Dramamine® for Dogs: Is It Safe?

People who experience motion sickness are familiar with Dramamine®. While car rides are often exciting for our canine companions, they may be stressful for dogs that develop motion sickness or nausea in the car.

If your dog gets nauseous during car rides, you may wonder: What about Dramamine® for dogs? Is it safe? 

Let's look at everything you need to know about Dramamine® for dogs and whether you can give it to your pet.

What Is Dramamine®?

Dramamine® is a brand name for dimenhydrinate.

Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that’s closely related to diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), though they don’t have the same action in the body.

Gravol® is another brand name for dimenhydrinate.

Dramamine® is an FDA-approved human medicine. Use in animals is considered off-label drug use, meaning the drug is not FDA-approved for pets. Off-label drug use is common in veterinary medicine.  

In dogs, Dramamine® is primarily used to prevent motion sickness and reduce nausea and vomiting. Dogs with vestibular disease may also benefit from Dramamine®.

Despite being an antihistamine, Dramamine® is not recommended for dogs with allergic skin disease.

Other antihistamines, such as cetirizine, may be more effective for itchy dogs.

Antihistamines are not generally as effective as drugs like Apoquel® and Atopica® for treatment of allergic skin disease in dogs.

Is Dramamine® Safe for Dogs?

Dramamine® is safe for most dogs, but it should be used with caution in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to dimenhydrinate or similar antihistamines

• Glaucoma

• Prostate enlargement (prostatic hypertrophy)

• Urinary or gastrointestinal blockage

• Asthma or obstructive lung disease

• Hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid levels)

• Seizure disorders

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

There are no veterinary-labeled dimenhydrinate products available.

However, human dimenhydrinate can be administered to dogs.

Pet parents should use only regular Dramamine®, not the non-drowsy forms that contain ginger, in dogs.

Don’t give products that contain other medications in combination with dimenhydrinate.

When Would a Vet Prescribe Dramamine® for Dogs?

Veterinarians may recommend Dramamine® to pet parents who want to try an over-the-counter option for reducing motion sickness in dogs. Motion sickness is more common in young dogs.

Your veterinarian may also recommend Dramamine® if your dog shows signs of vestibular-related nausea.

In either situation, some veterinarians may also recommend trying Benadryl® because the medication is closely related to Dramamine®.

If your dog develops signs of nausea despite taking Dramamine®, your veterinarian may prescribe another medication, such as maropitant citrate (Cerenia®), to prevent vomiting.

Dramamine® is usually given 30 to 60 minutes prior to travel. The dose is given by mouth and can be given every eight hours.

Your vet will prescribe the right dosage for your specific dog.

Always give your dog their prescribed dose. An overdose of Dramamine® in dogs can cause:

• Overexcitement and seizures

• Coma

• Slow or difficult breathing

• Death

If you know your dog has received more than the recommended amount of Dramamine®, or if your dog is showing any of the above signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If your veterinarian is not available, seek emergency attention for your dog.

Possible Side Effects of Dramamine® for Dogs

Side effects of Dramamine® for dogs include:

• Lethargy and sleepiness

• Dry mouth

• Difficulty urinating

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog:

• Has difficulty urinating or breathing

• Is unresponsive

• Is slow to respond

• Is having seizures

• Appears to be having an allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, collapse)

If your dog develops a severe reaction and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, seek immediate care at the closest veterinary emergency hospital.