Benadryl for Dogs: Is it Safe?
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Two popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat allergies in humans are Benadryl® and Zyrtec. But can you give these medications to your dog?
Benadryl for dogs is a common query for pet parents looking for quick allergy relief for their itchy, watery-eyed pooches. The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Read more.
In this article, we’ll explain whether or not it’s safe to give your dog Benadryl and how much to give them.
Can I give my dog Benadryl?
When it comes to Benadryl for dogs, the short answer is yes, you can give it to your dog. Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergies in dogs, as well as Motion sickness.
However, because Benadryl is not FDA-approved for dogs, there is no official dosage recommendations.
The general rule of thumb is to give 1mg per pound of your dog’s body weight, two to three times daily. So, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, you would give them 50mg of Benadryl, two to three times a day.
1. Benadryl is used to treat allergies
Benadryl is a medication used to treat allergies in humans. It is also used occasionally to treat motion sickness and nausea. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, an antihistamine.
Histamine is a substance produced by the body in response to a foreign invader, such as pollen or pet dander. When histamine is released, it causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Diphenhydramine works by blocking the histamine receptors, which prevents the histamine from having any effect.
Benadryl is available over-the-counter in both pill and liquid form. It is generally considered safe for most people, but there are some potential side effects.
Despite its safety in humans, Benadryl is not necessarily safe for dogs.
2. Is it Safe For dogs?
It’s no secret that dogs can suffer from allergies just like people can. And like people, there are a variety of ways to treat a dog’s allergies. One of those ways is with the drug Benadryl.
But is Benadryl for dogs safe? The short answer is yes, Benadryl is safe for dogs.
In fact, it’s one of the most common drugs used to treat allergies in dogs. That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before giving your dog Benadryl.
First, it’s important to know that Benadryl is a brand name for the drug diphenhydramine. This is the same active ingredient that’s in many over-the-counter allergy medications for people.
Diphenhydramine works by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a chemical that’s released by the body in response to an allergic trigger. When histamine is blocked, the symptoms of an allergy are lessened.
Diphenhydramine is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and suppositories. The form you choose will depend on your dog’s preference and your veterinarian’s recommendation.
It’s also important to note that Benadryl is not a cure for allergies. It’s simply a way to treat the symptoms.
If you have any questions about whether Benadryl is right for your dog, be sure to speak to your veterinarian.
If your dog is suffering from allergies, it’s important to identify and avoid the trigger (or triggers) whenever possible. In some cases, allergy shots may also be recommended.
3. recommended dosage for dogs
The recommended dosage for dogs is 1mg per pound of body weight. This means that a 10-pound dog should only receive 10mg of Benadryl, a 50-pound dog should only receive 50mg, and so on.
When giving your dog Benadryl, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations.
Benadryl capsules and tablets come in 25mg and 50mg strength, so make sure you select the appropriate size for your dog.
It’s also important to remember that Benadryl takes effect after about 30 minutes, so you shouldn’t give your dog another dose until at least that amount of time has passed.
4. Benadryl can be given orally or topically
Benadryl is a medication that is commonly used to treat allergies in humans. It can also be given to dogs to treat allergies or other conditions. Benadryl is available in oral and topical forms.
When giving Benadryl to a dog, it can be given to dogs orally or topically.
When given orally, Benadryl can be given with food or on an empty stomach. When given topically, Benadryl can be applied to the skin or ingested.
When giving Benadryl to a dog, it is important to start with a small dose and increase the dosage gradually as needed. It is also important to not give Benadryl to a dog more often than directed.
If a dog experiences any side effects from Benadryl, such as diarrhea or vomiting, it is important to stop giving the medication and talk to a veterinarian.
5. common side effects of Benadryl
While Benadryl is safe for most dogs, there are potential side effects which can range from mild to severe. The most common side effects of Benadryl in dogs are drowsiness and dry mouth.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Benadryl. For some dogs, this may simply be a desired effect, as it can help to calm an anxious dog or provide relief from itchiness.
However, in other cases, drowsiness may be a sign that the dosage given is too high.
If a dog seems excessively drowsy or is having trouble standing, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
Dry mouth is another common side effect of Benadryl in dogs. This can often be remedied by simply giving the dog plenty of water to drink.
However, if the dry mouth is severe, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction and veterinary attention should be sought.
Other potential side effects of Benadryl in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Benadryl can also cause urinary retention in some dogs. If any of these side effects are observed, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
In rare cases, dogs may experience more serious side effects from Benadryl, such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. These side effects can be signs of anaphylactic shock and require immediate veterinary attention.
Overall, Benadryl is safe for most dogs when used as directed. However, as with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects which should be taken into consideration.
Anyone who is considering giving their dog Benadryl should speak with a veterinarian beforehand.
6. Benadryl is generally safe for dogs
It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, even something as seemingly innocuous as Benadryl.
Most often, Benadryl is given to dogs for allergies, travel anxiety, or motion sickness. It can also be used to help them stay calm during events like fireworks or thunderstorms.
By blocking histamine receptors, Benadryl can help to relieve the symptoms of allergies, such as itchiness, sneezing, and runny eyes.
There is a lot of debate over whether or not Benadryl is safe for dogs, and the answer seems to be that it depends on the individual dog.
Some dogs seem to react badly to Benadryl, while others seem to be fine.
The best thing to do if you’re considering giving your dog Benadryl is to talk to your vet first.
The most common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness, which can last for 8 to 12 hours.
In addition to feeling drowsy, your dog may experience dry mouth and/or urinary retention, Vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are also possible side effects of Benadryl in dogs.
Benadryl tablets would be the appropriate size for a dog over 25 pounds; whereas, children’s chewable or liquid Benadryl are good options for small dogs.
Benadryl may have some effect of calming a dog’s nerves, but it will not resolve any underlying anxiety issues. Benadryl may help with preventing motion sickness in dogs, so if your dog is anxious due to nausea, it could be worth a try.
Some dogs have the opposite reaction to Benadryl and become hyperactive, so it’s important to determine your pet’s reaction before administering. If your dog has anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about the best course of treatment.