Benadryl for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Using Benadryl for dogs might make you wonder if the drug also has the same effect on your pets as it does on humans. Sometimes, when you see your furbaby suffering from some illness, you might be tempted to treat her with human drugs.

However, since you are not sure, it would be better not to do so. Still, do note that veterinarians use Benadryl for dogs to cure anxiety, allergies, and motion sickness. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the drug, as explained by the American Kennel Club. 

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is a brand name that has an active ingredient diphenhydramine HCL. It is an antihistamine, that while not yet approved by the FDA for animal use, is still considered safe for dogs and cats. Across the US, veterinarians use it commonly. 

How Benadryl for dogs work?

Using Benadryl for dogs means treating mild-to-moderate allergies. It cures itchiness caused by skin allergies and reduces symptoms of allergies. Some of them are swelling, inflammation, redness, runny nose and eyes, coughing, and sneezing. 

(Photo : unsplash/Joe Caione)

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What are the side effects? 

Dogs who receive Benadryl could sometimes experience side effects. One of them is drowsiness, which could help calm their anxiety. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, diphenhydramine may help relieve mild-to-moderate anxieties linked to traveling in pets. It could help them with motion sickness during car or plane rides. 

Other adverse effects of Benadryl are as follows: 

• Diarrhea
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Sedation
• Too much saliva
• Urinary retention
• Vomiting

Usually, these side effects appear within one hour after taking the drug. Monitor your dog during that time. 

See also: Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? Here's How to Stop Them

Use with caution for dogs with health concerns

Before using the drug for your canine, make sure that they have no underlying health issues. If you are not sure, bring them to the doctor first before treating them at home. Using Benadryl could be harmful to the following conditions: 

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Allergic lung disease
• Bladder neck obstruction
• Hypertension
• Pregnancy
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Seizure disorders
• Severe heart failure

(Photo : unsplash/Matthew Henry)

Dosage 

To know the dosage to give your dog, consult with your veterinarian first. The right dosing, according to Merck Veterinary Manual, is to give 2-4 mg of Benadryl for every kilogram of your pet's body weight, for two to three times per day. Do take note that it may vary depending on your furbaby's medical conditions. 

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Timed-released capsules are not recommended for dogs as they might break open when chewed and could deliver the drug in excess at one time. Giving liquid Benadryl for children is better as it does not contain alcohol. 

You may also give pills and tablets for children to small dogs, but do know that the dosage for liquid and pills differ. Ask your pet's doctor first to be safe. Since Benadryl takes effect 30 minutes after intake, plan accordingly if you plan to travel with your dog.