Last Updated on
Are you wondering if your dog could benefit from an antiemetic to prevent or reduce nausea or vomiting?
In truth, this type of medication may help when you need to prevent your pet from getting sick during a car ride.
Yup! The right antiemetic will reduce your dog’s feelings of motion sickness.
That said, canine queasiness can often be treated without an antiemetic—especially if the underlying issue is anxiety-related.
What is certain is this:
It is too risky to use a leftover supply. You need the right drug and proper dosage.
Only Give Your Dog an Antiemetic With Your Vet’s Prescription
Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate are commonly used on pets for this purpose.
By contrast, Maropitant is an FDA-approved antiemetic for dogs. It is marketed by a company called Zoetis under the trade name Cerenia.
Unlike emetics, which can induce your dog to vomit, antiemetics suppress that unpleasant gag reflex.
But the thing is meds made for humans, by and large, come with higher relative risks for animals.
Three Alternative Solutions
Some pets love a good car ride and will happily stick their head out of the window.
Other dogs don’t like travel one bit and tense up before the puking begins.
Feeling super frustrated?
Consider getting a Thundershirt instead of relying on an antiemetic like Bonine or Emetrol.
The vest works! Many owners are surprised to see their anxious dogs feeling safer and more secure while traveling with a Thundershirt on.
Another option is to pick up duck-flavored calming chews. They’re a quality anxiety relief treat that worked well for our best buds!
Last but not least, a great technique is to simply utilize a quality pet carrier.
Even More Antiemetic Meds
Antiemetics commonly prescribed by veterinary professionals include Thorazine and Zofran in addition to Maropitant or Cerenia.
They work well, are relatively safe and usually don’t cause much sedation. They do require a prescription.
OTC products that contain either Bismuth subsalicylate or Dramamine can achieve the same results, but you should still consult with your vet.
Serious Cases Such as Cancer
An injectable antiemetic may be necessary if your dog is frequently vomiting as a result of chemotherapy treatment.
While such situations are very sad, injections of Cerenia can greatly improve quality of life for canines dealing with cancer.
Chlorpromazine, which is a phenothiazine derivative, is another drug to consider for chronic nausea or vomiting. This one works by blocking the nervous system’s dopamine receptors.
Again, talk to your vet in order to get your dog the best treatment possible.
The Bottom Line
Antiemetics work on dogs too.
And sometimes it makes a lot of sense to provide one, particularly before travel.
Lots of over the counter medications, directly or indirectly, actually fall into this drug category. But, if possible, get a vet to prescribe the right antiemetic and follow their detailed guidance.
Otherwise, go with a non-pharmaceutical solution to reduce your dog’s motion sickness or nausea. Safe travels!