarian for recommendations based on your dogâs condition.
The Side Effects Of Benadryl For Dogs
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several intolerable and potentially life-threatening adverse effects.
cross the bloodbrain barrier
and may lead to significant CNS suppression and toxicity resulting in psychomotor impairment, coma, and even death.
- Dryness of mouth, nose and throat
- Bladder neck obstruction
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How Long Does It Take For Benadryl To Work In Dogs
Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is typically thought to be a fast-acting medication for dogs. You can expect it to take effect in 1 to 2 hours but often times it will begin to work in under an hour. It is important to understand that it doesnt begin working immediately and that it will take roughly an hour to reach its maximum efficacy. If you are planning on giving your dog Benadryl prior to playing outside in long grass, you should try to time it correctly so that the benefits align with your trip outside.
Side Effects Of Benadryl In Dogs
Some of the most common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Rapid heartbeat
“If you do suspect an overdose, you should call your veterinarian immediately and take in the packaging for medications that were administered,” Price says.
If you gave your dog Benadryl for an allergic reaction, watch to make sure your dog’s symptoms are getting better. “If your dog is showing signs of difficulty breathing or the swelling is getting worse, you want to get to a vet or an emergency vet immediately,” Lee says.
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Is Benadryl Effective To Help A Dogs Nausea When Traveling
On paper, at least, Benadryl is also an anti-emetic, which means a drug that prevents vomiting. I mentioned its use for dogs who are traveling. It can be helpful for dogs on road trips both by chilling the dog out a bit, but also because it may help with car sickness.
However, if your dog struggles with motion sickness, there are much better drugs available to address these concerns. Speak with your veterinarian about other options.
How Does Benadryl Benefit My Pet
Benadryl is an antihistamine that blocks receptors that receive histamines in the body. This means that it helps relieve symptoms associated with allergies your dog may suffer from, such as
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- watery, red eyes
- skin hives or rashes
If you notice your dog is scratching more often than usual or if there are visible hives or redness on his body, he may be having an allergic reaction. Benadryl can help keep symptoms under control or eliminate them altogether.
In some cases, Benadryl for dogs isnt prescribed for allergies but rather for mild motion sickness. Does your dog get anxious when getting ready to fly or when sitting in the car for a long period of time? He may feel antsy or cramped, but he also may be suffering from motion sickness. When you are using Benadryl to prevent or treat motion sickness, keep in mind the release time of the drug.
For example, if you know traveling causes your dog to be extra agitated, then plan ahead so the medicine has enough time to start working before your trip begins. If your dog is unresponsive to the medication as prescribed, get the all clear from the veterinarian before increasing the dose. Benadryl can have serious side effects in your pet and it is possible for your dog to overdose if not careful.
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