Read This Before Giving Your Dog Bonine! (Dosing Info Included)

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Can I Give My Dog Bonine?

Does your anxious dog struggle with motion sickness? Are you wondering if Bonine can help?

Good news!

Meclizine hydrochloride (the active ingredient) is pretty safe for travel-weary canines. In fact, vets prescribe it all the time.

Yup! Bonine has an excellent reputation.

What’s great is that side effects are usually minimal. Your dog can probably handle this drug without any issues.

Nevertheless…

Using this antihistamine on your animal requires that you learn more. Keep reading! 

Dogs Can Take Bonine

These over-the-counter tablets are not dangerous for healthy hounds (when a proper dose is provided).

However…

Bonine’s new dietary softgel supplement is off limits to dogs because ginger (in this type of concentrated form) may be a bit unpredictable.

The other versions (regular and the travel size) are simply Meclizine in chewable form. When necessary, those two products are appropriate for dogs.

Even better…

Instead of OTC Bonine, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe a generic topical formulation.


FYI: Antivert® is another brand name for Meclizine.


When to Avoid Bonine

There are scenarios that require caution despite this antiemetic being considered safe for nauseous-prone dogs.

Canines with the following conditions could be better off without Bonine:

  • Seizure disorders
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Overactive thyroid
  • Heart disease
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Glaucoma
  • Any ailments that cause urinary retention

But that’s not all….

Elderly or young puppies as well as pregnant or nursing dogs may not be candidates for Bonine use. And negative drug interactions should also be considered (when applicable).

Are any of these relevant to your dog?

If so, talk to your vet before giving any amount of Meclizine.

It would not be surprising if they recommend Acepromazine, Cerenia, Dramamine or even regular Benadryl as alternatives.

Size Effects Do Occur

Even safe drugs can cause adverse effects and Bonine is no different.

Your dog could experience:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy (or sedation)
  • Lack of appetite
  • Dry mouth

Reduce a possibility of a bad result by going with a conservative dose. Stick to a reasonable amount by taking into account the dog’s size.

How Much Bonine?

Too easy! Dosing is straightforward…

The general rule of thumb is 1 tablet (25mg of Bonine) given once daily. This works for most adult dogs.

However…

You may want to play it safe by limiting a smaller breed or puppy to a bit less. And very large dogs can perhaps utilize a higher range of between 30-40 milligrams.

So breaking up tablets is something you can do if you want to be more precise.

On the other hand, you really do not need to be exact since Bonine has a wide margin of safety.


Pro Tip: For best results, remember to give your dog Bonine approximately 1 hour prior to travel.


The Bottom Line

Dogs can take Bonine. It comes in handy for preventing or reducing motion sickness or nausea.

Meclizine works and it has a solid safety record (for pets too).

A single tablet is usually sufficient for safely dosing a dog.

But…

Bonine’s new ginger supplement is not recommended. It could upset your dog’s stomach.

What Do You Think? Does Bonine Work For Dogs? Have Your Say Below…

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One thought on “Read This Before Giving Your Dog Bonine! (Dosing Info Included)”

  1. My dog is a 90 pound Rottweiler with chronic kidney failure. She is currently taking Cerenia. The vet thinks that Gravol will make her sleepy. Can she take Bonine at 25mg?

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