Hi. My dog always vomits everytime we are on a trip. I just want to ask what meds can be given to him? Is meclizine good or is Metoclopramide better? Thanks.
Motion sickness in dogs is a common problem. Motion or car sickness is more common in younger dogs than adults. The reason may be due to the fact that the parts of the inner ear involved in balance are not fully developed. Puppies will often “outgrow” motion sickness by the time they are about 1 year old.
Withhold food 12 hours before travel. An empty stomach will help reduce nausea and the need for frequent potty breaks that are often unwelcome, especially during long car rides or airplane or train travel. Be sure to provide access to fresh water whenever possible. Water bottles that hang on the carrier’s door are a good option for many pets.
Use a carrier or dog safety harness. Anxious dogs can both hurt themselves and cause accidents. A carrier is often viewed as a “safe place” for many dogs.
Keep the car cool and quiet. Play soft classical music and keep the temperature cool.
Include the sweet smell of home. Add a t-shirt or blanket with your scent to your dog’s carrier. In addition to smelling like home, nothing is cozier than mom or dad’s shirt.
Offer special trip toys. Giving your dog new toys that he only gets to play with when he travels can help him associate travel with fun.
Lavender or dog pheromone (Adaptil®). Aromatherapy and pheromones can calm a tense traveler. Add these scents to your dog’s bedding to help calm his fears.
Calming herbs. Natural remedies, including Bach® flower (Rescue Remedy®), kava, valerian, passionflower, ginger, and skullcap, have been used for decades to ease anxiety and motion sickness.
Anti-nausea medications. Cerenia® (a veterinary-specific prescription medication) and dimenhydrinate (brand names: Dramamine® or Gravol®), and meclizine (brand names: Antivert® and Bonine®). These anti-nausea medications can prevent vomiting in a stressed pet. A single dose of Cerenia® lasts 24 hours. Keep in mind that these drugs only help with motion sickness, not anxiety. Speak to veterinarian to discuss if these medications are appropriate for your dog and to obtain the correct dosages and frequency of administration.
Anti-anxiety medication. These medications may be considered for use in extremely stressed pets only. Alprazolam (Xanax®), trazodone (Desyrel®) or other prescription medications given the night before travel and repeated 12 hours later can relax even the most anxious pet traveler. Many veterinarians will recommend you give a second dose about 2 hours before you embark on your trip. Keep in mind that some prescription medications need to be started several days to a couple of weeks before travel to be most effective. Always follow instructions from your veterinarian carefully.
