Can Benadryl Help My Dog Stop Itching?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies

, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including: AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org.

How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs?

Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is typically thought to be a fast-acting medication for dogs. You can expect it to take effect in

1 to 2 hours

but often times it will begin to work in under an hour.

What can I give my dog for itching?

  • Coconut oil.
  • Oatmeal baths.
  • Apple cider vinegar and water mix.
  • Chamomile and green tea soak.
  • Baking soda and water paste.
  • Aloe vera gel.

Can I give my dog human Benadryl?

Benadryl Tablets

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 2-3 times a day

.

Can I give my dog Benadryl every day?

You can give your dog Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

2-3 times daily at 1mg per pound of body weight

. For instance, a 12-pound dog can receive 12mg, which is equal to one children’s Benadryl or 1⁄2 an adult dose. A 50-pound dog would need 50mg, or two adult Benadryl. Benadryl may cause drowsiness.

How many Benadryl Can a dog have?

Official Answer. The general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is

2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day

. If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.

Why is my dog itching so much?

Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care.

Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites)

are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs.

What are the side effects of Benadryl in dogs?

The side effects of Benadryl in dogs are similar to the side effects humans might experience with the drug. These include

sleepiness, dry mouth, sluggishness, or urinary retention

. Some less common side effects that may appear include diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, or loss of appetite.

What stops itching fast?

  1. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
  2. Take an oatmeal bath. …
  3. Moisturize your skin. …
  4. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
  5. Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.

Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?

If your dog is still itching, but he doesn’t have fleas or a food allergy,

he may have some environmental allergies to things like pollen or dander

. A nutrition change may not do much in the way of relief, but your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic food to improve your dog’s skin health.

Can I give my dog 50 mg of Benadryl?


You should give 50 mg of Benadryl to a 50 lb dog

, either as two 25 mg tablets, four 12.5 mg chewable tablets, or 20 ml of a Benadryl liquid form (12.5 mg/5 ml).

How long does it take for Benadryl to work?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) starts to work pretty quickly. You can expect to it to kick in within about

15 to 30 minutes

. Its full effects can be felt around 2 hours after your dose. Can diphenhydramine (Benadryl) be used long-term?

Which antihistamine is best for dogs?

Also recommended as an antihistamine for dogs is

clemastine fumarate

. It is one of the most effective antihistamines for dogs that suffer from itchy skin.

Will Benadryl make a dog sleepy?

Dr. Selmer:

The most common side effects of Benadryl are lethargy, dry mouth and urine retention

. Diarrhea, vomiting and decreased appetite are possible, but not common.

Can I give my dog Benadryl to calm him down?


You can give a dog Benadryl, but it is not the best solution for when you need to calm him down

. While Benadryl is generally safe for dogs in correct doses, this shouldn’t be your first option when dealing with a very active, or even an anxious, dog.

Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?


Yucca and quercetin are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel

. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.

How much Benadryl can I give a 10lb dog?

Very Small Dogs (4-10 pounds):

1/4 tablet
Small Dogs (10-20 pounds): 1/2 tablet Medium Dogs (20-30 pounds): 1 tablet Larger dogs: 1 tablet per 25 pounds body weight
Rebecca Patel
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Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.