Dogs can take Benadryl without harm, but you shouldn’t give it to them without first talking to a veterinarian because the wrong dose could be toxic.
Your veterinarian may advise giving your dog Benadryl to treat conditions like hives or anxiety, and they can advise you on the proper dosage and administration of the medication.
What you need to know about administering Benadryl to your dog and when to consult a veterinarian is provided below.
Alternatives to Benadryl for dogs. There are some alternatives you can use if your dog has a bad reaction to Benadryl but needs consistent allergy treatment for a seasonal allergy. When administered in the proper dosage, both loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are regarded as safe for dogs. Decongestants, for example, which are frequently added to them and can harm your dog, are another thing that happens. Before giving your dog any new medication, always seek advice from a veterinarian.
When to call your vet. In an emergency, you should always call your vet first. Your dog may go into anaphylactic shock as a result of allergies or, very rarely, from taking Benadryl. Call the vet immediately if your dog is:
Keep an eye on your dog for any changes in behavior because almost all side effects of medications become apparent within the first hour of taking the substance. Additional less severe side effects of Benadryl that dogs may experience include:
Benadryl overdose. Ignoring any of these recommendations may result in a diphenhydramine overdose, which, depending on its severity, may cause symptoms like seizures, respiratory failure, or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions for emergency care if you think your dog has overdosed on Benadryl.
Benadryl dosage for dogs. The weight of the dog determines the appropriate diphenhydramine dosage. A small dog will require a lot less than a large dog to experience the same benefits. 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.
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.
What Can Benadryl Treat In Dogs?
Veterinarians frequently advise Benadryl for canines exhibiting mild allergic symptoms brought on by insect bites or stings, medications, or vaccinations. Dogs who typically react to vaccinations can receive it prior to the shot. Please get in touch with a vet right away if your dog is having an allergic reaction and there is also facial swelling or breathing issues present because this could be fatal.
Benadryl can also be used to treat allergies to foods, fleas, or the environment. While Benadryl is typically recommended by veterinarians for dogs with mild allergies, it’s important to remember that dogs do not respond to the medication as well as people do, and severe allergies should not be treated with it. Furthermore, beef, dairy, and chicken are three of the most common food allergens in dogs, so eliminating the offending food is essential if your dog has a food allergy.
FAQ
Does Benadryl help atopic dermatitis in dogs?
In the past, antihistamines like Benadryl® have been a simple over-the-counter choice to give people (and pets) some relief. However, research has shown that while antihistamines may help people with respiratory allergies, they had little to no effect on dogs with skin allergies[1,3].
How do you treat dermatitis in dogs?
Your veterinarian might recommend immunomodulatory medications. These can be obtained as a daily pill (Apoquel) or as an injection (Cytopoint) given every 4–10 weeks. In addition to these, antibiotics or antifungal medications are frequently needed to treat skin infections brought on by allergies.
What over-the-counter medicine is good for dog dermatitis?
Dogs frequently take antihistamines like Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Clemastine. However, since antihistamines typically have few side effects and are inexpensive medications, they are thought to be worth trying in most situations.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog for itching?
Benadryl Dose for Dogs According to Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, a standard dose of 25 milligrams should be administered two to three times daily to a 25-pound dog. Use 1 milligram per pound of your dog’s body weight as a general guideline. For instance, two 25 milligram tablets would be administered to a 50-pound dog.