Benadryl is safe for dogs, but dont give any to your dog without consulting a vet first as the wrong dose could be toxic.
Your vet may recommend Benadryl to help treat your dog for conditions like hives or anxiety and can guide you on delivering the correct dosage and medication.
Heres what you need to know about how much Benadryl your dog should take and when you need to see the vet.
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 do I calculate liquid Benadryl dose for dogs?
To calculate the liquid Benadryl (12.5 mg/5 ml) dose:
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While Benadryl is FDA approved for human use, it is not FDA approved for animal use, though some types of Benadryl are considered relatively safe for dogs and cats.
Can Benadryl Be Used for Dog Allergies?
Benadryl is an antihistamine that blocks the H-1 receptors on smooth muscle and blood vessels. Taken orally, Benadryl can be mild to moderately effective for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms.
Vets commonly use it to treat environmental allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be used as a pre-treatment for possible vaccine reactions.
But if your pet is having an acute allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing, take them straight to the vet. Many allergic diseases also require a combination of allergy medicine and treatment of underlying infections.
FAQ
How many 25mg Benadryl can I give my 80 pound dog?
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.
How much Benadryl can I give my 81 lb dog?
Can I give my dog 75 mg of Benadryl?
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.
How much Benadryl can I give my 50lb dog?
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.