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Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that is frequently used in the brand-name antihistamine known as Benadryl. Benadryl formulated with just diphenhydramine is a human medicine that can be legally prescribed for extra-label uses for canines as well. It is critical that you check the ingredients on the label as some varieties have additional ingredients such as phenylephrine, which can be dangerous to your pet. It is also important to contact your veterinarian to ensure the proper dosage for your pet, as this can vary somewhat depending on your dog’s health history, size, and other medications.
Benadryl is a well-known brand name utilizing diphenhydramine, one of the earliest antihistamines, and it can be prescribed to dogs to relieve the symptoms of allergy.
Benadryl Poisoning Average Cost
From 313 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
Although Benadryl is generally safe for dogs, some side effects can occur. Side effects usually occur within an hour of administration. They are typically mild and can include:
Overdoses of Benadryl are more often caused by your animal getting a box of the medication from the garbage or medicine cabinet than by being given too much. If you see these signs of an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Types
Along with a version of diphenhydramine by the name of Vetadryl developed specifically for cats and dogs, there are a few other first generation antihistamines that can be used for dogs. These can include:
Chlorpheniramine
- This antihistamine is frequently used in small animal veterinary practice and is less likely to cause drowsiness than some of the others
Clemastine
- Clemastine is classified as an antipruritic (anti-itch), as well as a sedating antihistamine, and is tends to exhibit fewer side effects
Hydroxyzine
- This drug is a more aggressive antihistamine, but also has more potent side effects
Meclizine
- Commonly used to reduce nausea, particularly nausea caused by motion sickness
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Allergies in canines are the defensive mechanism of the immune system which employs specialized immune cells in the dog’s body to defend it against a substance that it sees as an invader. The specialized cells the body uses to protect itself are known as mast cells, and when the immune system is stimulated by allergens, the mast cells release histamine into animal’s system, which has an inflammatory effect on any tissues that it contacts. This results in the dry, itchy, and inflamed skin conditions characteristic of most allergic reactions in canines. Benadryl, when acting as a remedy for allergies, like other first generation antihistamines, blocks the receptors that the histamine would attach to, thereby stopping the reaction to the histamine. However rare, an allergic reaction to the Benadryl itself is possible.
Toxicity resulting from a large ingestion of a product like Benadryl is caused by the overconsumption of ingredients in the antihistamine. Safe under normal circumstances, the overdose of products that cause effects like drowsiness, muscle tremors, and agitation can be dangerous for your pet, leading to poisoning.
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Unless the consumption of the medication was witnessed, the diagnosis of allergic reaction or poisoning is likely to be driven by the symptoms, and supportive treatments will be started as soon as possible. If you see your dog ingest a large amount of Benadryl, or he seems to be having a reaction to prescribed Benadryl, gather as much information about the incident as possible and provide the details to the veterinary team upon arrival at the clinic. The age and weight of your dog will be measured, and a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile will also be completed at the veterinarian's office at this time as well.
Currently, there are no reliable tests that can detect the substance in the blood or urine, so the diagnosis is based on symptomatology and timing. It is helpful to have the packaging on hand. The packaging can help determine the strength of the particular type of Benadryl that your pet consumed, as well as ensuring that toxicity from any additional ingredients is addressed before it becomes a problem.
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If you see your dog consume large quantities of Benadryl, but they remain asymptomatic, your veterinarian may instruct you on how to properly induce vomiting. When you reach the veterinarian’s office the treatment of an overdose of Benadryl, or other antihistamines, is mainly supportive. Activated charcoal may be administered to your pet as well in order to soak up as much of the toxin in the stomach as possible and in some cases, a gastric lavage to empty the patient’s stomach, will be initiated.
IV fluids will most likely be given to prevent dehydration or imbalances in electrolytes, and medications may be given to ease both the tremors and the increased heart rate. It is of particular importance that the temperature is closely monitored so that fevers may be addressed. As overdoses of antihistamines are known to cause a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure, monitoring the functioning of the cardiovascular system is also critical.
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This medication should not be given to dogs with certain disorders as they may exacerbate them. If your pet has any of these disorders, it is important to let the treating veterinarian know before administering any sort of antihistamine. These disorders may include:
Benadryl is also known to react negatively with several types of medication. Alert your pet’s doctor if your dog is taking any sort of other drugs. Medications such as tranquilizers, heparin, epinephrine, or barbiturates are known to interact with diphenhydramine, and can be dangerous when taken in conjunction with Benadryl.
