My puppy gets really nervous on car rides, not always.. But when he does he gets pretty shaky. I'm going downstate tomorrow and was recently told that you can give dogs Dramamine, I don't have time to consult my veterinarian, so I thought to ask on here.

He's not very old yet, only three months.. So I'm not to sure, but I wanted to ask in case.

Also, if it is okay.. How much should I give him? Half a pill, a quarter pill?

Any input would help, thanks guys! :)

The dog experts will be here online soon. Hang in there.

We can't recommend that you give your pup medication of any kind. Surely you have enough time to call your vet before leaving. It only takes a few minutes.

Tick

If I remember correctly, that drug is prescribed by a vet. You do not want to give your dog human medicine. It will cause nervous system problems among various other nasty things you don't want your pet to experience.

Typically all you have to do is call your vet, and if you take your dog there on a regular basis you might not have to take your dog in for an exam.

This drug is not approved for dogs. So if you happen to have some, you will be at a high risk of giving the wrong dosage. Call your vet. There is always time to talk to them about things like this.

Thanks for the informative response, I was edgy about it in the first place.. Just thought I'd ask in case it was something that was known to be done. I don't plan on giving him any over the counter drug, that's for sure. I'm planning on scheduling a vet appointment for next week to learn more. I'm just leaving in the morning, so thought I'd check it out.

Thanks again.

He's still a baby too. I'd be super cautious because of that alone.

Dramamine or meclazine is frequently given to dogs for car sickness. But, a puppy this young is something for your vet to decide. In hind sight, it would have been easier to gradually introduce car travel to your pup. What you may do, even yet tomorrow, is to go through the prelims and hopefully he will adapt to a long ride more easily.

Start: If he is OK with sitting in the car, start it and see if he handles that. Without moving, vary the engine speed. If still OK, move the car maybe just back and forth in the drive. Then, around the block.. no where so far that you can't get back to 'safety' shortly. If possible, stop frequently to let him out for a walk, on leash of course. If he hasn't finished his puppy shots, try to avoid obvious places where other dogs have gone.

Sometimes it's the inability to understand why the scenery is moving but the dog isn't that is upsetting. Others, maybe the sensation of moving without the effort... the "What's going on" worry.

Try to be upbeat about the new adventure with him, or at least unconcerned. Don't give him any support for his feeling uneasy.

Also, take food and water, but don't give him any of either just before leaving... maybe a little a couple hours before. When (not If... think positively) he settles down, you may consider a little more food, but keep it just a little, but more frequently. And some water.

Good luck on the trip. Think of it as an adventure for both of you?

Thanks so much Pale, I appreciate the input. What you explained is similar to what I've been doing so far.. I've been taking him with me on all my short drive, such as to my moms and to the store. He's been doing okay, but he has moments where he'll get a little uneasy. I took him on a ride with us today, and he did a lot better then usual, so hopefully that's a good sign.

I will definitely use your advice on the food and water, thanks again!

Thank you, and that's great news to hear that he is fairly well used to riding. Dogs can tell really quickly whether a ride is going to the vet's, or somewhere more fun. (wonder why?)

One thing that is safe for dogs is ginger.
Ginger is a great natural remedy for car sickness in dogs and humans.

A friend of mine had a dog that would vomit every time it got in the car, she started giving some ginger biscuits half hour before the trip and it really seemed to help.
You can get ginger tablets, but a lot of dogs love the biscuits so it doubles as a treat.

All great advice, I agree that at his age your vet would be the one to guide you because he has access to his medical well-being. If I am reading correctly he may be apprehensive about the ride so the short trips are a great idea, to ensure him that all is well. I've never used ginger in dogs, but as for myself I find that is a good way to help control nausea. Definitely worth looking into, But be warned it may make him a little gassy. Oops! But so what if you have to roll down the window occasionally, fresh air is a good thing.

All very good advice. I agree that given your pups age your vet would be your best guide because he has access to his record of medical well-being. If I am reading correctly he seems a bit apprehensive about the rides so the short car trips are a great idea. I have never given ginger to a dog but I do know that for myself it is a great way to help control nausea, Well worth looking into. Fair warning though it may make him a little gassy, Oops! But so what if you have to crack a window, fresh air is a good thing.