Benadryl Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Benadryl Dosage Calculator for Dogs - Benadryl dose for dogs by weight

Dosage by weight:

Liquid (12.5 mg/5 mL):

Tablets:

Chewable Tablets:

Benadryl Dosage for Dogs

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is commonly used to treat allergies, anxiety, and motion sickness in dogs. However, it’s crucial to administer the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight to avoid potential side effects.

This calculator helps you determine the appropriate dosage of Benadryl for your dog in various forms, including liquid, tablets, and chewable tablets. The calculations are based on the following formulas:

Dosage by weight: 1g of dog weight = 0.00220462262 mg of Benadryl.
Liquid (12.5 mg/5 mL): 1g of dog weight = 0.000088184905 mL of liquid Benadryl.
Tablets: Tablets = Liquid (12.5 mg/5 mL) / 10 (rounded down to the nearest integer).
Chewable Tablets: Chewable Tablets = Tablets × 2.

Always consult your veterinarian before administering Benadryl to your dog to ensure safety and accuracy.

Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?

The answer is both yes and no — always consult your veterinarian first! 📍

We all know that human foods can be dangerous to our dogs — think chocolate or grapes. Similarly, human medications can be harmful to pets in many cases. Here’s what you should check before giving your dog Benadryl (or any other diphenhydramine-based medication).

Important Considerations Before Giving Your Dog Benadryl

Ensure the medication contains only the active ingredient: Benadryl should be free from additional ingredients like artificial sweeteners, alcohol, or other additives commonly found in human medications.
Check the dose: Always use your dog's current weight to calculate the correct dosage. Do not follow the dosage instructions for humans!
Consult a veterinarian: Your dog’s symptoms may point to a more serious health issue. It’s always better to be safe and get professional advice before administering any medication.
Consider your dog’s health condition: If your dog has any of the following conditions, they should avoid Benadryl:
- Pregnancy
- Low blood pressure
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Glaucoma

Possible Side Effects

If your dog experiences any of the following side effects, stop the medication immediately and consult your vet:

Lethargy
Dry mouth
Urinary retention
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite

Note: If any of these symptoms become severe, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Benadryl Dosage for Dogs

The general dosage of Benadryl is:

1 mg per pound of your dog’s body weight (1 mg/lb)
2.2 mg per kilogram of your dog’s body weight (2.2 mg/kg)

Example: If your dog weighs 25 pounds, the dosage is 25 mg of Benadryl. If you are using liquid Benadryl, check the concentration on the bottle.

Example Calculation (Liquid Benadryl)

Let’s say your dog weighs 25 pounds, and the liquid Benadryl has a concentration of 12.5 mg/5 mL.

Here’s how to calculate the dosage:

25 lbs × 1 mg = 25 mg of Benadryl
12.5 mg/5 mL = 2.5 mg/mL
25 mg ÷ 2.5 mg/mL = 10 mL of liquid Benadryl

So, you would give your dog 10 mL of liquid Benadryl.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Benadryl should I give my 50 lb dog?

For a 50 lb dog, the recommended dosage is 50 mg of Benadryl. You can give two 25 mg tablets, four 12.5 mg chewable tablets, or 20 mL of liquid Benadryl (12.5 mg/5 mL).

How often can I give my dog Benadryl?

Benadryl can be given to your dog two to three times per day, or every 8-12 hours. Do not exceed this limit unless advised by your vet.

How much liquid Benadryl should I give my 20 lb dog?

For a 20 lb dog, you should give 8 mL of liquid Benadryl or one 12.5 mg chewable tablet. Always ensure you’re giving the correct dosage based on your dog's weight.

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