Benadryl for Dogs Dosage By Weight Chart
Benadryl is a medication used to quickly relieve itching and reduce the discomfort of allergic reactions. This article will provide you with an overview of Benadryl for dogs: reviews, dosage by weight and side effects.
Benadryl for dogs reviews
Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that can be purchased at most pharmacies without a prescription. It’s generally safe to use, but it may cause drowsiness.
Benadryl works by blocking the action of histamine, which causes allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and other respiratory tract problems.
The reviews are mostly positive, but there are some complaints.
“I have been using Benadryl for dogs for years. It works wonders on my dog’s allergies and keeps her comfortable all day long. She is a big girl and can be a handful when it comes to the allergy season.”
“I have a small dog that has a very sensitive stomach and skin issues, so I’ve tried several different things to help him feel better. I found this product at the store, so I decided to give it a try. It worked fantastically!”
“This stuff really works great! My dog’s allergies were very bad this year, so we tried everything under the sun. This really helped him get over his skin issues and he didn’t have any more symptoms after using this product.”
“This is an excellent product. My dogs are very allergic to fleas and ticks, so I’ve been using this product for the past 6 months. I noticed a huge difference in their health within the first week of use. They no longer scratch themselves as much, their coats are shiny and soft, and they’re not scratching themselves in the house as much either. It’s great!”
” I have a little dog who is allergic to everything. I was so happy to find Benadryl for dogs, but it doesn’t seem to work at all for him. He does not sneeze or itch, just like before he was on Benadryl. I am very disappointed in this product and would not recommend it to anyone else.”
“I have been using Benadryl for my dogs for years. I have tried other products but they do not work as well as Benadryl. It is easy to give them, has no side effects and they love it! I love that I can get them at a reasonable price, plus the shipping is so fast.”
How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
The typical starting dose for dogs is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight, given every 8 or 12 hours. For example, if he weighs 50 pounds, give him 50 mg. If your dog weighs 70 pounds, give him 70 mg of Benadryl. If he weighs 90 pounds, give him 90 mg — and so on.
Benadryl dosage chart for dogs
The following chart is an estimate of how much Benadryl to give your dog based on his weight.
| Dog’s weight (lbs) | Benadryl dosage (tablet) |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1/2 tablet of 12.5 mg |
| 10 lbs | 1 tablet of 12.5 mg |
| 20 lbs | 1 and 1/2 tablets of 12.5 mg |
| 30 lbs | 1 tablet of 25 mg |
| 40 lbs | 1 and 1/2 tablets of 25 mg |
| 50 lbs | 2 tablets of 25 mg |
| 60 lbs | 1 tablet of 50 mg |
| 70 lbs | 1 and 1/2 tablets of 50 mg |
| 80 lbs | 1 and 1/2 tablets of 50 mg |
| 100 lbs | 2 tablets of 50 mg |
NOTE: If you’re giving Benadryl to your dog, first consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment based on your dog’s weight and condition.
Liquid Benadryl for dogs dosage chart
The liquid contains 2.5 mg of Benadryl per ml so if your pet weighs 25 pounds he will need one tablet of 25 mg or 10 ml which equals 2 teaspoons.
| Dog’s weight (lbs) | Liquid Benadryl dosage (ml) |
|---|---|
| 10 pounds | 4 ml |
| 20 pounds | 8 ml |
| 30 pounds | 12 ml |
| 40 pounds | 16 ml |
| 50 pounds | 20 ml |
| 60 pounds | 24 ml |
| 70 pounds | 28 ml |
| 80 pounds | 32 ml |
| 90 pounds | 36 ml |
| 100 pounds | 40 ml |
Can I give my dog Benadryl for itchy skin?
The short answer is yes, you can give your dog Benadryl for itching due to allergies! Benadryl also reduces other symptoms of allergies, including:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Rash or irritation
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
NOTE: If they appear to be experiencing difficulty breathing, contact your vet right away as this is an emergency situation.
What are the side effects of Benadryl in dogs?
While it’s generally safe if given in the right dosage, giving Benadryl to your dog can have some negative side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
How often can I give my dog Benadryl?
As a general rule, you should not give your dog Benadryl more than two or three times a day, or every 8 hours.
NOTE: If your dog isn’t responding well to the Benadryl, or if you’re not sure whether it’s working or not, you should take them to the vet immediately.
How long does it take for Benadryl to work on dogs?
In general, Benadryl will start working within 30 minutes after oral administration and should last up to 8 hours.
Apoquel vs Benadryl
Apoquel and Benadryl are both good at treating itching due to allergies, but they have different mechanisms of action.
Benadryl can be used to reduce symptoms of allergies such as itching, scratching, and skin inflammation. However, it may not completely eliminate those symptoms because it doesn’t target the underlying cause — instead, it works by suppressing histamine release from mast cells.
Apoquel is an FDA-approved medication designed specifically for dogs with inflammatory skin disease, also known as atopic dermatitis. It’s been shown to reduce itching and scratching in up to 80% of dogs within one month of treatment.
Apoquel is more expensive than Benadryl but it provides better relief from chronic itching caused by atopy or atopic dermatitis in dogs without side effects that can occur with long-term use of Benadryl.
NOTE: It’s important to note that you should always consult with your vet before giving your dog any medication. While these medications may be safe for some dogs, there are many factors that can affect their effectiveness and even harm them if used improperly.
Conclusion of dosing dogs with Benadryl
Benadryl is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies and other conditions. It comes in several different forms, including liquid and tablet, but the most common is the chewable tablet.
Benadryl works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for causing allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight. For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, the dosage would be 50 mg.
Benadryl can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour for it to start working. This is because the body needs time to break down and process the medication before it can begin working its magic on allergies or other symptoms.
As with any medication, do not give your pet more than what the label recommends.
