Like human beings, dogs, too, experience issues with their health over time.
You have to be on the lookout, particularly when traveling with your dog.
Dogs can develop motion sickness or car sickness.
There’s no need to worry because there are ways to manage it.
If you are unsure what can help your situation with your dog, you can consult a vet.
The vet gives you great ideas on managing car sickness in dogs and gives you guidance on what not to do.
In addition, you get to try methods that work and that are safe for your dog.
The surest way to help manage car sickness in dogs is using medication like Dramamine.
There are few medications that you can give your go without causing harm. Dramamine has approval for human and animal use.
This medication works to ensure that you enjoy road trips with your dog without mess.
It is vet-approved and only requires you to apply for it following the vet’s instructions.
When traveling with your dog, ensure that you have Dramamine at hand to avoid the last-minute hassle,
What is Dramamine?
Before getting this medication, you need to note that it works by disrupting the vestibule system in your dog’s ears.
Its intervention with the system allows a resumption of balance.
For example, traveling disturbs the system, causing your dog to vomit and experience disorientation.
Dramamine doubles up as an antihistamine and anticholinergic drug. Within it are ingredients that have similar characteristics to caffeine that help fight nausea off.
This drug is a more gentle option for other products like it.
Both humans and animals can use this drug.
The only difference in the drug is in the composition.
Vets prescribe it for dogs for these reasons besides the fact that it is a sedative.
The design also ensures that you experience minimal side effects as well.
You can find Dramamine in tablet and liquid form.
Unlike some antihistamines, you need a vet’s prescription to get this one.
Although gentle on the body, it is thorough when it comes to keeping car sickness at bay.
How to know if your dog Needs Dramamine
Overstimulation of the vestibular system in the inner year is what causes motion sickness.
Motion sickness manifests in the form of various signs and symptoms like vomiting and drowsiness.
Since dogs can’t talk like human beings, you might end up missing the fact that your dog has motion sickness.
Dramamine is guaranteed to ease car sickness in your dogs.
The best way to ensure that the medicine is effective is by administering it the first time you notice symptoms.
There are some visible signs of motion sickness that you look out for.
- Unusually frequent Lip Licking
- Vomiting
- Whining
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Uneven breathing
- Heaving
- Trembling
These are the visible signs that will tell you if you should administer Dramamine.
You might miss a symptom like nausea, but vomiting often follows.
Sometimes, past experiences of a dog can be triggers of motion sickness as well.
Your dog’s body language when it’s time to enter or exit the car can tell you a lot about this.
You can take your dog to the vet for further evaluation in that case.
Appropriate Dosage of Dramamine for Dogs
Sometimes you might be traveling with your dog and be oblivious to its state.
If your dog does end up vomiting, then you have to consult your vet before administering Dramamine.
A vet will give you a subscription for your dog after reviewing its weight.
The appropriate propound is two to four milligrams of Dramamine for every pound.
That amount may seem little, but it gets the work done in a matter of minutes.
Administering your dog thirty minutes before you start a journey is also a good idea.
Also, ensure that you follow the vet’s advice to keep the dosage eight hours apart.
The effects of a single dosage of Dramamine should last through to the next time you are medicating your dog.
Therefore, ensuring that you follow the instructions of time gives the medication a better chance of working.
One thing that might work in your favor is feeding your dog before traveling.
It will motivate your dog to empty the bowels on time and prevent you from having to clean a mess in your car.
Side Effects of Dramamine for Dogs
Although gentle when at work, Dramamine has some side effects that are also manageable.
If some side effects cause you concern as a dog owner, reaching out to the vet is the best way to go.
Letting your vet know about what is going on with your dog gives the vet an idea on whether to adjust the dosage or switch the drugs.
You might have to place your dog on more medication to manage the side effects also.
Some common side effects of Dramamine are :
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Dry mouth a
- Water retention
While keeping an eye out for the intensity of the side effects, it is important to note that different dogs have different reactions to medication.
Once you know what to expect, you can know what you have to look forward to every time you travel with your dog.
Since some side effects are quite adverse, it is important to practice caution when administering Dramamine to lactating and working dogs.
Also, some dogs may experience antihistamine allergy; thus, the call for father caution and need to involve a vet.
What To Do When Dramamine is Out of Reach
If you feel uncomfortable giving Dramamine to your dog, there are other measures you can take to manage your dog’s motion sickness.
For instance, you can try making frequent stops. Doing so gives your dog a chance to get in some fresh air and allow the stomach to settle.
You can also try avoiding feeding your dog in the car, especially on short travels.
A little water from time to time will be fine.
Also, you can try distracting your dog with a toy while on the road.
Getting your dog familiar with your car should also help your dog with its car sickness.
Conclusion
Once you recognize what works for your dog, you can ensure comfortable fun trips with them.
It is vital to involve a pet when making decisions about the medication to give your dog.
Watch out for the side effects and their intensity.
If the side effects develop into something serious, ensure that you rush your dog to the vet for evaluation.
Having the right tools before travelling ensures that you enjoy being on the road with your canine friend.
Dramamine is a great alternative for treating motion sickness in dogs.
However, keep in mind that there are other options as well.