Benadryl for Dogs

Benadryl dosage for dogs is determined based on weight. The dose may vary for pregnant dogs and animals with certain conditions. Age may also be a factor. Therefore, the owner needs to talk to their vet to find out the right dose for their pet. If the dose is not correct, the animal could suffer liver or kidney failure.


Let’s take a look at the general guidelines:

The Average Dosage of Benadryl for Dogs

The average dosage is 1 mg of Diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in plain Benadryl) per 1 lb of weight. Sources also state the maximum limits:

• Up to 30 pound dogs – no more than 10 mg of Benadryl every eight hours.

• 30-50 pound dogs – no more than 25 mg of Benadryl every eight hours.

• 50+ pound dogs – no more than 50 mg of Benadryl every eight hours.

The maximum limit should not be exceeded even if the animal is larger in size, unless prescribed otherwise by your vet. This is similar to Benadryl dosage for horses. A horse may weigh 1000 lb, but you won’t give it 40 tabs at 25mg a piece. In cases of a horse, the maximum limit is 10-15 of the 25 mg Diphenhydramine tabs.

On the other hand, the dosage prescribed may be higher in case of life threatening conditions like anaphylaxis. Call your vet for directions.

Measuring Liquid Benadryl

If your vet told you to use liquid Benadryl, how do you measure 1 ml of medicine per body weight? There’s an easy way – 1 ml of liquid equals 5 drops.

Administration

The prescribed dosage is typically administered every 8 hours, which means that the owner shouldn’t give Benadryl to their pet more than three times a day. Write down the time and you won’t forget when you gave it last.

Age and Health Condition

Unlike the pediatric Benadryl dosage guidelines for children, where the exact dosage is stated based on the child’s age and weight, I could not find any information for puppies. Do consult with your veterinarian if you have a puppy, an older dog, a pregnant dog, a dog with known health issues, or a dog taking other medications.

Notes

If your vet told you to use pills or capsules, note that they have different amounts of Diphenhydramine – some have 12.5 mg and others 25 mg of the active ingredient.

Should you find the dose does not work do not increase it as this can cause problems. If the issue persists after two or more days take your dog to the veterinarian who can give further advice and diagnosis.

Your dog could be allergic to antihistamines (it’s very rare). Just in case, keep an eye on your pet after the first dose or two.