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Benadryl for Dogs: Our Vet Explains Safety & Effectiveness

Written by: Dr. Marti Dudley DVM (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Dogster Team

dog tablet Benadryl

Benadryl for Dogs: Our Vet Explains Safety & Effectiveness

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Dr. Marti Dudley Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Marti Dudley

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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A common antihistamine in households is Benadryl, or diphenhydramine. This is a medication that pet parents readily have access to and quickly reach for to help with their pet’s ailments. But is Benadryl really helpful? What can it be used for? Do I need my vet’s permission to use it on my dog? Continue reading below to learn more about Benadryl and how it can be administered to your pooch.

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What Is Benadryl?

Benadryl (Banophen, Vetadryl, Diphenhist) is an antihistamine medication labeled for humans. Off-label use of Benadryl has been extended to several different species for numerous conditions. Diphenhydramine is also available as Vetadryl, a veterinary-specific product.

Benadryl has been used in dogs to help combat pruritus, or itchiness, associated with allergies. There is debate regarding whether Benadryl improves pruritus or if it just reduces the clinical signs of itchiness through sedation. Benadryl is commonly used in animals diagnosed with mast cell tumors to block histamine that is released by the tumor and can cause inflammatory signs.

Benadryl is often used for allergic reactions and hypersensitivity cases, including insect stings and vaccine reactions. Benadryl can be helpful in preventing allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Diphenhydramine can be used as an antiemetic and can be helpful to patients with vestibular disease.

Bendaryl
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How Is Benadryl Administered?

Benadryl is typically administered orally, as either a liquid, pill, or capsule. An injectable formulation is also available for use within hospitals. Benadryl should not be administered intravenously. However, we recommend not giving your dog any unless it is under the instructions and guidance of your vet.

Benadryl can often be combined with dyes and flavors to make it more appealing to humans. Care should be taken to ensure that flavored tablets or liquids do not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is harmful to veterinary patients. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid combination products without consultation with your veterinarian.

Again, before administering any medication to your pet, you should consult with your veterinarian. Diphenhydramine is dosed in dogs at 2–4 mg/kg every 8–12 hours, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.1

What Happens if You Miss a Dose of Benadryl?

You can administer the dose of Benadryl when it is remembered, but be sure to wait the appropriate amount of time before taking the next dose. Avoid doubling the dose, as this could cause sedation.

Dog Pill Mouth
Image Credit by: Jeanette Virginia Goh, Shutterstock

Potential Side Effects of Benadryl

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth/Dry Eyes
  • Urinary Retention
  • Gastrointestinal signs
  • Tachycardia (elevated heart rate)

Contraindications

Although viewed as a safe medication, there are medical conditions and potential drug interactions that may not make Benadryl a good option for your pet. Diphenhydramine use in working dogs may temporarily hinder job performance due to sedation.

Below are some contraindications to the use of Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine use should be avoided or used cautiously in patients with:

  • Difficulties urinating
  • Asthma attacks
  • Liver disease
  • Seizure disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Asthma and COPD
  • Closed-angle glaucoma

Possible drug interactions may also occur if administered concurrently with CNS depressant drugs and MAO inhibitors.

cute sick dog waiting for the vet
Image Credit: Utku Demirsoy, Shutterstock

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Benadryl Safe to Use in Pregnant Dogs?

It is unknown if Benadryl should be used in pregnant animals. As a precaution, this should be avoided if possible.

Should I Use the Veterinary Diphenhydramine, Vetadryl, Instead of Benadryl?

Either product can be used. In some cases, dosing with Vetadryl may be more convenient due to available doses.

Should Diphenhydramine Be Given Every 8 or 12 hours?

This medication can be dosed at either interval. The dosing interval is determined by the condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy.

Young veterinarian with medical document touching dog neck and cuddling it during appointment
Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock

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In Summary

Diphenhydramine, otherwise known as Benadryl or Vetadryl is a good medication to have on hand. Diphenhydramine has several different uses and can be used in many different illnesses. As with any medication, it is important to discuss dosing recommendations with a veterinarian prior to use, especially if the patient has concurrent illnesses or is taking other medications.


Featured Image Credit: ponpimonsa_bibi, Shutterstock

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