Liquid Benadryl dosage chart for dogs (mL)
| Dog weight | mg (usual) | mL of 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lb | 3 mg | 1.2 mL |
| 5 lb | 5 mg | 2 mL |
| 8 lb | 8 mg | 3.2 mL |
| 10 lb | 10 mg | 4 mL |
| 12 lb | 12 mg | 4.8 mL |
| 15 lb | 15 mg | 6 mL |
| 20 lb | 20 mg | 8 mL |
| 25 lb | 24.9 mg | 10 mL |
| 30 lb | 29.9 mg | 12 mL |
| 40 lb | 39.9 mg | 16 mL |
For dogs over 40 lb, tablets are cheaper and simpler. See the full dosage chart.
Check the label before you pour
- Strength: make sure it says 12.5 mg per 5 mL. Some "infant" products are more concentrated, and the chart above would then be wrong.
- Active ingredients: diphenhydramine only. No phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen.
- Inactive ingredients: no xylitol (also called birch sugar). Sorbitol and sucrose are fine.
How to give liquid to a dog
Draw up the dose in a 5 or 10 mL oral syringe. Slip the tip into the pouch of your dog's cheek, behind the canine tooth, and squeeze slowly so your dog can swallow. Follow with a treat. Many children's liquids are flavored, so most dogs take them happily.
Frequently asked questions
How many mL of children’s Benadryl can I give my dog?
About 0.4 mL per pound of body weight at the usual dose (1 mg per pound with a 2.5 mg/mL liquid). A 10 lb dog gets about 4 mL and a 20 lb dog about 8 mL.
Is children’s Benadryl safe for dogs?
The diphenhydramine is. The risk is in the other ingredients: avoid products with xylitol, and avoid "plus" or decongestant formulas. Some liquids also contain alcohol, which is best avoided for small dogs.