Yep, dogs can suffer from allergies, too, and oddly, Bulldogs seem to be more prone to it. If you’re a new owner, knowing the right Benadryl dosage for Bulldogs and all dogs is worth knowing. Thus, here is a few tips plus a dog Benadryl dosage chart to help you give your pup the correct amount of Benadryl
There are different anti-histamines in the market. New ones often come in non-drowsy forms but Benadryl, or Diphenhydramine, is the most widely used. This medication is used to treat not only in humans but animals as well. It proved to be very effective and is sometimes used as sedative for anxious dogs.
Use of Benadryl for Dogs
Just like in humans, Benadryl has many important uses in dogs. Here are the different conditions that can be treated with Benadryl:
- Itching,
- Allergies,
- Anxiety (Separation Anxiety, Firework Anxiety, etc.),
- Motion sickness,
- Hyperactivity,
- Bee stings or insect bites,
- Allergic reactions to vaccinations,
Aside from the ones mentioned above, Benadryl can also be used to help dogs with mast cell tumors. While Benadryl does not cure these tumors, it can reduce the dangerous effects of having excessive histamine in the body. This medication also helps in controlling the dog’s blood pressure and appetite.
Dog Benadryl Dosage Chart
For dogs, the common dosage of Benadryl is 1 mg/lb to be given every 8 to 12 hours. For special cases – like snake bites –a single dose can be doubled to 2mg/lb. Do note that this Benadryl is for the variant with the Diphenhydramine active ingredient. Benadryl sold in the United Kingdom has a different active ingredient called cetirizine and it may require a different dosage.
If you’re looking for the correct Benadryl dosage for Bulldogs, you will have to determine the Bulldog’s weight first. After weighing, you can check the chart below as a guide:
Side Effects of Benadryl in Dogs
Dogs given Diphenhydramine may experience some side effects including:
- Looking a bit spaced out,
- Slow and sluggish movements,
- Urinary retention
- Drowsiness and sleepiness,
- Urinary retention,
- Dry mouth.
Is Benadryl harmful for dogs with other health conditions?
If your dog – or if you suspect your dog— has glaucoma, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, it’s best to put Benadryl down.
Remember, it is always better to consult your vet to determine the real cause of the signs your Bulldog is showing. What you thought to be an allergic reaction may be something else.
When to take your Bulldog to the veterinarian
Benadryl should only be given to mild and moderate allergies. It is very important to take your Bulldog to the veterinarian if his face is swelling. This is a severe allergic reaction. It can spread to the throat and lungs, leading to allergenic asthma or anaphylaxis.
