Most diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets are 25 mg, which would be the appropriate size for a 25-pound dog. Smaller dogs will require you to cut or divide these 25-mg pills. In this case, children’s Benadryl in the chewable tablets may be a good option. These come in dosages of 12.5 mg.
NOTE: Prior to giving your pet any medication, it is best to consult your veterinarian for advice.
It might surprise you to learn that you can use your medicine cabinet for assistance if your dog has mild allergies or is having an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, for instance. Benadryl is generally safe to use, well tolerated, and has a low risk of overdose in dogs when administered in the proper dose, in contrast to other human medications that SHOULD NOT be administered to our canine companions.
Benadryl, also known by the name of its active component diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that relieves the symptoms of both canine and human allergies. The body releases histamines in response to an allergen it wants to get rid of, which causes sneezing, itching, and other symptoms. Benadryl reduces allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. It’s important to remember that Benadryl works mildly to moderately well to relieve mild allergy symptoms in dogs, but not as well as it does in people.
In this article, I’ll go over when it’s okay to give your dog Benadryl, how much to give them based on their weight, and any possible side effects.
How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?
Your dog’s weight, the symptoms they are experiencing, and their current health status will all have an impact on how much Benadryl you can safely give them. For a dog, the typical dosage is one milligram per pound of body weight. Before giving your dog Benadryl, consult your veterinarian because they are more knowledgeable about your dog’s current health and how an antihistamine will affect your dog. This number is only a guideline.
Benadryl and Dog Anxiety
Although we’ve addressed the queries “How much Benadryl can I give my dog?” and “Can I give my dog Benadryl for allergies?” diphenhydramine HCL is also used for dogs in a few other situations. Here’s what you need to know.
Some pet parents use Benadryl as a mild sedative for anxious dogs in stressful situations like vet visits, car rides, fireworks, or thunderstorms due to its side effect of drowsiness. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Benadryl may help dogs who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, particularly when traveling.
You might also want to think about using a natural calming supplement if your dog has anxiety. For instance, calming hemp-based chews can assist in reducing the anxiety that comes with stressful situations. Look for a canine dietary supplement with calming components like chamomile, ginger root, passion flower, and hemp oil. These components combine to have a calming effect on your dog, reducing anxiety.
When to Avoid Giving Your Dog Benadryl
If your pet has any of the following conditions, you should not administer Benadryl: glaucoma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, seizure disorder, gastrointestinal or urinary obstruction, or lung disease. Benadryl may interact poorly with other medications, such as those that depress the central nervous system. If your pet is already taking any medication, be sure to speak with your veterinarian before administering Benadryl. Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if they are having breathing issues or facial swelling.
FAQ
Can I break a Benadryl in half for my dog?
Typically, brand-name and generic medications come in 25-milligram tablets, so the 50-pound dog would take two of them at once. You can split pills in half to get the right dosage if your dog weighs between a multiple of 25. Small dogs can take children’s liquid Benadryl at the same dosage.
How much Benadryl can I give my dog chart?
BENADRYL FOR DOGS DOSAGE CHART Maximum Dose (Every 8-12 Hours) Maximum Dose (Every 8-12 Hours) Dog Weight Tablet (mg) Children’s Liquid (ml) 1 lbs. to 10 lbs. 1 mg. to 10 mg. 0 10 lbs – 20 lbs – 10 mg – 20 mg – 4 ml – 4 ml – 8 ml – 12 ml – 20 lbs – 30 lbs – 20 mg – 30 mg
Will Benadryl make my dog sleepy?
Benadryl can cause side effects in dogs that are similar to those that can occur in people. These include sleepiness, dry mouth, sluggishness, or urinary retention. There may also be less frequent side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, breathing issues, and appetite loss.
How long does half a Benadryl last in dogs?
Benadryl Dosage for Medium-to-Large Dogs A 25-pound dog can take one tablet, which is the recommended dosage of 1 milligram per pound of body weight for dogs. veterinarians advise administering a dose roughly 2-3 times per day, every 8-12 hours.