Before giving your pet any medication or dietary supplement, including Benadryl, always speak to your veterinarian. If your dog exhibits symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e g. Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic if you experience any of these symptoms (facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing), as this could cause the life-threatening condition anaphylaxis.
If dogs can take the antihistamine Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, and whether it will help with things like bee stings, insect bites, or itching, is one of the most frequently asked questions veterinarians receive during the warmer months. Although there are more effective prescription medications for these conditions, which you can discuss with your veterinarian, it is occasionally used for conditions like car sickness and anxiety.
Although Benadryl is typically regarded as a safe medication for dogs, there may be unanticipated side effects, so it’s crucial that your dog receives the right dosage. Prior to giving your dog this medication, you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the proper dose.
Here is important information on Benadryl overdose in dogs and potential adverse side effects even at appropriate dosages, despite the medication’s generally safe use.
Yes, it is possible for a dog to take too much Benadryl or be given too much of it. Fortunately, Benadryl toxicity in healthy animals usually responds well to prompt veterinary treatment. But dogs who already have conditions like heart disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, hyperthyroidism, and/or abnormal blood pressure may be more susceptible to developing severe illnesses.
Additionally, Benadryl may be found in other formulations that may contain hazardous drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is used to treat fever, or phenylephrine, a decongestant.
Check the box or bottle of Benadryl before giving it to your dog to make sure the only ingredient listed as an active ingredient is diphenhydramine.
Symptoms of Benadryl Poisoning in Dogs
Benadryl is generally safe for dogs, but there are some potential side effects. Side effects usually occur within an hour of administration. They are typically mild and can include:
More often than not, Benadryl overdoses are brought on by your pet obtaining a box of the drug from the trash or medicine cabinet. If you notice any of these overdose warning signs, call your veterinarian right away.
Types
There are a few other first generation antihistamines that can be used for dogs in addition to a version of diphenhydramine called Vetadryl created especially for cats and dogs. These can include:
Chlorpheniramine is a common antihistamine used in small animal veterinary medicine and is less likely to make you sleepy than some other antihistamines.
Clemastine is an antipruritic (anti-itch) and sedating antihistamine that typically has fewer side effects than other antihistamines.
The more aggressive antihistamine hydroxyzine also has more potent side effects.
Meclizine is frequently used to treat nausea, especially that brought on by motion sickness.
Clubs Offering:
It can be dangerous to succumb to the urge to treat our pets with medications from our medicine cabinets. Dog owners are advised by veterinarians not to choose how to treat their pets on their own because humans and dogs react to medications very differently. Some human medications, though, can be used with dogs as long as they are administered properly.
Diphenhydramine, also known as the brand name Benadryl, is frequently prescribed by veterinarians for dogs to treat allergies, anxiety related to travel, and motion sickness. Here are some things you should know about using Benadryl for dogs, even though you should always seek advice from your veterinarian before giving your dog a human medication.
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 obstructing the body’s histamine receptors. This reduces a number of allergy symptoms like itchiness, sneezing, and hives. Although the body continues to produce histamines, the receptor antagonist prevents the histamines from being sensed by the receptors.
Benadryl & The Risk Of Overdose In Dogs
The warning signs and symptoms of a dog taking too much Benadryl are outlined below to help you avoid endangering your pet:
Contact your veterinarian’s office or an emergency veterinary hospital right away if your dog exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms or if you think he or she may have taken a dose of Benadryl that was too much.
Your dog may occasionally experience an allergic reaction to Benadryl; if this happens, you must seek immediate veterinary care. If your veterinarian has never prescribed Benadryl for your dog, be sure to watch him closely for any worsening symptoms or emerging conditions.
FAQ
Can Benadryl make dogs vomit?
Are there any potential side effects? Lethargy, dry mouth, and urinary retention are the most frequent side effects. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are also possible.
How much Benadryl is toxic to a dog?
When administered intravenously to dogs, diphenhydramine has an LD50 of 24 to 30 mg/kg BW. Death has been linked to convulsions and neuromotor excitement, followed by respiratory failure and myocardial depression (16).
Can Benadryl give a dog an upset stomach?
Risks of Benadryl for dogs. Similar to other allergies, diphenhydramine allergies can cause skin rashes that are bright red. Swelling of the face and tongue. Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
What does too much Benadryl do to a dog?
Another sign of a Benadryl overdose is agitation and aggression. Other potential side effects include: Severe lethargy. Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure.