Whether you’re on a rocky boat, cruising along a windy road, or hitting turbulence mid-flight, the anti-nausea drug Dramamine is like a knight in shining armor for those who experience motion sickness. But what about our canine companions? Is it safe to give the medication to our queasy dogs?
While Dramamine isn’t approved for pets by the FDA, vets sometimes prescribe it to treat canine nausea. It may even be used to help your pooch manage their allergies. But that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe for all pups. Read on to learn when to give — and when not to give — a dog Dramamine.
🚨 Avoid giving your dog “non-drowsy” Dramamine because it contains an unsafe amount of ginger.
Dramamine is the brand name for the over-the-counter antihistamine dimenhydrinate. (Trusted Source) Although it’s most commonly used to offset the symptoms of motion sickness — such as vomiting and dizziness—it can treat any type of nausea. It works by helping the body maintain its sense of balance. The drug is FDA-approved for humans, but is considered an off-label medication for pets.
Veterinarians sometimes recommend Dramamine for dogs who get motion sickness while traveling by car, train, or plane. Symptoms of motion sickness include vomiting, excessive drooling, or heavy panting. Another reason your vet may want your dog to go on Dramamine is to relieve allergy-induced itchiness or to restore balance to an elderly dog with vestibular disease.
As with any new medication you’re introducing to your best friend, it’s best to monitor their reaction to make sure they don’t experience any adverse side effects. Every dog is different, so just because you know someone else’s pup was fine with it doesn’t mean yours will be.
Because of its sedative properties, the most common side effect of Dramamine in canines is lethargy and drowsiness. This may mean you’ll find your dog sleeping more after taking it, or less eager to play and exercise. It is also known to cause dry mouth, so don’t be surprised if your dog is licking their lips or drinking a lot of water while on it. Urinary retention is also common, making it difficult for dogs to pee.
In more serious cases, a dog may experience vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or even seizures from Dramamine. Visit the vet or seek emergency care as soon as possible if symptoms worsen or persist.
It’s imperative that owners talk to their veterinarian before giving their dog Dramamine to ensure it doesn’t interact poorly with another medication they’re on. Generally speaking, this could include central nervous system (CNS) depressants used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Additionally, anticholinergics like atropine and glycopyrrolate shouldn’t be used in conjunction with Dramamine. Your vet may also want to avoid putting your dog on it if they take certain vitamins and supplements.
In addition to medications, Dramamine can interact poorly with certain canine health conditions. If your dog has any of these medical issues, your vet may advise against giving them the drug:
While it is considered safe for cats to take Dramamine, they should receive a smaller dosage than dogs. If you live in a multi-pet household and your kitty ingests Dramamine meant for your dog, call your vet or a poison control hotline to make sure it wasn’t too much.
How much Dramamine you give your dog depends entirely on their weight. Your vet is the best person to provide guidance on dosage because they can consider your pup’s health history and the severity of the nausea you’re looking to treat.
Generally speaking, small dogs should receive 12.5mg of the antihistamine. Because the smallest dose is 25mg, you’ll need to cut the pill in half. For larger breeds, your vet may recommend between 25 and 50mg. It takes one to two hours for the drug to take effect, so plan accordingly if you’re using it for travel. Once ingested, Dramamine remains in a dog’s system for 24 hours.
🚨 A canine overdosing on Dramamine can experience hyperactivity to the point of inducing a seizure or lethargy to the point of becoming comatose. Seek immediate emergency care if you think your dog has ingested too much Dramamine.
While Dramamine is probably safe for your furry friend, it’s always good to consult your vet and remain cautious before forking it over. If used correctly, the drug can be beneficial for transporting your canine companion. For more travel hacks, read our guides on crates and calming aids.
Because of its sedative properties, Dramamine is known to make dogs sleep more and experience drowsiness or lethargy.
Dramamine is considered generally safe to give dogs with travel sickness, so long as they’re not on any other medications that negatively interact with it. Other canine-friendly motion sickness remedies include meclizine and Benadryl.
While Dramamine can help treat canine nausea brought on by anxiety, it is not meant to manage anxiety by itself.
Dramamine can help restore balance to an elderly dog experiencing vestibular disease. Additionally, owners can create a comfortable space for their dogs to rest and get easy access to their bowls and toys.
Before giving your dog Dramamine, consult your veterinarian regarding dosage. Generally speaking, small dogs can have 12.5mg while larger breeds can have between 25-50mg.
