Weight loss after Diphenhydramine in dogs

The FDA has received 162 reports of weight loss in dogs after Diphenhydramine. That is 3.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

162Reports
67%Marked serious
9.9%Recovered
19%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
31 25%
1–2 days
22 17%
3–7 days
18 14%
1–4 weeks
15 12%
Over a month
40 32%

How the animals did

Recovered
11 6.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 3.1%
Still unwell when reported
72 44%
Died
7 4.3%
Euthanised
24 15%
Not known
43 27%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
9
1–3 years
28
4–7 years
51
8–11 years
48
12+ years
24

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Diphenhydramine cause weight loss in dogs?
162 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 5 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Weight loss with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Diphenhydramine in dogs · Medicines most reported with weight loss