First things first, always check with your vet before giving Benadryl to your pet dog. With that being said, we’ll tackle the question of can dogs take Benadryl? Let’s find out…
Benadryl is an antihistamine that is commonly used by people to treat the symptoms of allergies, loss of appetite, increased serotonin production, etc.
Benadryl in not an FDA-approved drug. But it is used for allergies, hyper-excitability, inhalant allergies, motion sickness, etc., in both dogs and cats. You can get this medicine over the counter at any pharmacy. It is available in 25 milligram and 50 milligram capsules, 12.5 milligram and 50 milligram tablets, and as an oral liquid.
But, is it really safe to give your pet dog Benadryl? The answer is not so straightforward. There are other related aspects that need to be taken into consideration too.
As such, in the following sections, we’ll determine whether you can/should give Benadryl to your pet dog, or not!
Dosage and Directions
This medication is often prescribed by vets to relieve a pet from reactions due to sedation and motion sickness. A generally safe dosage to give is 1 milligram per 1 lb of your dog’s weight, which can be given twice a day. It is always a good idea to consult your vet before you begin this medication. Don’t forget to mention your pet’s age, other medication it might be on, bladder disorders, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, or high blood pressure, if she is pregnant or nursing, and allergies, to the vet. Here’s a simple chart to understand the dosage better.
Dog’s Weight in lb | Recommended Dosage in Milligrams |
5 | 5 |
10 | 10 |
15 | 15 |
20 | 20 |
30 | 30 |
40 | 40 |
50 | 50 |
75 | 75 |
100 | 100 |
125 | 125 |
150 | 150 |
175 | 175 |
You can’t risk anything when it comes to your dog’s health. He is your best friend after all. Even if you can medicate your dog with the help of the above chart, it is advisable to consult your vet beforehand.
Side Effects and Drug Reactions
Side Effects
Following are some side effects of this medication to look out for:
- Decrease in urination
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sedation
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Benadryl Can React With the Following Drugs
- Amitraz
- Central Nervous System depressants
- Epinephrine
- Furazolidon
- Heparin sodium or calcium
- Selegiline
- Warfarin sodium
If your pet experiences any of these side effects, stop the medication immediately and consult the vet. Monitor your dog closely. If the side effects get worse, take it to the vet as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Overdose
Sedation, increased body temperature, respiratory problems, agitation, aggression, abnormal heart rate, muscle tremors, abnormal behavior, difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure, clumsiness, seizures; these problems are the most common symptoms caused due to an overdose of this medication. If neglected, an overdose can cause coma and even death.
The point to be made is, Benadryl can be given to pets, provided the circumstances are right and it has been prescribed by a qualified vet. It’s the least you can take care of to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet.
Disclaimer: This DogAppy article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a qualified veterinarian.