Sun, 03 May 2026 16:04:04 +0000

From Panic to Harm: The Alarming Side Effects of Overdosing Benadryl on Pets When your furry companion is anxious, panicky, or experiencing an allergic reaction, many pet owners turn to Benadryl (diphenhydramine) as a quick fix. A common over-the-counter antihistamine, it’s widely believed to safely ease stress or mild allergy symptoms in dogs and cats. But while Benadryl can help in proper doses, overdosing on this medication poses serious and potentially life-threatening risks. Understanding the alarming side effects of Benadryl overdose is critical to protecting your pet’s health. ### What Is Benadryl and Why Do We Use It for Pets? Benadryl is an antihistamine commonly prescribed for humans to treat allergy symptoms, itching, or mild anaphylaxis. In veterinary care, some pet owners administer it off-label to calm anxious pets or manage mild allergic reactions under guidance. However, cats and dogs metabolize medications differently than humans, and their bodies are highly sensitive to dosing errors. What appears safe can quickly become dangerous in overdose scenarios.