While Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is considered safe for use in dogs and cats and is commonly used in veterinary practices across the U.S.

Why do vets recommend Benadryl for dogs?

Benadryl is commonly used in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. It can help relieve symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. However, it's important to talk to your vet before giving your dog Benadryl, as it can interact with other medications or health conditions.

Is it OK to give dogs Benadryl daily?

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.

How much Benadryl should I give my dog?

Benadryl Dose for Dogs

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook recommends giving a standard dosage of 25 milligrams for a 25-pound dog two to three times per day. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 milligram per pound of your dog's body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would be given two 25 milligram tablets.

What brand of Benadryl is good for dogs?

Diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl®, Vetadryl®, Banophen®, Genahist®, Diphenhist®, Unisom®, Sominex ®) is an antihistamine used in cats, dogs, ferrets and other small mammals, birds, horses, and cattle to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and vomiting.

Benadryl For Dogs? Dr. Dan Explains

Which dogs should not take Benadryl?

But the reason why you still need to check with your veterinarian is because there are safety risks if your dog has certain health conditions or takes certain medications. Some instances in which Benadryl^® should not be used (or should be used with caution) include: Cardiac conditions (cardiovascular disease)

Why is Benadryl not recommended anymore?

In children it can cause paradoxical stimulation with agitation and confusion as the presenting signs. In adults 65 and older, long-term frequent use of benadryl is associated with development of dementia and Alzheimer disease due to their anticholenergic properties.

How fast does Benadryl work on dogs?

If using Benadryl as a mild sedative for motion sickness or any sort of thunderstorm or travel anxiety, it's best to think ahead so you can plan out when you give it to your doggo. It will usually take 30 minutes for Benadryl to take full effect, and you want your pup calm and anxious-free.

What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?

Can too much Benadryl hurt a dog?

Should your dog overdose on antihistamines like Benadryl, it could cause acute respiratory depression and fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure that could lead to death. Consult your veterinarian to find the correct dosage for your dog before administering any medication to them.

Is Zyrtec better than Benadryl for dogs?

The most common side effects of antihistamines in dogs include sedation and drowsiness. This is more commonly noticed with first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Newer generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) have less of a sedating effect.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for anxiety?

It's true that Benadryl may alleviate symptoms for some dogs, but the sedative effects are mild and not nearly as pronounced in dogs as they are in people. So overall, Benadryl is not commonly helpful for dogs struggling with anxiety or phobias.

Why is my dog scratching and biting himself all the time?

Reasons Why Dogs Compulsively Scratch, Lick, or Chew

Dogs scratch, lick, or chew for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from allergies to boredom to parasite infestation: Allergies. When dog scratching gets out of hand, it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers, including mold and pollen.

When should you not give a dog Benadryl?

It should be used with caution in dogs who have seizures in dogs, heart disease in dogs, or high blood pressure (i.e. hypertension in dogs). Your vet will review what other medications your dog is taking, whether Benadryl could interfere with these medications, and help you determine the proper dosing for your dog.

How do I know if my dog needs Benadryl?

Benadryl can be a helpful remedy if your dog has anxiety, allergies, motion sickness and other conditions. You can get Benadryl over the counter, but it's best to talk to your vet before starting any new medication.

How do dogs feel on Benadryl?

Common side effects of Benadryl include constipation, sedation, urinary retention, diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and loss of appetite for some dogs. Always be sure to monitor your dog closely when giving medication for the first time.

What stops itching fast?

To help soothe itchy skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides. Take an oatmeal bath.

How do dogs act after taking Benadryl?

In some rare cases, your dog may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, and an increase or decrease in appetite. You may also notice that Benadryl does, in fact, make your dog sleepy.

Will my dog get sleepy after Benadryl?

One of the most common side effects of Benadryl is sedation. You may notice that your dog gets a bit drowsy after taking Benadryl. If you believe your dog needs help sleeping, you must talk to your veterinarian first. Make sure it is the best option for your dog before you start giving it to him or her.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for licking paws?

When dog parents suspect their pup has allergies, one of the first things they want to try is an over-the-counter anti-histamine. In most cases, it is okay to use Benadryl for a dog's itchy paws.

What is a good substitute for Benadryl for itching?

In summary, I would suggest an oral, 2nd or 3rd generations antihistamine (e.g. cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, loratadine). If a parenteral agent is desired, I would prefer IV promethazine (10-25 mg) if more rapid onset is desired.

What is better than Benadryl?

Benadryl and more. If continuous seasonal allergy treatment is needed, second-generation antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin are considered safer since they have a low risk for drowsiness. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an exception to this rule, as it may cause drowsiness in about 10 percent of individuals.

Is Zyrtec better than Benadryl?

Most people find Zyrtec less sedating than Benadryl, but you should use caution when taking either of them for the first time until you know how your body reacts. Zyrtec is a good choice if you want to take medication less frequently, as it is dosed once daily.

Is Benadryl FDA approved for dogs?

Sadly, antihistamines are not nearly as effective in dogs as they are in people. And, last but not least, Benadryl is not FDA licensed for animals. This means there are no official safety trials of the drug in dogs, and giving it is at your own risk.

What ingredient in Benadryl is bad for dogs?

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. Do not give your pet any medication (or any other substance) containing xylitol.

---