Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? While Benadryl can be fatal to dogs, there are several critical medical and legal aspects to consider. Benadryl is a poor approach to euthanize dogs in general, and we’ll discuss some better alternatives in this post.
What is Benadryl poisoning?
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that is often used in the allergy medication Benadryl. Benadryl, a human drug containing solely diphenhydramine, can also be used as a supplement for dogs.
Check the ingredients on the package because some contain additional substances such as phenylephrine, which can be harmful to your pet. It is also critical to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is receiving the correct dosage, as this dosage may vary somewhat depending on health history, size, and other drugs.
Benadryl is a well-known brand that contains diphenhydramine, one of the first antihistamines, and can be administered to dogs to alleviate allergy symptoms. Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? Continue reading this post.
Symptoms of Benadryl poisoning in dogs
Although Benadryl is generally safe for dogs, some side effects may occur. Side effects usually occur within an hour after taking the medication. They are usually mild and may include:
- Depression
- Drooling
- Excitability
- Lack of appetite
- Breathe quickly
- Fast heartbeat
Overdoes of Benadryl are common when your pet gets the canister from the trash or medicine cabinet and consumes too much. If you notice any of these overdose symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Combative
- Agitation
- Shortness of breath
- Rampage
- Asleep
- Fever
- Hypertension
- Muscle tremors
- Red eyes
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? The next part will help you have answer.
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs?
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? Yes, if given in large enough dosages, Benadryl can kill a dog.
In one study, a dog died after consuming two bottles of diphenhydramine with a total of 40 tablets at a maximum dose of 111 mg/kg body weight (BW).
How much Benadryl will kill a dog? According to one study, the fatal dose of Benadryl for dogs when delivered intravenously is between 20 and 30 mg per kg.
In dogs with pre-existing diseases such as heart disease, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement, less than this quantity can create further difficulties and possibly be deadly.
Benadryl causes hypotension and seizures in dogs, followed by respiratory failure and heart dysfunction.
Risk of accidental or intentional poisoning when using Benadryl for dogs
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that is available and fairly inexpensive to purchase. This easy accessibility makes Benadryl both a blessing and a curse.
Risk for accidental dosage
Benadryl may also be a curse since dogs can simply get into a bottle that has been left on the counter and consume an excessive amount of the medication. Dogs, being opportunistic creatures, readily accept drugs. Every day, multiple veterinarians and pet poison control centers receive calls from dogs who have consumed over-the-counter or prescription medication.
Dog owners may also give their pups inappropriate Benadryl dosages because calculating the correct dosage is difficult. This is frequently due to the fact that this OTC drug is developed for humans and comes in 25mg and 50mg pills, making dosing problematic for dog owners, according to Pet Poison Control.
Risk of intentional poisoning
Benadryl could be used deliberately to hurt or kill a dog in the worst-case scenario. When we think of poisoned dogs, we generally imagine them ingesting rat poison, antifreeze, restricted-use insecticides, dark chocolate, and xylitol.
Dogs may swallow these toxins accidently, or they may be purposely introduced into the dog’s surroundings by being added to the food that the dog consumes. There have also been incidents of dogs being deliberately poisoned by medications designed for human or veterinary use, whether acquired by prescription or over-the-counter.
Although it may sound horrible, there are websites that provide advice on how to put your dog to sleep at home using sleeping tablets containing the active chemical diphenhydramine. It is critical to underline that giving dogs over-the-counter sleeping medicines including Benadryl in excess can make the dog sick and uncomfortable. That was not a good death. Furthermore, allowing a dog to commit suicide is illegal in many nations.
What should I do when my dog accidentally eats too much Benadryl?
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? It is advised to visit your veterinarian if your dog accidentally eats a double dose or more of Benadryl.
If ingestion occurs within two hours, contact your veterinarian immediately for a timely resolution. Aside from that, you should have your Benadryl bottle and your dog’s weight available because you will be asked about these.
If your dog consumes an excessively large amount, you may be told to induce vomiting with 3% hydrogen peroxide. To be safe, use the recommended amount because too much can cause stomach ulcers. It is critical to exercise caution since unintentional inhalation can result in aspiration pneumonia.
If you are uncomfortable doing this or your dog is too sleepy, take him to an emergency veterinarian once, where he may be given an apomorphine shot to induce vomiting. Even if it has been more than two hours, you should still take your dog to the vet.
Important considerations regarding the lethal dose and overdose risks of Benadryl
There are important reasons why we should not use Benadryl to put our dogs to sleep, including the following:
Benadryl will cause your dog unnecessary pain
Benadryl is fatal to dogs because it can produce severe neurological and cardiovascular consequences such as hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat, seizures, convulsions, or respiratory failure. Your dog will die in agony as a result of this. As we will show below, there are far more humane ways to euthanize your dog.
Most veterinarians will sedate your dogs before euthanasia to offer a painless experience
Prior to getting the euthanasia medicine, your veterinarian will ensure that your dog is sedated and not in discomfort.
The procedure must be performed by a veterinarian in the majority of US jurisdictions
In most circumstances, dog euthanasia in the United States is strictly controlled and can only be performed by a veterinarian professional or euthanasia technician to ensure a painless and effective process for the animals.
What is the treatment for Benadryl overdose in dogs?
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? Currently, there is no antidote that can reverse the effects of diphenhydramine overdose in dogs. As a result, treatment is primarily supportive. Guaifenesin (to control seizures) and supportive hydration therapy are used to treat Benadryl poisoning in dogs.
Furthermore, charcoal can be employed to avoid or at least reduce absorption. If your dog consumes Benadryl, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. When therapy for Benadryl toxicity in dogs begins early, the chances of recovery increase dramatically.
In conclusion – Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs?
Lethal dose of Benadryl for dogs? The answer is yes if your pet using too much. If you suspect your dog has overdosed on diphenhydramine or observe symptoms. In addition, please call your veterinarian, nearest emergency clinic, or pet poisoning hotline. Treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and may include induction of vomiting, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and muscle relaxants.
