Dramamine Side Effects In Dogs!

There is a saying “The best travel partner has four legs and a fluffy butt. We all love to go on a long road trip with our dogs, don’t we? Sky to admire, long silent roads, and a cute little companion. Ahh, too much fun! Did you know that dogs love to explore new places with their favorite humans too?

Even Dave Berry has agreed to this and said “Dogs love to go for rides. A dog will happily get into any vehicle going anywhere.”

We Do Have Many Similarities.

Talking about the similarities, we share one common sickness with them. It is motion sickness! Thinking about it gives us a nauseous feeling, urgh! They also feel dizzy and nauseous, just like we do!

So in short, they are just like us. They get carsick even during short trips in the car. A queasy pup does not sound like a pleasant experience. This is also why expert pet transport services are prescribed for pets. They can afford to work with any time frame, flexible or tight timeframe since their experience has taught them many methods over the years, with which to calm anxious traveling pets.

We agree with our statement where we said, ‘they are just like us’, but it doesn’t mean any human medication will treat their motion sickness as it treats us. But luckily, there is a drug that can help your four-legged pal feel better during a car ride. Want to know what it is? *drum roll intensifies*

It Is Dramamine!

This medication will help you to treat motion sickness in your pup. And you will be surprised to know that many vets recommend this drug to pet owners. We know there are some questions running in your mind like:

 ·         How does it treat motion sickness?

·         What exactly is it?

·         Is it safe?

·         Should I give these pills to my dog?

Think as if Dramamine is a magic potion.

And keep reading this article to know all about it. 

Uncomfortable Moments!

Any long-time pet owner will know when they are feeling discomfort or uneasy. They also know all kinds of health issues their dog have. When in pain, our furry friend suffers just like us. So during that time, how will you help your beloved pet? Don’t get tempted and make a mistake by giving them ordinary medicine.

As we said above, Dramamine is harmless for your pooch, and you can calm your dog by giving this medication. But should you really give this drug to your pet? With that question, it’s time to dig the details!

So, here we go!

Can Dogs Take Dramamine?

Dramamine Side Effects In Dogs

Yes, they can! When everything fails, Dramamine comes to the rescue. Yep, we are talking about the same medicine people take to get rid of motion sickness. And guess what? It works for pets as well.

Consider that if you are a pet parent and ask yourself “Should I Give My Dog Dramamine?” or “Is Dramamine safe for dogs?”

Yes, Dramamine is completely safe for doggies. Many veterinarians use this medication to reduce anxiety and treat motion sickness, and any other symptoms. Now, you know the deal.

Suggestion Time On Dramamine

For starters, you must talk to your vet first. Trust us it is the best way to decide whether you should give it or not. Your vet will not only provide the proper dosage but also give a list of other tactics to help your suffering pet. Moreover, mostly, giving Dramamine to your pooch shouldn’t be a problem.

But, there are some scenarios where you should stop yourself from giving this drug to them. After reading the entire section, you might want to reconsider before giving this medicine without professional guidance.

Research Results

As for now, the medication isn’t approved by the FDA. However, many vets prescribe it to pet owners because it has very few side effects

Your vet will only prescribe this, only if it is a suitable treatment for your four-legged buddy. Some vets also prescribe it for animals who have anxiety issues as well.

Some studies have also shown that it can be used to treat motion sickness. But as we said previously, you should first speak with your vet before using Dramamine.

While doing so, make sure to give the complete medical history to the vet. You are free to ask any questions and talk about the symptoms that you have observed in your pet.

After doing as they say, only then your vet will be able to determine if it is the best treatment for your pup. However, we won’t skip the information about not taking the magic potion. If you got your answers related to safety, then let’s now focus on how this medication works!

Mechanism Of Dramamine Debunked

Are you scratching your head while thinking “How does Dramamine work?” Or “What does Dramamine do?” then, stop thinking and start reading this section. 

Suppose you have motion sickness and traveling with your family. While traveling, your sense of balance originates from the balance inside your inner years.

What Happens Next?

The fluid gets overstimulated and agitated when the vehicle jumps due to potholes, bumps, and curves. Just like humans, dogs go through the same thing. They are no different from us!

Want to know what happens when the fluid moves more than usual? Your dog starts to feel lightheaded and dizzy. In a nutshell, your poor doggo is suffering from motion sickness.

Now, you must be wondering what part Dramamine plays in this. Well, it will trick your dog’s body into not feeling motion sickness.

After giving a small dose, it will disrupt your pet’s vestibular system. But don’t worry, it is not permanent!  Dimenhydrinate acts as a superhero here. It prevents dizziness and treats nausea. It helps to prevent any issues related to body balance.

Thus, the symptoms won’t flare up, and your canine friend will enjoy the trip till the end. They won’t even throw up in the car, so leave all your worries aside.

Dramamine Side Effects On Dogs

Before purchasing any medicine, it is okay to look up possible side effects. If you are a pet owner, then you might have googled “What Are Side Effects of Dramamine For A Dog?”

Well, to be honest, just like any other medicine, Dramamine has certain side effects too. However, they are not harmful to your furry friend. And of course, every pet will react to the dosage differently, so there is also a probability of your pet not showing any side effects.

However, if you have decided to give Dramamine to your pet, then it is important to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t have any major side effects.

Symptoms To Consider After Giving Dramamine

After giving the drug to your canine mate, then see if your pet has any of the below reactions.

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat

These side effects are rare, but more serious ones, so take your dog to the vet immediately if you find any of these reactions. The doctor will find any other alternative treatment that will suit your munchkin better.

Avoid Overdose!

If you have given an overdose, then your dog might go into a coma or suffer from seizures. Aside from these, your dog may also suffer from some common side effects of overdose like:

  • Dry mouth
  • Sedation
  • Urine retention
  • Allergic reactions like hives or swelling

If you notice any allergic reaction or side effects, then call your vet right away.

