Is Benadryl safe for dogs? A dog can overdose on Benadryl if they take too much of the medication. Benadryl poisoning causes your dog to experience extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and blood pressure problems. Your dog may also develop aggression or extreme drowsiness. You should avoid giving your dog Benadryl if you notice any of these symptoms.
Benadryl is one of my favorite go-to over the counter (OTC) medications for dogs. Benadryl is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, including allergies, anxiety and motion sickness. You may be familiar with this drug from seeing it advertised on TV with “drowsy” dogs and people. Benadryl can be purchased without a prescription at most pet stores for about $10 and will last about a month (4-5 tubes). Related: How to Choose the Best Over the Counter Medication for Dogs
Can a dog overdose on Benadryl?
If you’ve ever wondered “Is Benadryl safe for dogs?” then you’re not alone. There are many uses for this over-the-counter medication, and it’s often effective in treating itchy skin, anxious episodes, and other conditions. Because Benadryl was originally formulated for humans, you’ll need to carefully read the label to ensure it contains only the active ingredient your dog needs.
Several veterinary and canine health experts recommend a general dosage for Benadryl for dogs: one milligram per pound of body weight, or about one or two tablets a day. The standard dose is 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound of body weight. For a normal dog, however, the recommended dosage is one to two milligrams per pound of body weight, given two to three times per day. Be sure to check with your vet for advice on the correct dosage for your dog, and never administer more than the recommended dosage.
You should avoid giving your dog more than the recommended dosage if your dog shows signs of overdose. Despite being a widely-recognized anti-anxiety medication, overdose can be fatal. Benadryl overdose symptoms should be investigated by a veterinarian as soon as possible – ideally within an hour of administration. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency veterinary facility immediately.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from allergies, consult a veterinarian immediately. Benadryl can relieve anxiety and reduce your dog’s symptoms of motion sickness and anxiety. It is also an effective remedy for preventing motion sickness in dogs. However, be careful with Benadryl as it may cause hyperactivity in some animals. If you’re worried that your dog might develop an allergic reaction, you should consult with a vet and discuss behavioral training or pheromones.
Despite the fact that Benadryl is a commonly used anti-itch medication, it can have some negative side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. Additionally, Benadryl can block the H-1 receptor in the brain, resulting in suppression of allergic symptoms, without resolving the underlying problem. Moreover, Benadryl has several possible side effects and can even be fatal if taken in excess.
If your dog takes too much Benadryl, it may suffer serious side effects. If your dog takes too much of the drug, it may have difficulty breathing, heart rate problems, extreme drowsiness, and aggression. It could also cause irregular behaviors, irritability, and blood pressure problems.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog suffers from these symptoms. If you suspect that your dog is prone to allergies, check with your vet and ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
Overall, if administered in moderation, Benadryl is safe for dogs. People may be concerned that the dog would become drowsy or sedated after taking Benadryl, but this is due to its function on central nervous system. However, you should carefully monitor your dog’s reactions and behaviors after giving it Benadryl. If you have further questions about Benadryl and dogs, please consult with a veterinarian or a professional pet specialist.
