Give 1mg of Benadryl per pound such that if your dog weighs 30 pounds, you should give it 30 mg of Benadryl. Talk your veterinarian - while antihistamines are generally safe, there are the potential for side effects particularly if your dog has chronic organ failure (renal failure, liver failure, congestive heart failure, etc.).
1 Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain.  Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Usually the cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. It can be mild or severe. Most cases are mild. You may have flu-like symptoms. With a mild case, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids, and a pain reliever. Severe cases need immediate treatment.