How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sleep?

The health and well-being of our pets is incredibly important, and many pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure their pets are as happy and healthy as possible. While it’s natural to want to find ways to help our pets feel better, it’s important to remember that our furry friends have different health needs than we do, and require special care and caution. When it comes to sleep issues, many pet owners may consider giving their pet Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine. While Benadryl may be a safe way to help your pet sleep, it’s important to understand the proper dosage for your pet and the risks associated with giving them too much. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the question, “How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sleep?” to help you better understand the risks and benefits associated with giving your pet Benadryl. We’ll also provide you with expert advice on

What is a fatal amount of Benadryl for dogs?

The recommended dose of Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0 according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. 9-1. 8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. According to PetMD, your dog should receive Benadryl 2-3 times per day at a dose of 1 mg per pound of weight.

For example, a 10-pound dog might receive a 10 mg dose in the morning, afternoon, and evening. They also add that you should never administer time-release tablets because they may break down more quickly in your dog’s stomach than in the human stomachs they were designed for, and this can cause an overdose for your dog.

According to PetMD, you should always consult your veterinarian about Benadryl dosages to make sure you are giving your dog the appropriate amount. For instance, if the wrong dosage is given, dogs may experience respiratory depression, seizures, fall into a coma, or even die if the dosage is too high. So always speak to your vet first.

How long does it take Benadryl to make dogs sleepy?

Using Benadryl shouldn’t be done if your dog has any of the following conditions:

has conditions such as asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat, or is nursing or pregnant.

The general recommendation is to administer 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight to your dog if they do not have any of these conditions and you want to give them the medication to help them sleep. Benadryl usually takes around 30 minutes to work.

Dosing instructions for Benadryl

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends giving your dog 0.9-1.8 mg of Benadryl per pound of weight (2-4 mg/kg of weight).

If you want to try over-the-counter Benadryl, the best form is usually a tablet, which is typically 25 mg per tab, says Justine Lee, DVM, a board-certified veterinarian who specializes in toxicology and emergency care.

Accordingly, a 25-pound dog would typically receive one pill, while a 50-pound dog would typically receive two pills.

If your dog is very small, you might need to use a liquid children’s formula with a lower dose to give them the right dosage for their size.

The FDA-approved diphenhydramine for dogs and cats is called Vetadryl, and veterinarians can also prescribe it to dogs, according to Price. Vetadryl has a few advantages even though it is the same medication and you could theoretically use any one of them:

A 10 mg option, which may make dosing easier

Flavoring for dogs, which may make it more appealing to your pup

When using Benadryl, keep these precautions in mind:

“Benadryl is available over the counter for pet parents to purchase but should only be done under the direction of a veterinarian,” Price says. Your vet can determine the best starting dose and check if Benadryl has a negative interaction with any other medications your dog takes.

If youre purchasing Benadryl over the counter, “you want to make sure its Benadryl that is only diphenhydramine, no other ingredients added in,” Lee says. Watch out for ingredients like acetaminophen or decongestants that may not be safe for dogs.

Always check the box to make sure the Benadryl isnt expired, as expired medication can be unsafe for your dog, Price says.

FAQ

How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sedate?

Dogs typically receive about 1 mg of benadryl per pound, two to three times per day. Animal doctors frequently advise people to start with a half dose to determine how much sedates the dog the first time.

Can I give my dog Benadryl to sleep at night?

Some pet owners give their dogs Benadryl for insomnia because it induces drowsiness, which helps dogs fall asleep. Although it is frequently dosed at 1 mg/lb, it is safer to contact the veterinarian first because this is not a common application for the medication.

Will 50 mg of Benadryl make my dog sleepy?

The adverse effects of benadryl in dogs are similar to those in people. Common side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, and urine retention. Rare side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and changes in appetite may occur in some dogs.

How long will Benadryl make my dog sleepy?

Selmer: The effects of Benadryl typically last 8 to 12 hours in dogs.