Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include: Drowsiness. Dry mouth. Urinary retention.
It's true that Benadryl may alleviate symptoms for some dogs, but the sedative effects are mild and not nearly as pronounced in dogs as they are in people. So overall, Benadryl is not commonly helpful for dogs struggling with anxiety or phobias.
The correct dosage of diphenhydramine for dogs depends on their weight. A small dog will need much less than a big dog to receive the same positive effects. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound.
Although Benadryl causes drowsiness in humans, it can have the opposite effect on dogs and cause hyperactivity instead of sedation, therefore Benadryl is not recommended for anxiety.
Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include: Drowsiness. Dry mouth. Urinary retention.
Mild sedation: Benadryl can have a mild sedative effect on dogs, which can help reduce anxiety or promote relaxation. Prevention of acute allergic reactions: In some cases, Benadryl may help prevent or manage acute allergic reactions, such as those that can occur after a bee sting or exposure to an allergen.
If using Benadryl as a mild sedative for motion sickness or any sort of thunderstorm or travel anxiety, it's best to think ahead so you can plan out when you give it to your doggo. It will usually take 30 minutes for Benadryl to take full effect, and you want your pup calm and anxious-free.
Benadryl may be a good dog sedative for car travel, as it also helps with mild car sickness. Dry mouth or an increased heart rate are fairly common side effects. Rarely, some dogs will have an atypical response and be excitable rather than sedate.
Dr. Selmer: In dogs, the effects of Benadryl usually last 8 – 12 hours.
Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). They produce less sedation than Benadryl does but could still make your dog drowsy. Warning: Make sure your OTC allergy medicine only contains antihistamines.
Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Valerian is the most widely recognized herbal sedative. It's safe and gentle and calms the nerves. It also promotes physical relaxation. Use it for stressful events or if your dog gets hysterical or overexcitable.
The standard dosage guidelines are 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight two to three times per day. So, if your dog weighs 25 lbs, you can give them a 25 mg dose of Benadryl for dogs every eight to 12 hours.
Benadryl: This mild antihistamine sedative helps calm your pet when it is nervous about clipping its nails. Melatonin supplements: Help regulate body rhythm and help calm down your dog. Natural sedation methods: Herbs like California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, or valerian are natural relaxants.
Should your dog overdose on antihistamines like Benadryl, it could cause acute respiratory depression and fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure that could lead to death. Consult your veterinarian to find the correct dosage for your dog before administering any medication to them.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl® is 2–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9–1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl® per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl® per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times a day.
The most common type of sleep medication given to pets is diazepam (Valium®), although longer acting benzodiazepines may be used (eg temazepam). The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are sometimes treated with a drug called selegiline.
Side Effects. Some dogs actually have an opposite reaction to Benadryl and become more hyperactive rather than sedated. Other side effects include dry mouth, increased heartbeat, issues with urination, and even rapid breathing.
Diphenhydramine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, oral liquid, or liquid injection. The oral formulations can be given with or without food. If your pet vomits after dosing on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat.
Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, and is sometimes used to treat certain hair disorders, cognitive dysfunction and separation anxiety in dogs, as well as sleep cycle disorders in dogs and cats. Generally, it is very safe, with lethargy and stomach upset being a potential issue in cases of overdose.
Sedatives are usually administered orally or injected into a dog's veins; it all depends on the required level of sedation. For oral sedation, acepromazine is most commonly prescribed by vets. Injectable sedatives include Telazol, dexmedetomidine, or a combination of acepromazine and butorphanol.
Side effects of Benadryl in dogs
“The most common side effects of Benadryl are sedation, dry mouth and constipation,” Dr. Evans said. “However, some animals can have an opposite effect and become excited and/or agitated.”
But, Benadryl isn't a good long-term solution for seasonal and environmental allergies. Because it causes drowsiness, this medication can interfere with your dog's ability to enjoy their daily activities.