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My dog has itchy skin. Can I give him over-the-counter Benadryl?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 9 months and 10 days old | 64 lbs

Hello, My 64 pound mixed Lab 4 years old has itchy feet, chest, and his face can get itchy. No loss of hair, but pink skin shows through. He has been taking a pill, but I was wondering if he could have over the counter Benadryl. I heard others have used it on their dogs.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2018

You should really have your dog examined by a veterinarian to find the cause of the itching, whether it is an allergy, or infection. As for giving your dog benadryl, you should contact your vet's office for a recommendation as we are not in a position legally to give out dosages. In order to do legally so we would have to have a patient-veterinarian-owner relationship with you. Your veterinarian also knows your dog and the potential risks for your dog receiving this medication.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ranger. Poor boy! Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to give the dose information for any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. You will need to give your vet a call to see if it's safe to give him, and the vet can give you the dose. You can try giving him an oatmeal bath to see if that helps temporarily relieves his itching. Best of luck.

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