Raised in Northern Virginia, Dr. Sam Gilbert graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with both a BSE and a VMD. Dr. Before moving to New Jersey for positions in the medical device and animal health industries, Gilbert completed a one-year small animal internship and additional surgical training. Dr. Gilbert is currently the Medical Lead for Cross-Portfolio Therapeutic Areas and Pet Owner Directed Initiatives at Zoetis Petcare HQ. He enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and cat when he’s not working.
Recommended Benadryl Dosage for Dogs
Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine tablets are typically 25 milligrams in size. The right dosage of Benadryl for dogs depends on the dog’s weight, just like with any medication.
Will My Dog Experience Side Effects?
Despite the fact that Benadryl is thought to be safe for dogs, there are a number of possible side effects, such as:
Your dog may also experience more severe side effects in addition to these typical side effects. Although it is uncommon, some dogs may experience an allergic reaction to the actual Benadryl. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away if you experience any of these symptoms. They can be signs of a Benadryl allergy or overdose:
How Does Benadryl Work in Dogs?
Benadryl works the same way in dogs as it does in people — by blocking histamine.
When your dog is exposed to an allergen, histamine, a naturally occurring substance that works to flush allergens from the body, is produced by their immune system. Histamine is the substance that causes your dog to sneeze, have a runny nose, water his eyes, and have itchy skin if they have environmental allergies. Histamine can cause hives, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs who have food allergies. Additionally, histamine is the substance that causes swelling and anaphylactic shock during a severe allergic reaction.
Diphenhydramine, the drug’s active component, forms a bond with the h1 receptor, a particular variety of histamine receptor. Histamine cannot bind to these receptors when diphenhydramine is bound to them, preventing an allergic reaction.
FAQ
How much Benadryl can I give my dog for itching?
Benadryl dosage for dogs. The safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0 according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. 9 to 1. 8 milligrams per pound. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, you may give this dose two to three times per day.
Can I give my dog Benadryl if she’s itching?
Benadryl can be mildly to moderately effective when administered orally to dogs who have minor allergic symptoms. It is frequently used by veterinarians to treat allergies to the environment and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be applied as a preventative measure against potential vaccine reactions.
How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs for itching?
Benadryl typically takes effect after 30 minutes, and you want your dog to be calm and anxiety-free during that time. Your veterinarian will determine which Benadryl formulation to administer. It really doesn’t matter whether you take brand-name medication or not.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for itching everyday?
Benadryl Dosage for Dogs Your veterinarian might advise routinely giving Benadryl to your dog if it suffers from seasonal allergies. Some canines may even receive long-term treatment for mild allergies with one dose of Benadryl per day. Usually, these dogs receive Benadryl or diphenhydramine once daily.