Diphenhydramine has been around for a long time, and continued research has led to the development of treatments that may be more effective than Benadryl. Although Benadryl is generally safe for dogs, some side effects can occur. Second-generation antihistamines can hardly cross the blood-brain barrier which means that fatigue does not occur. However, keep in mind that it can lead to your dog feeling fatigued. Is Benadryl an Effective Way to Safely Put a Dog to Sleep? - Every Exceeding this dose can cause dramatic side effects, including excitability, rapid heartbeat, seizures, convulsions, or respiratory failure. There are also other effective medications such as Tylenol. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness if a dog needs to be transported long distances. It is VERY IMPORTANT to be cautious with the dosage as an overdose of Benadryl can be lethal to dogs, cause severe neurological and cardiovascular effects or even kill a dog. For a 40-pound dog, this would equate to about 430 to 540 mg, or 9-10 tablets (for tablets with 50mg diphenhydramine note that some tablets are 25mg only). Always use Benadryl in the correct dosage based on your dogs weight, overdosing Benadryl can harm and even kill your dog. Euthanizing a Dog at Home With Benadryl? Just call our helpline and speak to a trained specialist about your options for addiction recovery. Pet Antihistamine Diphenhydramine Dosage Calculator. Can Benadryl Kill a Dog? Understanding the Risks and Dosage Guidelines Learn how your comment data is processed. Before administering Benadryl to treat tumors, ensure you consult your vet on the right doses. A full chewable childrens tablet contains only 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine and can be cut in half for dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds. Childrens Benadryl pills or tablets can be used safely if you ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage. ', https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002636.htm. padding-top: 0px !important; Additionally, liquid medications are absorbed differently than pills, so a different dose may be required. Always consult with a vet before giving your dog any new medication., For acute allergic reactions, its better to use faster-acting methods of reducing itching, such as cortisone creams or shots. Besides, administering Benadryl in more than recommended dosages in the hope of quick results can damage the dogs liver and kidney in the long run.