You may be aware that there are a few human medications that can be given to dogs, however, this should NEVER be done without first checking the safety and dosage with your vet. Dogs metabolize medications very differently to humans, which can mean that they are a lot more sensitive to some, and need higher doses of others.
Benedryl is one such medication that can be given to dogs to help with allergies and motion sickness. Although it can often be challenging to convince your dog to take medication, some liquids and tablets, particularly those flavored for children, can prove to be tempting to our canine friends, so you may find yourself in a situation where your dog has (or you suspect has) taken too much Benadryl.
The first thing to do is not panic. In most cases, taking a higher dose, even a double dose, will be fairly well tolerated, provided it is a one-off event. However, in high enough doses, this medication has the potential to cause serious illness, even death.
Your first point of contact should always be a vet or pet poison hotline. If it is outside regular hours, do not delay getting advice and treatment. There will always be an emergency phone contact out of hours, or you can speak with a vet online.
Keep reading for more information about how much Benedryl is too much, what to look out for in the event of an overdose, and what steps you need to take next.
What Is Benadryl
Benadryl is the most common brand name for the drug Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an H1 (histamine-1) antagonist that blocks the action of histamine, alleviating allergic reactions such as pruritus (itching), redness, and urticaria (skin rash). One of the most common side effects of diphenhydramine reported by humans is drowsiness, but this effect varies in intensity in dogs.
Oral Benadryl comes in tablets, gel capsules, chewable tablets, and oral liquids.
Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?
The safety of any medication will depend on the age, breed, and health status of each individual animal, which is why veterinary advice is always advised before giving your pet any medication that hasn’t been specifically prescribed for them, particularly when using human medication.
💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
As a general rule, Bendryl is relatively safe for dogs. It can help with airborne and contact allergies, travel sickness, and may also be used as part of the treatment of mast cell tumors. It is particularly useful for long car journeys, as it can have both an anti-nausea and sedative effect.
What Is The Dose of Benadryl for Dogs?
The dose range of Benadryl for adult dogs is 2-4 mg/kg (0.9-1.8 mg/lb) every 8-12 hours as needed (2-3 times per 24 hours). We always recommend starting at the lower dose, and increasing only if necessary. Because liquid capsules cannot be divided, they are not usually the easiest form to give to dogs. The children’s liquid is suitable for small dogs, but may not be as convenient for larger dogs. It is important to ensure that any liquid Benadryl given to dogs does not contain xylitol, as this ingredient is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a human medication that can be given to dogs relatively safely after consulting with a vet. It is generally safe, with side effects rarely seen unless dogs are given 6-10 times the recommended dose. However, some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to this medication, so caution is necessary.
Common side effects of Benadryl include tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, and hypersalivation. In case of an overdose, clinical signs may include hyperactivity, dry mucous membranes, dilated pupils, fever, and disorientation.
If you suspect your dog has ingested an overdose of Benadryl, it is best to consult a vet or a poisons hotline for guidance. The standard measure of assessing Benadryl overdose is not always accurate, especially in warm conditions or if the dog has been active.
Treatment for Benadryl overdose may involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or intravenous fluid therapy. Dogs typically respond well to treatment and make a full recovery.
Certain forms of Benadryl, like Benadryl Plus or Congestion, contain ingredients like Phenylephrine, which can be harmful to dogs. If your dog ingests these forms, seek immediate advice as Phenylephrine ingestion can lead to agitation, hyperactivity, pupil dilation, high blood pressure, anxiety, tremors, fever, and other serious symptoms.
In conclusion, while Benadryl can be safe for dogs when used correctly, overdose can lead to severe symptoms. It is important to be cautious, monitor your dog’s response to the medication, and seek professional advice if needed. sentence in a different way:
“The cat lazily stretched out on the sunny windowsill.”
“The lazy cat stretched out on the sunny windowsill.” following sentence:
The cat sat lazily in the sunny patch of grass.
The lazy cat lounged in the warm sunlight on the grassy patch.