Benadryl vs Hydroxyzine: Is Hydroxyzine or Benadryl Better for Dogs?
There are a lot of antihistamines on the market, making it hard to choose which is best for your dog. Below is some more in-depth information about Benadryl and hydroxyzine and how they compare to one another.

Does hydroxyzine have the same effect as Benadryl?
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and sedative. It’s commonly used to treat allergies, but it can also be used for other conditions. Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine that works in a similar way to Benadryl. It’s best known for its ability to reduce anxiety in dogs and cats.
Both drugs will cause sedation in your dog, which makes them useful for treating anxiety and other behavioral conditions like separation anxiety or noise phobia.
Both medications can cause dry mouth, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, or dizziness.
What is better Benadryl or hydroxyzine?
Benadryl is a great medication with a higher margin of safety compared to Hydroxyzine and thus is recommended by vets over it. However, both these medications can be used effectively to relieve symptoms of allergies and help with anxiety issues.
Both Benadryl and hydroxyzine are considered safe for use in dogs. There are some differences between the two drugs that may affect your choice of which one to use in your dog.
If you are looking for an antihistamine to help with your dog’s allergies, then Benadryl is a good choice. However, if you want something that will address anxiety effectively, then hydroxyzine may be a better choice.
Some dogs respond better to one medication over another while others do not tolerate either drug well at all due to their own health issues (such as kidney or liver failure).
Can I give my dog Benadryl and hydroxyzine at the same time?
It’s not recommended to give both at the same time because they have the potential to interact in unpredictable ways.
The problem with giving them together is that they have the potential to cause dizziness, palpitations, fainting, seizures, or sudden cardiac death due to their anticholinergic effects.
It’s not clear if you’re planning to use these medications for anxiety or some other reason, but if you are trying to treat anxiety, we recommend using hydroxyzine rather than both at the same time. This will reduce the risk of adverse reactions and drug interactions between the two drugs.
If you decide to give your dog both drugs at the same time, I recommend doing so with caution and only under the supervision of a veterinarian.
How much Benadryl and hydroxyzine can I give my dog?
The most commonly recommended dosage for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight every 8 to 12 hours. This means that if your dog weighs 50 pounds, he should receive 50 mg twice daily. If your dog weighs 80 pounds, he should receive 80 mg twice daily.
If you give too much Benadryl or hydroxyzine, your pet could have serious side effects such as tremors or seizures. If you see any of these signs after giving your pet either medication, call your veterinarian right away.
How long does it take for Benadryl and hydroxyzine to work in dogs?
It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for these medications to start working in dogs, but it can take longer, depending on the dose and how quickly your dog absorbs the medicine.
Can Benadryl and hydroxyzine be used long-term for dogs?
Benadryl and hydroxyzine are not approved for long-term use in animals. The drugs should only be used for up to 2 weeks at a time.
Benadryl for dogs reviews
Reviewers report using Benadryl to treat allergies in dogs, as well as anxiety and motion sickness. They also say that it helps relieve itching from flea bites.
They recommend giving dogs only half of their dose at first to see how their dog reacts before giving the full dose. They also suggest not administering Benadryl on an empty stomach or if your dog has recently eaten because it could cause stomach upset.
“I have a 10-year-old golden retriever who has been on Benadryl for about 7 years. He was having trouble with his skin, itching and scratching constantly. I tried everything, including steroids. The vet suggested I try Benadryl and it worked immediately! It has been amazing to see him calm down and stop scratching.”
“This is the best product ever made! My dog had an allergic reaction to something and scratched himself raw in places, even after taking him to the vet they said there was nothing they could do except put him on steroids which would make it worse, so I did some research and found this product, within a week of giving my dog Benadryl his coat started to grow back in thick and soft like before, now he’s back to his old self!”
“I have a new rescue dog. I was recommended Benadryl to help her with the stress of being in a new home and being around other dogs. She seems to be much calmer and happier since I started her on the Benadryl.”
“I give my dog Benadryl when she has allergies and it works wonders! The vet said that it’s okay to give dogs Benadryl when they are having an allergic reaction, so I try to keep some on hand at all times because it does work so well!”
Hydroxyzine for dogs reviews
Most pet owners who have tried this product say that it works well as a preventative measure against allergies, but some say it doesn’t work very well when your dog actually has an allergy attack.
Reviewers say they use Hydroxyzine for dogs because it helps calm their pets down as many other anti-anxiety medications do. They also say it doesn’t have any negative side effects like vomiting or diarrhea like some other medications do when used regularly over time
It seems like the biggest complaint about this medication is its high price tag, which can be discouraging if you’re thinking of buying it for chronic use. However, if your dog has an occasional itchiness problem and needs immediate relief, then this might be a good choice for you.
Conclusion of hydroxyzine vs Benadryl for dogs
Hydroxyzine and Benadryl have similar effects, but they are not interchangeable. For example, hydroxyzine may be more effective than Benadryl at treating certain types of anxiety. However, Benadryl can be safely used for other purposes where hydroxyzine would not be appropriate.
Benadryl is among the most popular and common over-the-counter medications on the market today because it is inexpensive and safe for dogs of all ages.
Hydroxyzine, also known as Atarax, is available by prescription only. Hydroxyzine can be used with other medications to treat anxiety disorders, but it is not a cure for these conditions and should be used under a vet’s supervision.
It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment option for your pet.