Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?

Every responsible dog parent should be cautious about what their dogs ingest, whether food or medicine. While it is always good to never give your dog medication without getting approval from your veterinarian, there are rare cases where over-the-counter drugs may benefit your dog.

There are reports of dog parents giving their dogs Benadryl for seasonal allergies. Some use it to make their dog drowsy and prevent nausea on a car ride. When you hear such reports, a question that may cross your mind is, “how is Benadryl for dogs?” Dr. Michel Selmer, also known as “The Caring Vet,” answered this question in a recent interview.

Dr. Selmer described Benadryl as an antihistamine used as a sedative to prevent motion sickness. Dog parents can use it for anti-nausea and itchiness resulting from an allergic reaction. The medicine can help dry up mucous membranes and prevent coughing.

When asked if Benadryl is safe for dogs or if certain conditions make it unsafe, he said, “Generally speaking, Benadryl is safe.” However, dogs who have had unfavorable side effects when using it or other antihistamine drugs should avoid it.

He advised that dog parents should be cautious when using Benadryl if their dogs have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate or obstructions at the neck of the bladder. Other cases where dog parents should be cautious include high blood pressure, glaucoma, and hyperthyroid disease.

In terms of dosage, Dr. Selmer advises that you consult your veterinarian.