Dogs are curious and energetic, so it’s inevitable that some of them will wind up in some sticky situations. From running through some poison ivy to getting stung by a bee, there are plenty of problems that can lead to your dog feeling itchy, uncomfortable, and swollen from an allergic reaction.
Your dog doesn’t need to suffer, though. With a vet’s guidance, you can use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to ease the worst of their allergy symptoms. Here’s how Benadryl can be given to dogs safely.
Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that helps relieve the symptoms of allergies in both humans and animals. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness if a dog needs to be transported long distances. For most dogs, the appropriate dosage of Benadryl is perfectly safe. It will begin to reduce symptoms like skin rashes in about an hour.
Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans. Some dogs can be quite small, so they need less Benadryl than a person. Dogs also metabolize Benadryl differently, so it’s not a good idea to rely on human dosing guidelines.
Benadryl dosage for dogs. The correct dosage of diphenhydramine for dogs depends on their weight. A small dog will need much less than a big dog to receive the same positive effects. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog’s symptoms.
While it’s best to use vet-approved Benadryl tablets or ointments, in some cases it is possible to use tablets intended for humans. If you choose to do this, keep these things in mind:
- First, never offer your dog medications with decongestants or alcohol in the formula. Only offer them medications with diphenhydramine and no other active ingredients. Decongestants and alcohol can be toxic for your dog.
- Second, dogs should never be given time-released drug capsules. Your dog’s stomach works differently from yours, and a capsule that works well for humans may overdose your dog. Plus, if they bite the capsule, they may get the entire dose at once instead of it being spread out over time.
- Third, for small dogs, it may be better to use children’s Benadryl than Benadryl for adults. This lets you adjust the dose more carefully.
- Finally, if you are going to use liquid Benadryl medication instead of tablets, talk to your dog’s vet to make sure you use the right dosage. Liquid medication is absorbed differently, and the 2-4 milligrams per kilogram guideline may not apply.
Risks of Benadryl for dogs. While the right dose of Benadryl is safe for most dogs, occasionally a dog may be allergic to the medication itself. An allergy to diphenhydramine will have similar symptoms to other allergies, including:
- Red rashes on the skin
- Swelling of the face and tongue
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach
- Skin chewing or licking
Almost all symptoms due to medication will be noticeable during the first hour after consuming the substance, so keep an eye on your dog for any changes in behavior. Dogs may also experience a number of more common, less dangerous side effects to Benadryl, like:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Rapid breathing
- Hypersalivation
- Increased heart rate
These milder symptoms will fade as the medication leaves their system.
Benadryl overdose. Ignoring any of these guidelines can lead to an overdose of diphenhydramine, with symptoms ranging from seizures to respiratory failure to a coma, depending on the size of the overdose. If you believe your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your vet immediately and follow their instructions for emergency treatment.
Allergy Relief Without Benadryl
Alternatives to Benadryl for dogs. If your dog reacts poorly to Benadryl but needs regular allergy treatment for a seasonal allergy, there are some alternatives you can use. Both cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are considered safe for dogs in the right dosage. However, they are also frequently combined with other ingredients like decongestants, which can hurt your dog. Always consult with a vet before giving your dog any new medication.
For acute allergic reactions, it’s better to use faster-acting methods of reducing itching, such as cortisone creams or shots. These treatments begin to work in minutes. However, cortisone treatments are best for short-term use and may lead to uncomfortable side effects for your pet.
When to call your vet. In an emergency, you should always call your vet first. Your dog may experience anaphylactic shock from their allergies, or in rare cases, from Benadryl itself. Call the vet immediately if your dog is:
- Experiencing seizures
- Vomiting
- Experiencing diarrhea
- Swelling
- Struggling to breathe
These may be signs of a serious allergic response that needs immediate treatment. Similarly, if your dog has been bitten by a snake or stung by an unfamiliar insect, call your vet immediately to ensure your dog has not been poisoned.
