The typical dosage of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for dogs is about 1 mg per pound of body weight , given two to three times a day. For example, a 10-pound dog would receive approximately 10 mg of Benadryl per dose

. In metric terms, this corresponds to about 2 to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight , administered up to three times daily

. Here is a general dosing guideline based on weight (mg per dose):

Dog Weight (lbs)| Typical Dose (mg)| Frequency
---|---|---
5| 5| 2-3 times per day
10| 10| 2-3 times per day
20| 20| 2-3 times per day
30| 30| 2-3 times per day
50| 50| 2-3 times per day
100| 100| 2-3 times per day

For liquid Benadryl (commonly 12.5 mg/5 ml), the dose can be calculated by dividing the dog's weight in pounds by 2.5 to get the volume in milliliters. For example, a 10-pound dog would get about 4 ml of liquid Benadryl

. Important considerations:

• Always use Benadryl formulations that contain only diphenhydramine. Avoid products with other active ingredients like acetaminophen (Tylenol), alcohol, or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs

• Do not use time-release capsules, as they can cause overdosing

• Consult your veterinarian before administering Benadryl, especially for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with other health conditions

• Monitor your dog for side effects such as drowsiness or lethargy, which can vary by individual and dose

In summary, a safe and practical dose is about 1 mg per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times daily , but always confirm with your vet to ensure safety and appropriateness for your dog's specific situation