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Benadryl Poisoning Average Cost
From 313 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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Ask a Vet
sharpull terrier
Three Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I gave my dog two tablets however I didnt know my son wanted to help and gave her one as well so she got 3 25mg benadryl the reason i gave it to her was she has bad anxiety when my space heaters turn on and off the clicking noise they make when heating and cooling will she be ok or is she overdosed what do I need to do
Feb. 2, 2021
Owner
Dr. Maureen M. DVM
4 Recommendations
Hi, Sorry about that. He should be fine. The dosage for Benadryl is 2-4mg/kg 2 to 3'times a day. That would be approximately 2.5 tabs at most. He may get diarrhea or vomit but he should be fine. However in case of adverse side effects such as rapid breathing or an increased heart rate please contact your vet.
Feb. 2, 2021
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Chihuahua
Six Years
Unknown severity
6 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
our 15lb dog ate 5 benadryl that fell on the floor...its been 2hrs and he seems fine. Yet I'm am still worried
Jan. 14, 2021
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hello, while that is a little more than his dosage. The main side effect is see is sleepy ness. If he is acting okay I would just monitor him. It should be out of his system in 24 hours
Jan. 14, 2021
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Miniature Schnauzer
Five Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I think I gave her too much. She's panting and breathing hard. What can I do? How long will this typically last. It's been about 30 minutes.
Jan. 1, 2021
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, Benadryl is usually very safe. The typical dosage is 1mg/pound. Depending on how much she had she may need to see a vet. The main side effect is sleeping. This staying in their system for 8 to 12 hours.
Jan. 1, 2021
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n/a
5 Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog ate benadryl. She only it even a pound. She going crazy. Like she hallucinating
Dec. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
4 Recommendations
Benadryl is usually well tolerated by dogs. We give it at a dose of 1mg/1lb. If she has had an over dose and/or is acting very strange, a vet visit is best. They may induce vomiting and start supine treatment such as fluid therapy. Hopefully she is feeling much better very soon.
Dec. 25, 2020
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Pit Bull
Two Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I have a almost 3 yr old 61.2 lb pitbull who I gave 2 25mg pills as directed and now he is breathing rapidly while resting and not focused when awake
Oct. 16, 2020
Owner
Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question. First I would make sure that the only active ingredient is diphenhydramine in the product. If there are other active ingredients I would call pet poison helpline with the ingredient and amount. They will be able to tell you if it is toxic. Otherwise 50 mgs of benedryl is extremely safe in a dog his size. It can cause sedation and grogginess in some dogs though which may be the change in behavior. If you think he is having difficulty breathing, worsening symptoms, or is unable to walk I would take him to a veterinary ER. I hope he feels better soon!
Oct. 16, 2020
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Molly
German Shepard/Labrador
9 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Been giving our pups benadryl for seasonal allergies and tonight woke up to Molly going nuts trying to scratch her face on anything and everything. She's already in a cone for this exact thing. She always gets about a half dose as she's somewhere between 45-50 lbs. Tonight is the first time she's been given a full dosage. Is there anything to worry about with her age? Or that extra five mg if I'm off on her weight? Just have to be sure.
Bella
Pit bull
2 Years
Fair severity
1 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My dog normally gets 3- 25mg of Benadryl before she goes to bed. However, due to lack of communication she was given 2 more. Therefore had a total of 5-mg tonight before bed. That is a 125mg for a 60lb dog. Is she going to be okay!?
Ragnar
Rottweiler
6 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Ragnar has been dealing with what we think are allergies for a long time. He has terribly weepy eyes and hairless spots that are red sometimes. We have been told by some to give Benadryl, 1mg per # twice a day. This would equal to 4+ pills as they are 25mg per pill and he is 110+ lbs. Yesterday I was told by a very dominant person that I was probably poisoning him by giving him so much. He said he only takes one himself and he weighs more than Ragnar. He said I need to give 1-2 a day and it should be plenty and that he works with animals all the time. Also said that no vet would say to give that much. I believe that the dosage we have used is exactly what the vet said 2 years ago. I need a confirmation that we are doing the right thing for Ragnar.
Holly
Beagle
11 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My 11 year old beagle had a grand mal seizure 2 days ago. We rushed her to the vet where she was put on oxygen. The vet said that since this was her 1st known seizure we should just keep a journal and if she had 2 more then they would treat her with meds. The only thing different to her routine was that she had her vaccines a week before. Looking back they gave her 50 mg of Benadryl (she weighs 37 lbs), 2 mg of Dexamethasone, DHPP Booster and Rabies 3 yr booster. Could these have triggered her seizure? She's also on Nexguard and Sentinel.
Ace
Pit bull
1 Year
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I gave Ace 1 25mg tablet of Benadryl, he has separated himself from me and he’s just acting kinda off. This is his first ime taking Benadryl, he’s having an allergic reaction to these treats for dog breath. I haven’t weighed him, but i would say he’s a good 60-70lbs
Benadryl Poisoning Average Cost
From 313 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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