Care & Products

Today, we’re diving into one of the most frequently asked questions by most pet parents: Can I give my dog Benadryl? Whether your pup was stung by a bee or is having an allergic reaction, you may be tempted to reach for that pink box in your medicine cabinet. However, it’s important to know the correct dosage of Benadryl for your dog. And is it really safe? At EcoPetEssentials, we like to keep things simple, factual, and safe when it comes to Benadryl for dogs. In this blog, we’ll break everything down into simple and easy-to-follow tips to help every pet parent make safe and informed choices. 

What Is Benadryl and How Does It Work for Dogs?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine designed for humans. However, here’s the twist—it’s also sometimes recommended by vets for dogs. Benadryl for dogs works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which helps control allergy symptoms. It can also help with mild motion sickness and nausea. 

Did You Know? Some dog breeds react differently to Benadryl®. Certain dogs tend to get more hyperactive and can be quite restless instead of getting sleepy! 

When Can You Use Benadryl for Dogs?

Benadryl for dogs is not a cure-all, but it can help your dog in specific situations. It can be helpful in specific situations, but it’s not always the right solution. Therefore, it is a good idea to know when to use it, and knowing when not to can make all the difference for your dog’s health and comfort. 

• A mild bee sting reaction:
  You can give Benadryl for mild allergic reactions like redness or swelling. Just be sure your dog isn’t showing serious symptoms like facial swelling or breathing trouble. 
• Seasonal allergies or itchy skin:
  With your vet’s guidance, Benadryl may ease symptoms caused by pollen, dust, or other mild environmental allergens. 
• Motion-related nausea during travel:
  Some dogs benefit from Benadryl for mild motion sickness, especially during longer car rides. Monitor your pup closely after giving it. 
• Noise sensitivity from fireworks or storms:
  While Benadryl may cause drowsiness, it doesn’t truly address anxiety. You can use tools like calming vests or pheromone diffusers that are better suited. 
• If your dog has trouble breathing or facial swelling:
  You can skip the Benadryl and head straight to the vet. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction that needs immediate medical attention. 

You should always call your vet first if your dog shows serious symptoms or unusual behaviour.  

Benadryl Dosage for Dogs

The safest way to give Benadryl is to talk to your vet. However, here’s a simple rule of thumb many pet parents tend to follow. You can give 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight. It is a good idea to give them 2–3 times a day. 

Here’s a quick table to help you figure out what dosage is correct for your dog: 

• 5 lbs – Recommended: 5 mg | Max: 10 mg 
• 10 lbs – Recommended: 10 mg | Max: 20 mg 
• 20 lbs – Recommended: 20 mg | Max: 40 mg 
• 50 lbs – Recommended: 50 mg | Max: 100 mg 
• 100 lbs – Recommended: 100 mg | Max: 200 mg 

Important Tips to remember: 

• You can use plain diphenhydramine with no added ingredients like Tylenol. 
• Children’s Benadryl chewables (12.5 mg) or liquid (2.5 mg/ml) are better for small dogs. 
• You should give the medicine every 8–12 hours (2–3 times per day). 

When NOT to Give Benadryl to Your Dog

Benadryl is usually a safe option to give your dogs, but not always. It is better to avoid giving it if your dog has any of the following ailments: 

• Heart or lung disease 
• Glaucoma 
• Seizures 
• Liver problems 
• Trouble urinating 
• Is pregnant or nursing 
• Is on certain medications (like antifungals or MAO inhibitors) 

Side effects to watch for: 

• Sleepiness 
• Wobbly walking 
• Fast or slow breathing 
• Vomiting or diarrhea 
• Aggression or confusion 

If you see any of these symptoms, then you must immediately call your vet ASAP. 

Calming Alternatives to Benadryl

Do you have a nervous puppy? Or if your dog suffers from anxiety, then Benadryl probably won’t help much. Instead, you can try these vet-recommended and pet-parent-approved products for anxiety relief: 

• ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety Vest (Price: $39.99)
  This vest applies gentle and constant pressure to help calm your dog during stressful events like storms or fireworks. 
• ThunderEase ADAPTIL Calming Pheromone Diffuser (Price: $23.99)
  Mimics natural dog pheromones to promote a sense of calm, ideal for home use. 
• ThunderEase Calming Pheromone Collar (Price: $18.99)
  A wearable option that releases calming pheromones throughout the day, great for dogs on the go. 
• Petmate Vari Dog & Cat Kennel (Price: $41.99)
  This kennel offers a safe and secure space. It helps reduce motion sickness and travel-related anxiety. 

These are great alternatives if your pup gets scared during fireworks, thunderstorms, or trips to the vet. 

What to Do If Your Dog Is Stung by a Bee?

Yikes! A bee sting can make your dog swollen and itchy. If it’s a mild reaction (no swelling of the face, lips, or breathing trouble), then Benadryl for dogs can definitely help reduce the reaction. You can use the dosage table above and keep an eye on your pup. However, if your dog’s face swells up or breathing becomes difficult, then you have to get your fur baby to the vet immediately. 

Better Allergy Solutions Than Benadryl

Yes, there are! If your dog suffers from chronic allergies, Benadryl might not be the best long-term solution. While it can help in a pinch, lasting relief often requires a more comprehensive approach. Luckily, there are several vet-approved products that target allergy symptoms more effectively. 

Here are some better alternatives to Benadryl for managing dog allergies: 

• DermaBenSs Shampoo (Price: $23.85)
  It helps soothe itchy, allergy-prone skin and supports skin barrier health. Therefore, DermaBenSs shampoo is a great choice for dogs with frequent scratching or redness. 
• Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune Bites (Price: $4.97)
  These soft chews can help support your dog’s immune system and gut health using natural ingredients. The best aspect is that they are easy to feed and tasty, too! 
• Prescription Medications (Price: Varies depending on treatment)
  Most vets can prescribe allergy medications that are stronger and more targeted than OTC options. It is perfect for dogs with severe or persistent symptoms. 

You can use a mix of these products under your vet’s guidance. They can provide more lasting comfort and fewer flare-ups than relying on Benadryl for dogs alone. 

Benadryl® Dosage for Dogs:

There are different types of Benadryl for dogs. Therefore, it is a good idea to know what works best based on your dog’s size: 

• 25 mg Tablet: A good option for medium-sized dogs. The dose is standard and can be split if needed for more precise amounts. 
• 50 mg Capsule: It is best suited for large dogs, as a single capsule may provide the required dose without adjustments. 
• Children’s Chewable: These chewables are good for small dogs. Each chewable contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine and can be cut in half for smaller doses. 
• Liquid (2.5 mg/ml): It works well for very small or toy breeds. It’s easy to measure and can be mixed into food for dogs who resist pills. 

Therefore, it is always a good idea to double-check that the product only contains diphenhydramine. 

Keep Your Fur Baby Healthy with EcoPetEssentials

You can give your dog Benadryl as it is a safe option when given correctly and for the right reasons, such as mild allergies or motion sickness. However, you should know that it’s not a cure-all, and it won’t work well for anxiety. You can always talk to your vet before starting any new treatment, such as Benadryl for dogs, even one that’s over the counter. Whether it’s bee stings, itchy skin, or a nervous pup, we’re here to guide you on the best ways to care for your furry friend. At EcoPetEssentials, we believe in giving your pet a happy, healthy life with natural, vet-approved, and paw-sitive choices.