Benadryl for Dogs: How to Safely Give Your Dog This Medication

When a person feels hay fever coming on, they may take Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Whenpets experience allergies, it's almost always in the form of an itchy skin condition.

Veterinarians have several options for managing allergic reactions in dogs. Benadryl is anover-the-counter toolthat vets recommend to help treat allergies.

Learn about how Benadryl is used in dogs with allergies and more.

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Benadryl for dogs at a glance

Common names	Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Vetadryl)
What it treats	Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, allergic skin disease, motion sickness
How it comes (forms)	Tablets, capsules, oral solutions, injectables
Typical dosage	2-4 mg per kilogram of body weight every 8 to 12 hours
Common side effects	Lethargy, sedation, constipation, dry mouth, urinary retention
Average cost	$4-$19 for 30 tablets

What is Benadryl for dogs, and how does it work?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is anantihistamine. Benadryl works by blocking histamine from binding to its receptors. Histamine is an important chemical that causes widespread inflammation during an allergic reaction.

The medication is FDA approved for humans but is usedoff-labelin dogs. There is also a pet-specific brand of Benadryl calledVetadryl.

What is Benadryl used for in dogs?

Benadryl is used to treat allergic and inflammatory reactions, including:

• Medication reactions
• Vaccination reactions
• Bee stings
• Transfusion reactions
• Insect bites

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Benadryl is sometimes prescribed for dogs with itchy skin due to allergies. ButBenadryl is more useful in allergies causing hivesthan for actually reducing itchiness.

Dogs withmast cell tumorsare oftenprescribed antihistamines like diphenhydramine. The cells of mast cell tumors contain histamine. When the histamine is released, it can cause widespread inflammation. Benadryl keeps the histamine from binding to its receptors.

Benadryl is sometimes recommended formotion sickness in dogs. This is because it has an anti-nausea side effect.

What is the dosage of Benadryl for dogs, and how is it given?

Dosing for Benadryl in dogs is different from dosing in humans. Pet owners should not assume the dose they take is the same their dog will take.

WhenBenadryl is given by mouth, the dosage is generally2 mg to 4 mg per kilogramof body weight every 8 to 12 hours.

When a veterinarian gives injectable diphenhydramine directly into a muscle, the dose is 0.5 mg to 2 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Pet owners should speak with a veterinarian before giving Benadryl to their dog.

What are the common side effects of Benadryl in dogs?

The most common side effects of Benadryl in dogs include:

• Lethargy
• Sedation
• Dry mouth
• Urinary retention

Occasionally, some dogs experiencevomiting,diarrhea, andloss of appetiteafter taking Benadryl.

What are the most serious risks of Benadryl for dogs?

Benadryl is generally safe for dogs. Pet owners should use products that contain diphenhydramine as the only active ingredient. Combination products may be dangerous for dogs.

More serious risks occur withhigh overdoses of Benadryl. These include:

• High body temperature (hyperthermia)
• Tremors
• High heart rate (tachycardia)
• Agitation

Fatal overdoses are rare.

Does Benadryl interact with other dog medications?

Benadryl can interact with many medications that dogs take, including:

• Amantadine
• Atropine or glycopyrrolate
• Metoclopramide or cisapride
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like amitraz orselegiline
• Neostigmine or pyridostigmine
• Potassium supplements
• Specific diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide
• Tricyclic antidepressants, likeamitriptylineor clomipramine

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Benadryl?

If you miss giving your dog a dose of Benadryl, give the missed dose as soon as possible. Then continue with the regular dosage schedule provided by your veterinarian.

If your dog's symptoms are worsening despite taking Benadryl, contact your veterinarian. Do not administer a second dose without speaking to your veterinarian.

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Benadryl is most useful for sudden allergic reactions in dogs. The medication is not FDA approved for use in dogs. Benadryl is often prescribed off-label for dogs with allergies, mast cell tumors, or motion sickness.

Sedation and lethargy are the most common side effects in dogs. Pet owners should work with their veterinarian to determine if Benadryl is a safe option for their dog.

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