Like humans, dogs and puppies are susceptible to car sickness. The condition is typically caused by over-stimulation of the inner ear, though with dogs it can also be caused by stress or lingering trauma from unpleasant experiences such as a car accident. Dogs may start salivating, yawning and rapidly panting or pacing, followed by vomiting. Many dogs can be conditioned to travel in a car but others require medication.
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Acepromazine
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Acepromazine is a sedative formulated specifically for animals and can only be bought with a prescription from a veterinarian. Some veterinary formulations include the brands PromAce (Fort Dodge) and Aceproject (Vetus). Acepromazine modifies the chemicals in the dog's brain and could result in excitement or severe aggression rather than sedation. As such, the dog must be carefully monitored and not be left alone with young children. Other side effects include lowered blood pressure and lower body temperature, so the dog should be kept warm. The dog's third eyelid may also elevate but this is reversible and not a cause for concern. Acepromazine is not recommended for boxer breeds as it may cause arrhythmias of the heart or for dogs with seizure disorders as it can initiate or worsen a seizure.
It can be administered orally or by injection. Acepromazine is typically orally dosed at 0.5 to 1.5 mg per pound and 0.01 to 0.1 mg per pound by injection. Never give the same dose by injection as you would orally.
Diphenhydramine
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Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine normally used to treat allergic reactions to insect bites or drugs. It also can be used to treat motion sickness and vomiting. Human formulations of this drug include Benadryl and Bonine, but there are no veterinary formulations. A veterinarian may suggest Benadryl or Bonine to treat a dog's car sickness. Owners should not medicate their dogs with diphenhydramine without first consulting their vet. In dogs, this medication is usually dosed 0.5 to 2 mg per pound orally, two to three times daily.
Dimenhydrinate
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Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that targets the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for detecting motion. By inhibiting stimulation from reaching the vestibular system, it prevents over-stimulation of the inner ear that results in dizziness, nausea and stumbling. This drug is registered for use with humans and has no veterinary formulations. Dramamine or another generic preparation may be suggested by a vet for treating a dog's car sickness and should only be used with a vet's consent. Typically, dimenhydrinate is administered at 4 mg per pound, three times daily.
Phenobarbital
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Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that is typically used to treat seizures but also can be used as a sedative to ameliorate car sickness. It has no veterinary formulation but a vet may prescribe this drug to treat a dog's car sickness. It cannot be bought without a prescription. Some of the brands include Luminal (Winthrop-Breon) and Barbita (Vortech). It is dosed in "grains," which is approximately 60 mg. It is available in 1/4 grain, 1/2 grain, 1 grain and 100 mg tablets. Dogs are typically given 1 to 2 mg per pound, twice daily.
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