How Often Do I Give My Dog Benadryl For Itching?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight,

two to three times a day

. However, this dosage can vary depending on your dog’s medical conditions.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for itching?


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. Make sure that the Benadryl you’re giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.

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.

Why is my dog still itching after Benadryl?

These factors include

fleas, staph (bacteria) or yeast (fungal) infections, and food allergies

. If you’re noticing an increase in your dog’s scratching, they may have developed one or more of these flare factors that are pushing them over their “itch threshold” despite being on anti-itch medication.

How many days in a row can I give my dog Benadryl?

Follow your vet’s guidelines for any creams or gels. You can give Benadryl to your dog every eight to twelve hours, so about

two to three times per day

. If you use the product frequently, it may begin to lose effectiveness over time. In most cases, it’s better to administer medication before exposure to allergens.

What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?

  • Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment. …
  • Vet’s Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs. …
  • Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hydrocortisone Spray Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Soothing Medicated Dog & Cat Spray. …
  • Dr. …
  • Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief Dog & Cat Spray.

How often can you give dog Benadryl?

You can give Benadryl to your dog

every eight to twelve hours

, so about two to three times per day. If you use the product frequently, it may begin to lose effectiveness over time. In most cases, it’s better to administer medication before exposure to allergens.

How much Benadryl can you give a dog chart?


Very Small Dogs (4-10 pounds):


1/4 tablet

Medium Dogs (20-30 pounds):


1 tablet

Larger dogs:


1 tablet per 25 pounds body weight

How much Benadryl can I give my dog chart?

How many mg of Benadryl do I give to the dog? A standard dose of Benadryl for dogs is

one mg per one pound

, or 2.2 mg per one kilogram. If you prefer to use pounds, multiply the dog’s weight by 1 mg: dog’s weight in lb × 1 mg.

What will Benadryl do to a dog?

Benadryl is an antihistamine that

blocks the H-1 receptors on smooth muscle and blood vessels

. Taken orally, Benadryl can be mild to moderately effective for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms. Vets commonly use it to treat environmental allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings.

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 is the best antihistamine for dog allergies?

Best allergy medicine for pet allergies
Claritin (loratadine)


10 mg orally once per day

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Allegra (fexofenadine) 180 mg orally once per day, or 60 mg twice per day Get coupon Zyrtec (cetirizine) 5 mg and 10 mg tablets (also available as a syrup and chewable) Get coupon

Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for dog itching?


Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well

. Just be aware that Benadryl has sedative properties, so your dog could get very drowsy. Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

How can I get my dog to stop scratching and itching?

  1. Eliminating parasites. There are a variety of flea and tick products that your veterinarian can recommend. …
  2. Changing foods. …
  3. Using medication. …
  4. Preventing the behavior. …
  5. Addressing anxiety or boredom.

What happens if I give my dog too much Benadryl?


Aggression and agitation

can also be a symptom of Benadryl overdose. Other potential side effects include: Severe lethargy. Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure.

Can I use Benadryl instead of Apoquel?


Many pet owners use Benadryl to treat their dogs’ atopic dermatitis instead of Apoquel

. Benadryl (generic name Diphenhydramine) is a staple in most home medicine cabinets and first-aid kits. Due to this, it is sometimes more convenient to stop an itch than other medications.

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.

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.

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.

How long does Benadryl last for?

Benadryl is quickly absorbed after oral administration and peak effects are reached within one hour. The effects of diphenhydramine last from

four to six hours

. Benadryl in the injectable form has a rapid onset of action. When used as a night-time sleeping aid, the usual dosage of Benadryl is 50mg at bedtime.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.