How much Benadryl can I give my dog before flying? Here’s the Answer

Q: How does one tell what an airline requires?

Kimmelstiel: I would recommend checking your airlines website or calling their customer service department to find out exactly what is required for pets to fly on their aircraft. Airlines vary greatly in what they require, and requirements can be changed frequently.

If traveling internationally, you should also check with your destination prior to departure to ensure your pet meets all health requirements for entry.

(An aside: Airlines have requirements in place for pets to fly. United, the airline we flew on, for example, requires: your pet to be of a certain age, to be traveling with an adult, to pay a fee for your pet to fly, potentially requires documentation for your pet depending on your destination and a pet carrier if the pet is flying in-cabin.)

Question: How would you advise people to prepare to fly with a pet?

Jeremy Kimmelstiel: Ensure you are aware of all rules and regulations put in place by your airline, the Transportation Security Administration and your destination before venturing to the airport with your furry friend.

Chat with your vet about any concerns you may have for Fluffy or Fido well in advance of your trip. I would say 6-8 weeks before youre scheduled to depart if you can. This will allow time to update any necessary vaccinations, try out any medications prior to travel day and sort out any preexisting health concerns. Plus, if your destination requires travel paperwork, it may need to be on a very strict timeline.

Acclimate your pet to their carrier. Leaving the carrier out in a comfortable place, such as the living room or your bedroom, will make them less anxious about getting into it to leave the house.

Clubs Offering:

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are used appropriately.

Veterinarians use diphenhydramine, commonly known by the brand name Benadryl, for dogs on a regular basis to treat allergies, travel anxiety, and motion sickness. While you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog a human medication, here is what you need to know about using Benadryl for dogs.

Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier – making them very effective but also increasing risks of adverse side effects. 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.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the receptors that receive histamines in the body. This relieves many of the symptoms associated with allergies, like itching, sneezing, and hives. The body still produces histamines, but the receptor antagonist blocks the receptors from registering the histamines.

Benadryl For Dogs? Dr. Dan Explains

Just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies. While we can use a nasal spray or take an allergy medication, our dogs rely on us to treat their symptoms. Diphenhydramine, the generic name for the widely used name brand Benadryl, is commonly used by veterinarians to treat seasonal allergies, anxiety, and even motion sickness. Have you ever wondered, “How much Benadryl can I give my dog?” We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about giving dogs Benadryl, from the correct dosage to potential side effects. Here’s the information. Contents