When people get itchy, they often reach for Benadryl, which can relieve itching, rashes, inflammation, vomiting, and nausea. The medicine’s all-purpose effects often leave pet owners wondering if they can give dogs Benadryl to help sooth their dog’s itchy skin, too.
Benadryl for dogs
If you’ve ever taken an itchy dog to the vet, your veterinarian may have given your dog Benadryl. This all-purpose histamine treatment (which is also known by its active ingredient, Diphenhydramine) is often used to relieve itchy dogs suffering from allergies, inflammation, snake/insect bites. Because Benadryl also offers a sedative quality, its used to help dogs suffering from anxiety and motion sickness.
Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs?
There are many different types of Benadryl, but not all Benadryl is safe for dogs. Liquid Benadryl, for example, contains alcohol, making this type of Benadryl toxic for dogs. Time-release tablets are also unsuitable, because dogs absorb Benadryl differently than humans, making time-release tablets difficult to dose correctly. Benadryl spray can also be sprayed directly onto swelling insect bites and other cuts, but not without causing your itchy dog additional pain and discomfort.
What Type of Benadryl Is Safe For Dogs?
This often leaves pet owners administer Benadryl to dogs via a low-dose Children’s Liquid Formula, which is alcohol-free and ideal for small dogs. People also give dogs Benadryl via a tropical gel, which can be applied directly onto your dog’s itchy skin. Others prefer to give dogs Benadryl by hiding (non-time-release) Diphenhydramine tablets in their food or treats. Vets can also give Benadryl to dogs via injection in cases of severe allergic reactions.
how much Benadryl can i give my dog?
Benadryl for dogs is generally prescribed according to a dog’s size, allowing most dogs to have 1mg Benadryl for every pound of body weight. For example, a 25-pound dog could probably have one standard 25mg tablet of diphenhydramine up to 2-3 times daily, while a 40-pound dog could have 40mg of Benadryl every 8-12 hours. Likewise, a 60-pound dog could handle about 60 mg of Benadryl up to three times daily, and so on. But you should still call the vet before giving dogs Benadryl yourself. Veterinarians will consider your dog’s overall health, medical history, and other medications to determine a safe and effective dosage.
how much liquid Benadryl can I give my dog?
As we mentioned above, liquid Benadryl contains alcohol, making this type of Benadryl toxic for dogs. However, Children’s Benadryl is a liquid version that’s safe for dogs because it’s alcohol-free.
how much children’s Benadryl can i give my dog?
Some dog owners prefer Children’s Benadryl to standard oral tablets, especially if they own smaller dogs that can’t safely handle a 25mm pill. But medium and large dog breeds can take Children’s Benadryl, too; just remember that dosages differ if giving dogs Benadryl in liquid or pill form. For instance, 20-30lb dogs can take 8-12ml of Children’s Benadryl every 8-12 hours; 30-40lb dogs can take 12-16ml of Children’s Benadryl every 8-12 hours; 40-50lb dogs can take 16-20ml of Children’s Benadryl, and 50-60lb dogs can take 20-24ml of Children’s Benadryl. Every dose should be delivered 8-12 hours apart.
Always consult your vet before giving dogs Benadryl
Although Benadryl is safe for dogs in most cases, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before giving dogs Benadryl yourself. Your veterinarian will consider your dog’s medical history, other medications, and any underlying medical issues before deciding if Benadryl is right for your dog and, if so, determine the proper dosage. If you give your dogs Benadryl, always monitor your pets for adverse side affects and signs of a possible overdose, including agitation, dilated pupils, constipation, seizures, and a rapid heart rate. Call poison control immediately if your dog begins displaying these symptoms after taking Benadryl.
The post How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog? appeared first on The Animal Rescue Site News.
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