Benadryl is one of the most popular medicines for pets, especially dogs.
Usually, the doctor will prescribe it on a case-by-case basis and instruct the dog owner on how to use it at home.
However, can dogs have liquid gel Benadryl? Jump into the next sections to know more!
Benadryl For Dogs
The Uses
It is an effective drug that can relieve dogs with mild to moderate allergies. Aside from allergic reactions from snake bites, insect bites, mouse bites, etc.
Benadryl relieves seasonal allergies, environmental, and food allergies.
It is often used as a medicine to treat itchiness in dogs that skin allergies may bring on.
This drug is helpful for the allergy symptoms below:
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Swelling and inflammation
- Runny eyes and nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy skin
- Redness
- Hives
When it is provided, anxious dogs can be readily relaxed due to the drowsiness it produces.
The diphenhydramine may help to alleviate mild to moderate anxiety symptoms.
These are frequently related to traveling with pets and motion sickness during trips in cars and on airplanes.
How Does It Work?
Histamine is released into the body due to an allergic reaction.
This is a chemical that, when produced, attaches to receptors on particular cells to cause itching and inflammation. They are referred to as H-1 receptors.
As an antihistamine, Benadryl (also known as diphenhydramine) acts by inhibiting the H-1 receptors and reducing the effects of histamine.
Giving your dog this drug to treat motion sickness prevents vomiting by inhibiting impulses to the vomiting area in the dog’s brain.
Common Types
What kind of liquid Benadryl can I give my dog?
There are numerous variations of Benadryl available, both with and without a prescription. Some are topical, while others are oral. For example:
- Liquid: It is available in liquid form because it contains alcohol, so it’s best to avoid giving it to your dog.
- Children liquid: There is no alcohol in the children’s formula if you’d rather take a liquid one. Additionally, because it will be simpler to measure out and is less concentrated, it may be ideal for little dogs.
- Tablet: Diphenhydramine 25 mg can be found in each tablet. The pill will probably make your dog gag, so you might need to disguise it as a tasty treat every time.
Never administer time-release medications to dogs, as it is challenging to dose them properly.
- Spray: When your dog’s breathing becomes difficult owing to swelling from bug bites and allergic reactions, Benadryl spray can be administered in an emergency.
But, spraying Benadryl on open or untreated wounds can sting and make your dog extremely uncomfortable.
- Topical: You can apply it directly to your dog’s scratchy dog skin because it comes in gel or cream form. But keep in mind that repeated use can irritate.
- Injection: Your veterinarian can inject the drug to treat severe allergic reactions. The procedure can be performed in a muscle, vein, or subcutaneously.
Can Dogs Have Liquid Gel Benadryl?
Can I give my dog liquid gel Benadryl? The answer is yes. Gel is the kind that you can apply directly to your dog’s allergic skin.
However, always avoid liquid one as it contains alcohol and can increase the chance of poisoning your pet.
Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs have Benadryl liquid capsules? Yes, and it is a generally safe and efficient treatment when administered to dogs by a veterinarian.
Always keep a watchful eye on your dog after giving him any new medication to ensure there are no negative side effects.
Contact your veterinarian if you have any additional queries about this drug or diphenhydramine for dogs.
Also, remember to keep your curious dog out of the reach of all human and other animal medications.
Dosage Of Benadryl
How many Benadryl Liqui gels can I give my dog?
The highest recommended dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg for every pound of body weight.
Accordingly, a 25-pound dog would often receive one pill, while a dog weighing 50 pounds would typically receive two.
If your dog is really small, you should use a liquid children’s formula with a reduced dose to give them the right dosage for their size.
It is administered 2–3 times daily, separated by 8–12 hours. Before administering this drug to your dog, make sure you know all its negative effects and that you are OK with them.
This general recommendation may change depending on various variables, so consult your veterinarian to find the right dosage for your dog.
Generally speaking, start with a lesser dose and raise it gradually until the desired effect is obtained.
It’s recommended to start slowly because some dogs react to Benadryl more strongly than others.
Precautions:
- Pet owners can buy Benadryl over the counter, but this should only be done with a veterinarian’s approval.
- Make sure the drug you buy over the counter has solely diphenhydramine as an active ingredient and hasn’t had any additional substances.
- Watch out for substances that may not be suitable for dogs, such as acetaminophen or decongestants.
- Always check the package to make sure the Benadryl hasn’t expired because it could backfire.
