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Warmer weather often comes with the onset of seasonal allergies. BenadrylⓇ can offer people relief from symptoms, but you may wonder if it can also be used to treat dog allergies. The short answer is yes, you can give your dog Benadryl. But there’s more to it than just giving them the same form and dosage you take.
Benadryl is the brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and blocks certain receptors in the body from registering histamines that are present.1 In dogs, it may help manage allergy symptoms and other issues. Read on to learn about when to consider it, proper dosage, and potential side effects.
Benadryl can usually be given to dogs to treat allergies and motion sickness, but you should always consult with your veterinarian first.2
There are some instances when your dog shouldn’t have Benadryl, as it could make them more anxious, interfere with other medications, or complicate certain health conditions.1 So it’s important your vet weighs in, and you have the correct form and dosage (more on that later).
Benadryl is typically safe for most dogs with the proper dosage — although it’s not currently approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for veterinary use.1 It may be best to avoid giving your dog Benadryl if they have any of these conditions:1,2
Talk to your vet before giving your dog Benadryl to ensure none of these conditions apply, and make sure it won’t interfere with any medications your dog is on. Watch your dog closely after you give them Benadryl to look for signs of adverse reactions.
Benadryl can be given to dogs to help treat symptoms related to environmental and seasonal allergies, reactions to certain spider and insect bites, skin allergies, and food allergies. It also has strong anti-nausea properties that make it effective for treating motion sickness.1
Benadryl can be used to help reduce allergy symptoms:1
If your dog displays signs of a severe allergic reaction (facial swelling or difficulty breathing) before or after giving them Benadryl, take them to the vet immediately.
Benadryl doesn’t treat underlying anxiety in dogs, but is sometimes administered because of its mild sedative effects. While this may help some dogs, others may become more anxious after giving it to them.2 If your dog has travel anxiety or general anxiety, talk with your vet to come up with the right treatment plan for them.
MetLife Pet Insurance offers dog insurance plans that can help you cover exams and prescriptions for treating your dog's anxiety.
Experts recommend 2 – 4 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight (or 0.9 – 1.8 mg per pound) every 8 hours.2,4 But, each dog is different, so it’s best to check with your vet to see how much Benadryl you can give your dog. Some Benadryl may be mixed with other ingredients that are toxic to dogs — like alcohol or TylenolⓇ — so read the label and make sure the Benadryl or generic versions you give them only contain diphenhydramine.1,2
To make it easier to remember, 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight, given 2 – 3 times a day may be considered a practical dose.2 So if your dog weighs 20 pounds, 20 mg of Benadryl given 2 – 3 times a day may work. Before administering any medication to your dog, be sure to consult your veterinarian. For more dosage recommendations, refer to the following chart:
Dog’s Weight |
Recommended Dosage |
Max Daily Dosage |
2 pounds |
2 mg |
6 mg |
12 pounds |
12 mg |
36 mg |
22 pounds |
22 mg |
66 mg |
32 pounds |
32 mg |
96 mg |
42 pounds |
42 mg |
126 mg |
52 pounds |
52 mg |
156 mg |
Children’s Benadryl pills have smaller dosages than adult pills, which may make it easier to adjust the dosage you need and be easier for your pup to swallow — especially if you have a small dog.2 Be sure to verify the correct dosage of children's Benadryl with your vet before giving it to your dog.
Veterinarians generally recommend avoiding time-release Benadryl at all costs.1 That type is designed for humans and may break down differently in dog stomachs. It can also be chewed open and ingested too quickly, increasing the risk of an overdose. You may also want to avoid liquid versions (especially if they contain sodium, which can be poisonous to dogs) because they’re absorbed differently than pills and affect the dosage your dog needs.1
Even if you’re following your vet’s dosage instructions carefully, there’s still a chance your dog could experience an overdose. When an overdose happens, your dog’s central nervous system can go into overdrive and cause rapid heartbeat, agitation, dilated pupils, constipation, and even seizures.1
If you notice any of these signs, call ahead and bring your dog to the vet immediately.
Some dogs may experience side effects from Benadryl. If they do, they’ll typically occur in the first hour or so after giving them a dose. Common potential side effects include:1
Rarer side effects include vomiting or diarrhea, as well as increased or decreased appetite.1
Whether it’s a bee sting, contact with poison nettle, or seasonal allergies, even small triggers can leave your pup feeling uncomfortable.
With your vet’s advice, Benadryl may be used to help treat some of these allergy symptoms. But if further medical attention is needed, a surprise trip to the vet could cost a pretty penny. Your dog deserves the best care, and signing up for a MetLife Pet policy may help you get reimbursed5 for those vet bills — putting money back in your wallet for the next adventure together. Get your free quote today.
Dr. Hunter Finn has been paid by MetLife to discuss the importance of choosing pet insurance. He is an integrative veterinary expert first, and social media star second. America’s favorite veterinarian owns Pet Method in McKinney, Texas, where he cares for pets while prioritizing their emotional well-being. When he’s not at his clinic, he’s starring in viral videos on TikTok (2 million followers) and Instagram (500K followers) — where he’s been known to snuggle puppies and conquer the latest dance trends.
