Dramamine for Dogs: A Medication to Help With Motion Sickness

Dogs who experience motion sickness feel miserable. They’ll let you know how they feel with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Vomiting

• Drooling

• Lip licking

• Panting

• Yawning

• Whining

• Restlessness

Fortunately, motion sickness can be managed in dogs with medications like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate).

Read on to learn what Dramamine is, how it works, potential side effects, and more. Let’s dive in.

Dramamine for dogs at a glance

What is Dramamine for dogs, and how does it work?

Dramamine is primarily used in dogs to prevent motion sickness during car rides, airplane rides, or boat rides.

It is sometimes prescribed to prevent nausea in dogs with vestibular disease. This condition causes a sudden loss of balance. But Dramamine is typically not the first medication veterinarians recommend for vestibular disease.

Dramamine is a brand-name version of an antihistamine called dimenhydrinate. It works for dogs by blocking histamine receptors in the gut and brain. This helps a dog feel more balanced and less nauseated.

Dramamine belongs to the same class of medications as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but it works differently. Dramamine is available over the counter in human preparations.

What is the dosage of Dramamine for dogs, and how is it given?

The standard dosage of Dramamine for dogs is 2 mg to 4 mg per pound of your dog’s body weight every 8 hours. A veterinarian will need to calculate the best dosage for your dog. If your dog weighs less than 6 lbs., it’s especially important to get the right Dramamine dosage from your veterinarian.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Dog motion sickness: You’re not the only one who can get motion sickness. If your pup gets nauseated when they ride in the car, this article can help.

• Keep calm, and travel on: If your pup gets anxious when they travel, you’re not alone. Learn some great strategies to take the stress out of your dog’s next trip.

• Dog vomiting: Motion sickness is one of many reasons a dog may vomit. Learn about the most common causes and how you can help a dog who’s throwing up.

Dramamine works best if it is given to dogs 30 to 60 minutes before a car ride or other nausea-inducing event. Dramamine may take longer to work in dogs who have liver disease.

It’s best to give dramamine on an empty stomach. Limiting food intake before car rides can be helpful for preventing nausea. If your dog won’t take the medication, you can hide it in a small treat. You can also talk to your veterinarian about compounding Dramamine into a tasty liquid.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Dramamine?

If you miss giving your dog a dose of Dramamine, give the next dose as soon as you remember. Then adjust your dog’s dosing schedule so that doses remain at least 8 hours apart.

If it is close to the time that the next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Then give your dog’s next dose at the regular time. Never double up doses to catch up on the missed dose.

What are the common side effects of Dramamine in dogs?

The most common side effect of Dramamine in dogs is drowsiness or sedation. This side effect is actually helpful for most car rides. Other side effects can include:

• Dry mouth

• Increased thirst

• Urinary retention (holding urine)

• Hyperactivity instead of sedation

• Poor appetite

• Vomiting

If you notice symptoms of stomach upset in your dog after giving Dramamine, stop using it, and talk to a veterinarian. 

Don’t give Dramamine to dogs if they are going to be engaging in activities that require alertness and focus. If you are taking your dog to training, for example, talk to a veterinarian about other anti-nausea medications that don’t cause drowsiness.

What are the most serious risks of Dramamine for dogs?

In general, dramamine is well tolerated by most dogs with a low risk of side effects. A small percentage of dogs have an allergy to Dramamine. This can result in the following symptoms: 

• Swollen face

• Hives

• Difficulty breathing

• Rash

If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue Dramamine immediately. Then call a veterinarian for advice.

Dramamine is a fairly short-acting medication, meaning it usually wears off within a few hours. Once the medication is out of your dog’s system, symptoms should resolve fairly quickly. But it may take longer in dogs who have liver or kidney disease.

Dramamine should be used with caution in dogs with: 

• A history of seizures

• Glaucoma

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Respiratory disease

• An enlarged prostate

Does Dramamine interact with other dog medications?

Dramamine may interact with other dog medications, including:

• Other antihistamine medications, like diphenhydramine

• Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam

• Opioids

• Muscle relaxants, including gabapentin

• Trazodone

• Anti-seizure medications, including phenobarbital

• Sedatives or anesthesia medications

• Anticholinergic medications, such as atropine or glycopyrrolate

• Levothyroxine

• Omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors

• Tramadol

• Prednisone

• Heart medications, including beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors 

• Allopurinol

• SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and sertraline

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and clomipramine

• Metoclopramide

Talk to a veterinarian before giving your dog Dramamine. This is especially important if your dog is taking other medications. A vet will be able to determine if your dog can safely take Dramamine with their other medications.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, is a well-known international influencer in the veterinary and animal healthcare spaces. She has 16 years of experience in private practice and more than 15 years experience in veterinary media work.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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