Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient present in Benadryl, and this ingredient helps reduce inflammation by blocking the absorption of histamine. Similarly, it is also a major component of sleep aid and it is safe if used with veterinary guidance.
We recommend to consult your veterinarian first before administering Benadryl to your pet. If you want to know the exact dose of Benadryl in dogs, its side effects and benefits, this guide will help you a lot.
What Is Benadryl?
It is one of the most common over-the-counter antihistamine medicines. Benadryl is a brand name, and the active ingredient present is diphenhydramine HCL. It can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and is very effective under certain conditions.
Although it is a drug for humans and is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs, you can use with the guidance of your veterinarian. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is considered safe for dogs, but avoid overdosage in dogs.
Some products are available in the market that comes in combination with pseudoephedrine and acetaminophen. But they do not use those products because they are not safe for dogs.
Use of Benadryl in Dogs
- Swelling and inflammation
- Hives
- Redness
- Coughing
- Runny nose and eyes
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Sneezing
Benadryl can help treat anxiety-related problems in dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Benadryl shows excellent results on anxiety in pets associated with travel. It helps reduce motion sickness that can occur due to plane rides and car travel.Some veterinarians prescribe Benadryl to treat mast cell tumors as it helps to lessen the effect of massive histamine release that is caused by cell degranulation. Some vets also prescribe diphenhydramine to treat heartworm infection, as it helps reduce the allergic reaction associated with heartworm treatment.
Benadryl for dogs by weight
First of all, you need to know how many milligrams are present in the Benadryl pill. There are different concentrations of Benadryl available on the market. It is always written on the label how many milligrams are in each pill.
Most Benadryl tablets are available in 25 mg strengths, but some may contain a higher amount, such as 40 mg. If you know the milligrams of Benadryl, then it is easy to calculate the dose as it is 1 mg per pound of body weight.