How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog Chart

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Last updated Feb. 15, 2022. Reviewed for accuracy on Dec. 11, 2019 by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, but it is generally considered safe for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Benadryl is a brand name for an antihistamine (diphenhydramine HCl) that can help alleviate symptoms of allergic reactions and even anxiety. Histamine is a substance released by mast cells (a type of immune cell) and is responsible for inflammation and other allergy symptoms. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which works by blocking histamine receptors on a cell’s surface, meaning that the receptors cannot ‘accept’ histamine that tries to attach and trigger an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of allergic reactions that can be treated with Benadryl include hives, swelling, and itching. Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian (who may give an injection of diphenhydramine along with other emergency injections).

Many veterinarians approve Benadryl for home use as a regular go-to treatment. It may be suitable for:

Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight, given 2-3 times a day. For example, a 10-pound dog might receive a 10 mg dose in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Most diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets are 25 mg, which would be the appropriate size for a 25-pound dog.

How do I calculate the Benadryl dose for dogs in ml?

To calculate the liquid Benadryl (12.5 mg/5 ml) dose:

  • Determine the dose you need. Standard Benadryl dose is 1 mg per 1 lb. The dose is the weight of your dog in pounds (lb).
  • Let’s count how much Benadryl is in one milliliter of a drug. 12.5 mg/5ml = 2.5 mg/1 ml.
  • Now we have to divide the desired dose by the dose in 1 ml. The dogs weight in lb/ 2.5 mg = the amount of liquid Benadryl you want to give to your dog.

    • How Much Benadryl To Give a Dog?

    A normal Benadryl dosage for dogs is between 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams of Benadryl for each pound of weight. For liquid Benadryl, you should use 0.4 ml per pound of weight.

    You shouldn’t give them more than two to three doses a day.

    Benadryl for Dogs Dosage by Weight — Comprehensive Chart

    The right dose for your dog depends on its weight. For example, a 5 lb dog will need 5 mg of Benadryl, while a 15 lb dog will need 15 mg. Also, Benadryl tablets differ from liquid Benadryl, so dosages will be different.

    To find the right Benadryl dose for dogs, check out our chart:

    Weight Benadryl Tablets Liquid Benadryl
    10lbs 10mg 4ml
    20lbs 20mg 8ml
    30lbs 30mg 12ml
    40lbs 40mg 16ml
    50lbs 50mg 20ml
    60lbs 60mg 24ml
    70lbs 70mg 28ml
    80lbs 80mg 32ml
    90lbs 90mg 36ml
    100lbs 100mg 38ml

    Also, be aware that measuring the best Benadryl dose for a dog is much easier with liquid Benadryl. Benadryl tablets contain 25 mg per tablet and might be a bit more difficult to dose.

    If you have a small dog, using children’s Benadryl can help you get the right dosage more easily.

    FAQ

    How much Benadryl can I give my 50lb dog?

    How much Benadryl do I give to a 50 lb dog? You should give 50 mg of Benadryl to a 50 lb dog, either as two 25 mg tablets, four 12.5 mg chewable tablets, or 20 ml of a Benadryl liquid form (12.5 mg/5 ml).

    How much Benadryl do you give a 70 pound dog?

    Benadryl dosage for dogs.

    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 many 25 ml Benadryl can I give my dog?

    Official answer. The general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is 2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day. If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.

    What happens if I give my dog too much Benadryl?

    Overdose. An overdose can be fatal. If your dog eats too much Benadryl, call the emergency vet or poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435 right away. Symptoms of overdose include dilated pupils, constipation, rapid heartbeat, behavioral changes, and seizures.