Are Dramamine for Dogs Effective?

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Like us, dogs can get car sick. In fact, it is fairly common, and instead of being the start of a fun adventure, car rides become uncomfortable for everyone inside. The good news is that some medications can help your dog deal with car-induced nausea.

One of the most popular drugs we can take is Dramamine, so many dog owners wonder if this pill might help their dogs. As a general rule, you should never give your dog any medication without consulting your vet first. Here’s what you should know about Dramamine for dogs.

What is Dramamine?

Before we go into details about Dramamine for dogs, you should understand what type of medication Dramamine is. Dramamine is a human medication (antihistamine) often prescribed off-label to animals with

• allergies,
• motion sickness, 
• vestibular disease.

The active ingredient in it is dimenhydrinate.

Is Dramamine safe for dogs?

One of the first questions veterinarians get from dog owners regarding Dramamine is, “Is Dramamine safe for my dog?” The answer is - yes, Dramamine is safe for dogs. It should help your dog deal with motion sickness and make the car ride a lot more enjoyable for all parties involved. However, talk to your vet before you give your dog Dramamine.

Can Dramamine be unsafe?

Human and animal medications can become dangerous if they’re not given carefully to dogs. It is absolutely crucial you follow your vet’s instructions because wrong dosages can lead to severe consequences. Dramamine is generally safe for healthy adult dogs. However, there are some situations where your dog should not take this medication. Dramamine is unsafe if the dog;

• has an enlarged prostate
• has high blood pressure
• has heart problems
• has seizures
• has kidney or liver issues
• has hyperthyroidism
• has gastric outflow
• has stomach or urinary obstructions

Make sure you talk to your vet about any potential health concern your dog is experiencing. Just because you don’t think something is important doesn’t necessarily mean your vet will agree. You should also mention if your dog is taking other medications or supplements.

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Is Dramamine effective?

Another crucial question dog owners want to know the answer to is, “Is Dramamine effective?” We don’t want to give our dogs something that will have no effect and unnecessarily expose them to medications. Luckily, Dramamine is very effective against motion sickness, vestibular disease, and itching caused by allergies. It even has mild sedative properties, which means your dog will become a lot calmer. That’s why many dog owners give Dramamine to their dogs before stressful events like car rides or grooming appointments.

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Dramamine side effects

Dramamine is considered safe for dogs, but it comes with certain side effects dog owners should be aware of. Unfortunately, there are no drugs that are entirely safe and without side effects, so if you notice some in your dog, you’ll know what to expect. The most common Dramamine side effects in dogs are;

• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness
• Difficult urination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

The last three side effects are extremely rare. If you notice them, call your vet and tell them what happened. You might have gotten the dosage wrong, or your dog might have a really bad reaction.

VET TIP: Dramamine is an antihistamine, so it shouldn’t cause allergic reactions in dogs. However, some dogs can be allergic to it. If that happens, quit giving Dramamine to your dog and call your vet.

Dramamine dosage

Giving your dog the correct dosage is absolutely crucial. You have to measure the pills correctly because overdosing can be very dangerous. The correct dosage will be decided by your vet. After the first Dramamine administration, you can talk to your vet about your dog’s reaction. The vet will determine if you need to adjust the dosage for the maximum effect. The initial dosage of Dramamine for dogs is 1.9 – 3.6 mg per pound of body weight. It is crucial you give a dose every 8 hours and never give more than three full doses in a day.

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Where can I get Dramamine for my dog?

You can get Dramamine in most drug stores. This medication does not require a prescription, so you can simply go into the drug store and get it. However, if you prefer ordering online, you can get it on Chewy. Chewy only has NauseX available, but that drug has the same active ingredient. You can get it here. You can also order it on Amazon.

World Dog Finder team