Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?

As the summer months get in full swing, so do our pet's allergies and their vulnerabilty to insect bites and stings. We may start noticing our dog's eyes becoming matted or see them constantly scratching uncomfortably. These are signs that your pup may be dealing with pollen or swelling from an insect bite. They can exhibit many of the same symptoms we do and and it is just as uncomfortable for them.

We may be tempted to take them to see a veterinarian for relief, but that may not be necessary. Benadryl is a common over-the-counter drug that effectively treats these symptoms well in people, and it can be just as safe and effective for dogs. Most veterinarians will even tell their clients that prescribing special "dog" medicine can be much more expensive than a good dose of Benadryl.

Benadryl is safe for dogs provided it is administered in a proper dosage. The genral rule for a dose is 1 mg for every pound your dog weighs. So, a dog weighing 15 pounds should only ingest 15 mg of Benadryl every 8 hours until the symptoms disappear. Just like in humans, some pets my experience side-effects, so keep a close eye on them. If anything seems to be abnormal, don't hesitate to contact your local veterinarian office.