What can I give my dog for motion sickness?

Drugs.com

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Common over-the-counter medicines your veterinarian might recommend to help prevent motion sickness in your dog include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), meclizine (Bonine), or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Doses are based on your dogs weight, so ask your vet for a recommendation.

Motion sickness in dogs

Most dogs love to go for a ride in the car. But like us humans, some dogs experience motion sickness. Longer trips may be more difficult than shorter ones on your canine friend. Cars, planes, and boats can all lead to symptoms. Trips on a boat can trigger sea sickness especially in puppies. Cats can suffer from motion sickness, too.

Pets with motion sickness may begin drooling, act nauseated or develop vomiting or diarrhea. You may need to reconsider bringing your pet on trips if they are prone to motion sickness.

Some vets might recommend these human over-the-counter (OTC) products, but at specific doses used only in dogs. Do not use these products in dogs with glaucoma, prostate gland enlargement, and certain stomach, thyroid, seizure, or heart disorders.

  • diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • meclizine (Bonine)
  • dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

    • Dog doses are based on their weight, so ask your vet if these products are appropriate for your 4-legged friend. These drugs may cause drowsiness or hyperactivity, too, so beware about dog safety in the car, especially if your friend is fond of hanging out the window.

    OTC antihistamines like Benadryl may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the product label carefully to be sure it only contains the antihistamine.

    Prescription products like Cerenia (maropitant citrate) are also available for motion sickness in dogs, and your vet may prefer this product specifically for dogs.

    Always consult with your veterinarian about any medicine for your dog or other pet. Human prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine may not be safe for your pet.

    Related medical questions

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords