How We Use Dramamine for Our Dog on Road Trips
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AI Disclosure: This article was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed and edited by me before publication. I use AI as a writing and research tool while sharing our family’s real experiences and opinions.
If you have a dog who gets carsick on road trips, you know how miserable it can be—for the dog and for everyone else in the car!
One surprisingly simple thing that has helped our dog is Original Dramamine.
Yes, the same little yellow box you may already have in your medicine cabinet.
We originally bought the Dramamine Original Motion Sickness Relief shown here, and it has been something we use for our dog when we’re taking longer road trips. For him, it really seems to help make traveling easier.
Dogs Can Get Motion Sickness Too
Dogs can experience motion sickness very similarly to people. Signs can include:
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Lip licking
- Panting or restlessness
- Whining
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Occasionally diarrhea
The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that motion sickness in dogs is related to conflicting signals involving the inner ear and other sensory systems. Anxiety about being in the car can make the problem worse too. Merck Veterinary Manual
That definitely helped me understand why some dogs can be perfectly happy at home but absolutely miserable once the car starts moving.
The Dramamine We Use
The important part here is that not every product labeled Dramamine contains the same medication.
The regular Dramamine Original Formula contains dimenhydrinate, 50 mg per tablet. Dramamine®
Other Dramamine products may contain meclizine instead, so don’t assume that one Dramamine product is interchangeable with another. The company itself recommends checking the active ingredient on the package because formulations vary. Dramamine®
For our dog, we use the Original Formula, like the one pictured above.
Can Dogs Take Dramamine?
Dimenhydrinate is one of the medications veterinarians use for motion sickness in dogs. It is an antihistamine that can help decrease nausea and vomiting associated with travel. Merck Veterinary Manual
However—and this is important—please don’t use the human package directions to determine a dog’s dose.
Dogs are dosed according to factors such as weight, health history, medications and the exact formulation being used. Ask your veterinarian how much is appropriate for your specific dog and when it should be given.
Veterinary Disclaimer
I am sharing what works for our dog, not giving veterinary advice. Before giving your pet Dramamine or any other human medication, check with your veterinarian for the appropriate product, dose and timing.
This is especially important if your dog takes other medications or has an underlying medical condition.
Why It Has Been Helpful for Us
The biggest difference for us is simply that our dog appears much more comfortable during the drive.
Instead of the road trip becoming an ordeal because he feels sick, Dramamine has made longer drives much more manageable.
And because Original Dramamine can cause drowsiness, some dogs may also become sleepier during the ride. Sedation is a known effect of dimenhydrinate and similar antihistamines. Merck Veterinary Manual
Again, that is another reason to talk with your vet before trying it.
A Few Other Things That Can Help a Carsick Dog
Medication isn’t necessarily the only answer. Merck notes that some dogs improve when they’re gradually conditioned to riding in a vehicle, particularly when anxiety has become associated with car trips. Merck Veterinary Manual
For road trips, I also recommend keeping things simple: give your dog some positive short car rides before a major trip, keep the vehicle cool and comfortable, take regular breaks, and make sure your dog is safely restrained rather than wandering around the vehicle. Merck specifically recommends that pets not ride unrestrained in motor vehicles. Merck Veterinary Manual
For dogs with severe motion sickness, veterinarians also have prescription options specifically designed to treat nausea and vomiting from travel. Merck Veterinary Manual
One Important Shopping Tip
If you’re buying this specifically because your veterinarian has recommended dimenhydrinate for your dog, read the Drug Facts panel rather than simply buying whatever says “Dramamine” on the front.
Look for:
Dramamine Original Formula — Active Ingredient: Dimenhydrinate 50 mg
That is the formulation pictured in this post. Dramamine®
Our Road-Trip Dog Essential
This has become one of those inexpensive little things that is worth remembering before a road trip.
If your dog is the one drooling, panting or getting sick every time the family heads out of town, it’s worth asking your veterinarian whether dimenhydrinate/Original Dramamine might be appropriate for your dog.
For us, it has made traveling with our dog considerably easier—and a much happier experience for everybody in the car.
Affiliate Disclosure
Everyday Wholesome participates in affiliate advertising programs. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a qualifying purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. I only share products that we use, like or believe may be helpful to my readers.
AI Disclosure
Some content on Everyday Wholesome is created or edited with the assistance of artificial intelligence. AI may be used to help organize, research or draft content; however, posts are reviewed and edited before publication. Personal experiences and opinions shared in this article are our own.
Medical & Veterinary Disclaimer
Information on Everyday Wholesome is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet medication, including over-the-counter human medications.
