Car Sickness Medicine for Dogs

Dogs can be like a part of the family. Being part of the family can mean car rides to fun places, but for some dogs, a ride in the car can also mean carsickness. Actual motion sickness is most often found in puppies whose balancing mechanisms aren't quite developed yet. For older dogs though, carsickness is more often associated with stress and can be tougher to treat. Luckily, there are remedies for a carsick pup. Keep in mind that you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.

  1. Antihistamines

    • Most antihistamines have a sedative effect which makes them ideal for a dog who frequently gets carsick. The most commonly prescribed is Benedryl. Experts recommend giving one milligram per pound a half hour before a car ride. So a 50 pound dog, for example, would get 50 milligrams of Benedryl. Antihistamines have the added benefit of reducing drooling.

    Anti-nausea Drugs

    • Anti-nausea drugs, like Dramamine work just as well for dogs as they do for people. Medium to large dogs should get 25 to 50 milligrams, and small dogs 12 milligrams of Dramamine a half hour before a car ride. If you're uncertain of the dosage, check with your veterinarian.

    Phenothiazine

    • For more severe cases your veterinarian might prescribe phenothiazine, an anti-psychotic used on humans that works well as a tranquilizer for dogs. Phenothiazine has the added benefit of reducing vomiting.

    Rescue Remedy

    • If you'd prefer to use natural medicines for your dog there are some options out there. Carsickness in dogs can often be caused by stress. If your dog has only ever been in the car to go to the vet, he may get nervous and make himself sick, so calming herbs might help. Rescue Remedy is often used by people to ease stressful situations; it is also safe for animals and can be used to calm your dog before and during a car ride. As always, it's best to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any over the counter medication.