The Dosage Chart
To give them the correct dosage, you can take a look at the chart below:
| Dog’s Weight | Children liquid (ml) | Tablet (mg) |
| 1 lbs – 10 lbs | 0.4 ml – 4 ml | 1 mg – 10 mg |
| 10 lbs – 20 lbs | 4 ml – 8 ml | 10 mg – 20 mg |
| 20 lbs – 30 lbs | 8 ml – 12 ml | 20 mg – 30 mg |
| 30 lbs – 40 lbs | 12 ml – 16 ml | 30 mg – 40 mg |
| 40 lbs – 50 lbs | 16 ml – 20 ml | 40 mg – 50 mg |
| 50 lbs – 60 lbs | 20 ml – 24 ml | 50 mg – 60 mg |
| 60 lbs – 70 lbs | 24 ml – 28 ml | 60 mg – 70 mg |
| 70 lbs – 80 lbs | 28 ml – 32 ml | 70 mg – 80 mg |
| 80 lbs – 90 lbs | 32 ml – 36 ml | 80 mg – 90 mg |
| 90 lb – 100 lbs | 32 ml – 36 ml | 90 mg – 100 mg |
| 100 lbs – 110 lbs | 40 ml – 44 ml | 100 mg – 110 mg |
| 110 lbs – 120 lbs | 44 ml – 48 ml | 110 mg – 120 mg |
| 120 lbs – 130 lbs | 48 ml – 52 ml | 120 mg – 130 mg |
| 130 lbs – 140 lbs | 52 ml – 56 ml | 130 mg – 140 mg |
| 140 lbs – 150 lbs | 56 ml – 60 ml | 140 mg – 150 mg |
How Long Does It Take For Benadryl To Work In Dogs?
This drug typically stops working and loses its potency after 1 day. However, it can still have a longer effect in dogs with renal or liver illness.
Before using it, talk to your vet, especially when your pooch has ongoing renal, liver, or cardiac issues.
How Does Benadryl Interact With Other Drugs?
Prokinetic medications (metoclopramide, cisapride) used to treat constipation and other GI issues can become less effective when used with this drug.
Common Side Effects Of Benadryl
Rare adverse effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, high blood pressure, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and changes in appetite can occur in some dogs.
If these symptoms worsen, you should contact your veterinarian.
Watch your dog for any behavioral changes because of side effects from medications. They come within the first hour of taking the medicine.
Additional less severe adverse effects of the drug that dogs may suffer include:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Hypersalivation
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
FAQs
What Are The Alternatives For Benadryl?
You can find many alternatives for this drug if your dogs have allergic reactions or have to face serious side effects.
- Allergies/Antihistamines: The component of the immune system that produces symptoms is histamine. Antihistamines block the activity of histamine. Stinging nettle, Quercetin, and other natural antihistamines are some of the most well-known.
- Anxiety: Essential oils, exercise, grooming, pheromones, music, massage, and vitamins are all-natural ways to reduce anxiety.
- Motion sickness: Herbs with anti-nausea properties, such as peppermint, ginger, fennel catnip, and dill, may help with motion sickness symptoms.
Can I Give Benadryl To My Dog Without Taking It To The Vet?
It’s not recommended. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s symptoms before taking Benadryl. They will guide you on the right type and dosage.
Additionally, your veterinarian will be able to inform you if the drug will interfere with any other medications your dog is currently on.
When to Ask Your Vet About Benadryl for Dogs?
When you see your pooch exhibiting these signs:
- Itching and red eyes, two allergy symptoms, may be indicators of more severe allergies.
- Red, watery eyes may indicate one of the most common symptoms of allergies. Also, glaucoma or dry eyes are other red flags to notice.
- Similar to this, itching is usually linked to skin diseases, including allergies.
Are Any Forms Of Benadryl Safe For My Dogs?
Any other types are considered quite safe for your pet, except liquid ones. However, depending on the pet’s condition, the allergic ingredients will have a more suitable type.
Liquid gel is often considered the safest and easiest to use among the above mentioned types. Please consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dogs to err on the safe side.
Verdicts
Can dogs have liquid gel Benadryl? Yes!
However, remember that it should be liquid gel, not liquid only. The liquid formula can be dangerous to your pet due to the alcohol.
Don’t forget to consult the vegetarian before giving your dogs to know about possible side effects.
Observe your pet 1-2 hours after using this drug to detect signs of danger. Last, don’t ignore the dosage chart above to ensure you use the right dosage.
