Can dogs take Dramamine?

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.

Dramamine is the brand name for the over-the-counter antihistamine dimenhydrinate. Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources 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.

Drug interactions and Dramamine

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.

Health conditions and Dramamine

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:

• Heart disease. Vets advise against giving Dramamine to dogs with cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure or heart murmurs.
• Glaucoma. A potential side effect of Dramamine is blurred vision, which can only exacerbate eye conditions like glaucoma in dogs.
• Epilepsy. Dramamine can trigger seizures in canines and interacts poorly with anti-epileptic medication.
• GI or bladder obstructions. Urinary retention, which makes it difficult to empty the bladder, is a possible symptom of Dramamine. This makes it a bad fit for canines with a history of obstructions in their urinary or GI tracts, as well as dogs with enlarged prostates.
• Asthma. It’s possible that Dramamine may cause mucus buildup in dogs, making it a risk for pups that have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Antihistamine allergies. Dramamine is an antihistamine, so exercise caution around the drug if your dog has shown sensitivities to other antihistamines.
• Pregnancy. If your dog is pregnant, Dramamine may be transferred to pups in their litter. Likewise, a dog who is breastfeeding can pass along the drug through their milk.

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.

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.