Dramamine is not advisable if your dog has certain health issues!

There are also certain risk factors for your four-legged buddy who has serious health conditions. We have listed some of the medical problems below.

  • Respiratory disease
  • Urinary obstruction
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Stomach obstruction
  • Allergies or hypersensitivity to antihistamines or Dramamine
  • Seizures
  • Bladder neck obstruction
  • Enlarged prostate or prostate disease
  • COPD
  • Gastric outflow obstruction
  • Lung disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Liver disease
  • Heart disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Prostate disease
  • Geriatric
  • Elevated thyroid levels

Use Dramamine cautiously in pets who are suffering from these above conditions. As long as your pupper does not have these health problems, it is safe to give them this drug.

If your furry friend has these health issues, then it can lead to other problems. so if we were you, we would phone the vet, before giving Dramamine directly.

No Blend With Magic Potion

Be aware of Dramamine’s interaction with other drugs like:

  • Warfarin
  • Sedatives
  • Central nervous system depressants
  • Heparin
  • Anticholinergic drugs
  • May decrease anticoagulant effects
  • Tranquilizers
  • May increase the effects of Epinephrine

Lethargy: One Of The Main Side Effects Of Dramamine

In some cases, your pup might also feel sleepy after you give the dose of Dramamine. If your pet has motion sickness, then you might have surely asked your vet “Will Dramamine make my dog sleepy?”

Our Answer to that is yes, it will! Your trip will be less fun when your dog becomes sleepy after taking Dramamine medicine. And the most common side effect of this medicine is lethargy.

Being a bit sleepy is not bad though. Moreover, people who have taken this medication might have experienced these side effects as well.

Trust us, it is not harmful to your canine mate either. They might become lethargic and act lazy during boat rides, on the plane, or on a train. But that’s it. It won’t affect their sleeping pattern or harm them in any other way.

We just wanted you to be aware of this symptom in addition to other mild side effects like urinary retention and dry mouth.

Dramamine For Lactating And Pregnant Mothers

Many dog owners are always concerned about giving Dramamine to their nursing or pregnant pet. We understand that you are concerned about newborn puppies, but we assure you that the medicine won’t harm the milking mothers and their puppies.

Things To Do After Giving The First Dose!

After giving this medication, make sure to keep an eye on your four-legged buddy. If you see any change in their physical state and behavior or have seen any negative side effects, then leave whatever you are doing and report it to your vet immediately. 

As we stated earlier, it is safe for them, but use it with caution. We don’t want to scare you but avoid giving high doses of Dramamine to them because it might damage the fetuses and embryos. Now, after knowing all the if and buts, let’s jump to the next section!

 Dramamine Dosage For Dogs

You have recently bought Dramamine for your doggie, and you are wondering how many doses you should give to them.

Well, you will get your answers right here.

Below we have listed a few guidelines for the dosage you should give to your dog, so please read it carefully.

Most of the vets will advise you on dosage as per your pup’s condition, weight, and the form of the medication. They will recommend you give a dosage of 2 mg to 4 mg per pound as per your pet’s body weight. Moreover, it should not be administered more than once every 8 hours.

If you are traveling with your pet, then it is best to give them Dramamine half an hour before your journey.

Again, you must consult your vet before giving the drug and take advice from them about the administration.

We are concerned about our reader’s beloved pets, and we would like you to do certain things before giving medication to your four-legged buddy. On that note, here we are with the section of process.

How Is Dimenhydrinate Given?

Are you wondering ‘How much Dramamine can I give my dog?’ Dramamine can be given in liquid or tablet form. It is fine to give it with food as well. Before giving the doses, make sure to measure the liquid forms carefully.

Vets know about dogs more than us, so talk to them before giving them the drug. The doctor will consider all the factors like your pet’s health, age, as well as size.

Indeed, doses do not fit the size of the pets but the weight does!

 Dramamine Dosage By Weight Dog

Don’t take any important decisions by yourself and give medicine to your dog. If you are confused, then your vet is the best person to tell you how much dosage you should give to your dog as per their weight.

Generally, vets will offer Dramamine dosage as per your puppy’s size.

Mostly, professionals will recommend you give a dose of 2-4 mg per pound of your dog’s weight. First, they will tell you to start with lower doses to see whether your furbaby can handle the drugs or not.

For example, if your canine buddy is 50 lb, then the doctor will tell you to provide 100 to 200 mg. And if your dog’s weight is 5 lbs, then you should give 10 to 20 mg.

If you still didn’t understand this math, then leave it up to your vet to decide. 

Effects Of The Magic Potion

After reading the quantity of the dose in the previous section you will be thinking after giving the first dose how long does Dramamine take to work?

Before we answer your question, let us remind you again that you should give this medication half an hour before the car journey.

Now, coming back to your question the medication will work for several hours. If you are planning to use it daily, then we suggest you give it to your pets every eight hours once daily. 

The effects of the medication depend on your pet. Generally, the medication will be in effect for three to six hours on average.

If your pet is accompanying you to your hometown or any other place, then give the chewable tablet with or without food half an hour to 1 hour before the motion sickness begins.

Our Final Thoughts

We have reached the end, and we hope all your doubts are clear now! Even if Dramamine is the most common prescription for dogs, you should always ask before adding any new form of medication. It is likely safe to use if you consult your vet first and give the proper dosage to your dog. 

Let us know if your vet has prescribed Dramamine for your furry mate. Also, tell us if it helped or not. Those who are new can try this medication during the trip and make their pet’s journey more fun.

Your vacation will be a lot less stressful if you have Dramamine. If our advice has helped you in any way, then ask your vet and then give this medication to your pet.

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