What is Benadryl used for in dogs? Types of Benadryl for dogs How does Benadryl work? Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Dosage of Benadryl How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs? Side effects of Benadryl How does Benadryl interact with other drugs? Natural alternatives to Benadryl. While Benadryl is FDA approved for human use, it is not FDA approved for animal use, though some types of Benadryl are considered relatively safe for dogs and cats.
An allergic reaction causes a chemical release of histamine in the body. Once released, histamine binds to receptors on specific cells, causing itchiness and inflammation. These receptors are known as H-1 receptors. Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and works by blocking the H-1 receptors and decreasing the effects of histamine. When you give your dog Benadryl for motion sickness, it works by blocking the impulses to the vomiting center in the brain of the dog.
It is possible for dogs to overdose on Benadryl, and the symptoms can be life-threatening. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Ironically, Benadryl can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. Just as with all drugs, you should always watch your dog closely after their first use.
As an approximate guideline, the maximum dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1mg for every 1 pound of the dog's body weight, given times per day, about hours apart. Many factors can change this general guideline, so you should always talk to your vet to determine the proper dosage for your dog. In general, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until the desired effect is reached.
Some dogs are more sensitive to Benadryl than others, so starting small is best. It usually takes 24 hours for Benadryl to wear off and stop working. However, for dogs with liver or kidney disease, the effects can last longer. Always talk to your veterinarian before giving Benadryl, especially if your dog has chronic liver, kidney, or heart problems. Benadryl side effects in dogs are similar to those in humans. Common side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, and urine retention.
Some dogs may experience rare side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and appetize changes. If these symptoms become severe, you should call your vet.
Dogs with the following conditions should not take Benadryl without first consulting with the vet:. Benadryl can reduce the effectiveness of prokinetic drugs metoclopramide, cisapride used for constipation and other GI problems. Yes, it is perfectly safe when given at the correct dosage. Yes, you can! Bug bite reactions and environmental allergies are two of the most common reasons to give Benadryl to dogs. Benadryl can also be helpful for anxiety about events such as thunderstorms or fireworks, for motion sickness, or as part of treatment for mast cell tumors.
For allergies, Benadryl is most effective if given before your dog is exposed to the thing that sparks his allergy. Thankfully, diphenhydramine has a fairly wide safety margin in dogs. A safe and easy dosage to remember is 1 milligram per pound of body weight. For example, a pound dog would get 50 milligrams of Benadryl. Brand name and generic forms generally come in milligram tablets, so that pound dog would get two tablets at a time.
Avoid the adult formula of liquid Benadryl, as this often contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. As with any flavored human medication, always check the inactive ingredients for xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Smaller dogs will require you to cut or divide these mg pills. These come in dosages of Diphenhydramine is also available in other formulations, including liquid Benadryl and some time-release forms. Talk to your vet before giving your dog liquid Benadryl. Home Dog Care Center. Published: August 20, Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful?
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