Benadryl dosage for dogs calculator explained
This calculator multiplies a veterinarian-approved weight-based diphenhydramine (Benadryl) rate by your dog's mass, then converts the result into regular tablets, chewables, or liquid milliliters. It is designed for quick what-if checks once your vet tells you the mg/kg range and dosing frequency, so you never guess how many tablets make up a full dose.
How the conversion works
For a dog weight (kg) and dose rate (mg/kg), the single dose is
Total daily exposure equals where is the number of doses per day. Tablet counts divide the dose by each strength and round up to whole tablets, while liquid volume divides by the label concentration:
where is tablet strength (mg) and is liquid strength (mg/mL).
Units and conversions
| Quantity | Inputs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog weight | lb, kg | Pounds convert to kg internally via . |
| Dose rate | mg/kg | Typical veterinary guidance is 1-2 mg/kg every 8-12 h. |
| Frequency | doses/day | Keep mg/kg per day per calculator validation. |
| Tablet strengths | mg | Enter whatever chewable or caplet you have on hand. |
| Liquid strength | mg/mL | Common OTC suspension is 12.5 mg/5 mL (2.5 mg/mL). |
Worked examples
- Standard twice-daily plan
A 55 lb dog (24.95 kg) receives 2 mg/kg twice per day.
Two 25 mg tablets provide 50 mg per dose, so daily exposure is mg. With a 2.5 mg/mL liquid, each dose would be mL.
- Small dog using chewables
An 8 lb dog (3.63 kg) takes 2 mg/kg three times daily with 12.5 mg chewables.
One 12.5 mg chewable covers the dose; daily exposure is mg, equal to chewables per day.
Tips and pitfalls
- Always confirm the mg/kg rate, dosing frequency, and contraindications with your veterinarian; do not self-prescribe antihistamines.
- Round doses cautiously for toy breeds; switch to liquid when tablets overshoot the recommendation.
- Watch total daily mg/kg when using extended-release products that already assume 12-hour intervals.
- Keep a log of doses, time, and observed relief to share with your vet if allergies persist.