Can I give generic Benadryl to my dog?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, also known as the generic form of Benedryl. It is used to treat allergies, insect stings/bites, motion sickness and travel anxiety. The medication is safe for all ages and weights of dogs or cats. It should not be used by dogs or cats that are pregnant or nursing.

How much generic Benadryl can I give my dog?

Benadryl Tablets

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog's weight, given 2-3 times a day.

Can I give my dog regular human Benadryl?

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.

Can you give dog store brand Benadryl?

Children's liquid Benadryl can be used for small dogs using the same dosage. Avoid the adult formula of liquid Benadryl, as this often contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. As with any flavored human medication, always check the inactive ingredients for xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.

What kind of Benadryl can I give my dog?

While it's best to use vet-approved Benadryl tablets or ointments, in some cases it is possible to use tablets intended for humans. If you choose to do this, keep these things in mind: First, never offer your dog medications with decongestants or alcohol in the formula.

Benadryl For Dogs? Dr. Dan Explains

Is dog Benadryl the same as human Benadryl?

The same clinical functions Benadryl has in humans is also active in dogs. Keeping pet safety and your vets advice in mind, Benadryl for dogs can work to treat seasonal allergies, food allergies, or skin allergies.

How much Benadryl 25 mg Can I give my dog?

Benadryl Dose for Dogs

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.

Is equate brand Benadryl safe for dogs?

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Benadryl for dogs, it is safe in the appropriate dose, and it is commonly used by vets to treat skin allergies that cause itching and scratching. Benadryl can be used to treat dogs with: Hives.

Is equate diphenhydramine safe for dogs?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.

Why you shouldn't give your dog Benadryl?

While Benadryl is good for treating occasional allergic reactions, it shouldn't be your drug of choice if your pet has on-going food, environmental, or seasonal allergies. Because it causes drowsiness and acts as a sedative, regularly giving your pet Benadryl can decrease their quality of life.

Will one Benadryl hurt my dog?

Benadryl has few side effects and is generally well-tolerated in most dogs. There's also a very low risk of overdose. That said, it's a good idea to be familiar with these potential side effects before giving your dog Benadryl. Side effects usually become apparent within the first hour or so after consumption.

What happens if you give a dog a whole Benadryl?

It can lead to ulceration of the stomach and esophagus. Also, if hydrogen peroxide is aspirated (breathed in during vomiting), it can cause serious damage to the lungs. If Benadryl overdose is suspected, most dogs will need IV fluids and 24/7 monitoring of their vital signs until they are stable.

Is 50 mg of Benadryl a lot for a dog?

The most common dose given to a 60-pound dog is 1 mg per pound. Because it commonly comes in 25 and 50 mg sizes, a dose of 50 mg would be a good starting point.

How much Benadryl can a 20 lb dog have a day?

How much Benadryl can I give to my 20 lb dog? You should give 8 ml of liquid Benadryl or one 12.5 mg chewable tablet to your 20 lb dog.

How fast does Benadryl work on dogs?

It will usually take 30 minutes for Benadryl to take full effect, and you want your pup calm and anxious-free. In terms of what form of Benadryl, that's entirely up to your vet. It doesn't really matter if you use the brand name medication or not.

Is 25 mg diphenhydramine safe for dogs?

Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight. Make sure that the Benadryl you're giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.

Is diphenhydramine the same as Benadryl?

When used as recommended, it is a safe and effective medicine. Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand-name Benadryl, store brands, and generics. It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.

Which OTC antihistamine is best for dogs?

The most common antihistamine for dogs is diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl). Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.

Is generic allergy medicine safe for dogs?

Generic versions are fine, but be *very* sure that the medication you are using does not contain any other ingredients – some common “allergy medications” contain potentially harmful ingredients, like pseudoephedrine.

How long does 25mg Benadryl last in dogs?

Dr. Selmer: In dogs, the effects of Benadryl usually last 8 – 12 hours.

What do groomers give dogs to calm them?

Gabapentin is a medication that can be used for several purposes, including seizure control, anxiety relief, sedation, and pain management. It's a common dog sedative for grooming, travel, vet visits, and other short-term events. Gabapentin is generally considered safe in healthy pets, with minimal side effects.

Why do vets recommend Benadryl for dogs?

Benadryl is typically recommended by veterinarians for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms caused by insect bites or stings, medications or vaccinations. It can be given to dogs prior to vaccination for those who typically experience a reaction.

Why do vets give dogs Benadryl?

It is also used as a mild sedative, and is one of the therapies for mast cell tumors. Its use in small and large animals to treat allergic reactions and other conditions is 'off label' or 'extra label'. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.

How do dogs feel on Benadryl?

While Benadryl often makes people drowsy, it has less of an effect on dogs. Still, it can reduce anxiety for some dogs and may help with nausea, such as car sickness. Be forewarned, however, that some dogs become anxious and hyper from Benadryl.