Yes, giving a dog too much Benadryl can definitely be harmful. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that is commonly used to treat allergies in both humans and dogs. However, it is important to be very careful with dosing when giving Benadryl to dogs, as overdosing can lead to serious side effects.
What are the dangers of giving a dog too much Benadryl?
Some of the most concerning side effects that can occur if a dog gets too much Benadryl include:
- Sedation – Benadryl is sedating. Excessive doses will cause severe drowsiness and lethargy.
- Incoordination – Too much Benadryl can cause a dog to become very uncoordinated and stumble or fall over easily.
- Tremors and seizures – High doses of diphenhydramine are associated with tremors and seizures in dogs.
- Coma – In very serious overdose cases, dogs may fall into a coma.
- Breathing issues – Benadryl overdoses can lead to slowed or labored breathing.
- Heart problems – High doses can negatively impact heart rhythm and blood pressure.
- Death – In severe cases, Benadryl toxicity can be fatal.
What dose of Benadryl is safe for dogs?
The safe dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1-2 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times per day. Some examples of safe Benadryl dosages for dogs are:
- For a 10 pound dog: 10-20 mg (1-2 pills) every 8-12 hours
- For a 25 pound dog: 25-50 mg (2-3 pills) every 8-12 hours
- For a 50 pound dog: 50-100 mg (4-6 pills) every 8-12 hours
Always check with your veterinarian before giving any medication, including Benadryl, to make sure you have the right dose for your dog. Never give your dog more Benadryl than is prescribed without consulting your vet.
What are some signs of Benadryl overdose in dogs?
Some signs that your dog may have gotten too much Benadryl include:
- Very strong sedation or inability to wake up
- Drunken gait, falling over or other serious loss of coordination
- Rapid heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Skin flushing
If your dog displays any of these signs after being given Benadryl, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. An overdose of diphenhydramine can be life-threatening and prompt treatment is needed.
What should I do if my dog overdoses on Benadryl?
If you realize your dog has been given or accidentally ingested too much Benadryl, seek veterinary care right away. Things you can do include:
- Call your vet, emergency clinic, or poison control hotline immediately.
- Induce vomiting if advised by your vet and the overdose was recent.
- Bring the medication bottle/packaging with you to the vet.
- Monitor your dog closely for signs of sedation or agitation. Keep him/her awake if possible.
- Supportive veterinary care may include:
- Activated charcoal treatment to reduce absorption
- IV fluids to help flush out the drug
- Medications to increase blood pressure
- Anti-seizure medicines
- Oxygen therapy
With prompt veterinary treatment, many dogs recover fully after a Benadryl overdose. Try to stay calm, and get your dog medical attention as quickly as you can.
How can I prevent my dog from overdosing on Benadryl?
Here are some tips to keep your dog safe when giving Benadryl:
- Carefully follow dosing guidelines provided by your veterinarian. Never estimate or guess the dose.
- Calculate your dog’s dose based on his/her exact body weight, don’t go by rough size estimates.
- Double check your math when measuring the dose.
- Use an oral syringe or liquid medication to precisely measure the quantity.
- Keep Benadryl safely locked away where your dog cannot get into it accidentally.
- Never give your own medication to your pet without first consulting your vet.
- Monitor your dog after each dose for any signs of over-sedation or other side effects.
Conclusion
Benadryl can be safe for dogs when given in the proper dosage. However, it is critical to calculate the dose precisely based on your dog’s body weight and only give the amount prescribed by your vet. Signs of too much Benadryl include strong sedation, loss of coordination, seizure, and agitation. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect an overdose. With careful dosing and monitoring, the risks of Benadryl toxicity can be minimized. Be sure to keep all medications secure and out of your dog’s reach.