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Rare side effects include:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Decreased appetite.
- Increased appetite.
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.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Anticholinergic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and CNS depressants like sedatives, anesthetics, and pain relievers should all be administered with caution when taking diphenhydramine.
Tell your vet about any medications your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.
What is diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine, also known by the brand names Benadryl, Vetadryl, Banophen, Genahist, Diphenhist, Unisom, and Sominex ®, is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and vomiting in cats, dogs, ferrets, and other small mammals, as well as in birds, horses, and cattle. It is one of the treatments for mast cell tumors and is also employed as a mild sedative.
Its use in treating allergic reactions and other conditions in small and large animals is “off label” or “extra label.” In veterinary medicine, many medications are frequently prescribed for off-label uses. In these situations, carefully adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions and warnings as they may differ significantly from those on the label.
Diphenhydramine is administered orally as a tablet, capsule, liquid for oral consumption, or as a liquid injection. The oral formulations can be given with or without food. Give subsequent doses with food or a treat if your pet vomits after receiving a dose on an empty stomach. Cats dislike the taste of the liquid, making oral administration problematic. Usually, the injection is administered inside of a hospital, either in a vein, a muscle, or beneath the skin.
This medication should start working within 1 to 2 hours, and clinical signs should improve after that.
Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs To Calm Them Down?
Benadryl makes people drowsy, so many dog owners use it to calm their dogs. Benadryl is not advised for anxiety because, while it makes people drowsy, it can have the opposite effect on dogs and make them hyperactive instead of sedating them. Your veterinarian should be consulted if your dog experiences anxiety, has a fear of fireworks, or becomes anxious when traveling because there are much better options available, such as calming supplements and medications, training, pheromones, etc.
FAQ
How do dogs act after taking Benadryl?
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. If these symptoms become severe, you should call your vet.
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.
Is it OK to give dogs Benadryl every day?
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.
How much Benadryl is toxic to a dog?
This academic article states that the lethal dose of diphenhydramine administered intravenously to dogs ranges from 24 to 30 mg per kilogram of body weight. This would be equivalent to 9–10 tablets, or 430–540 mg, for a 40–pound dog (for tablets containing 50–25 mg diphenhydramine).