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Dramamine is one medication that has been proven to be equally effective and secure in humans as in canines. Dramamine or Gravol, which contains the active component dimenhydrinate is highly effective for canine anxiety. But it is necessary to consult the veterinarian before giving Dramamine to your dog. Keep reading to know about the safe dosage of Gravol/Dramamine for managing the anxiety of your dog.
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Can You Give a Dog Gravol/Dramamine for Anxiety?
Yes, Gravol/Dramamine is recommended for dogs’ anxiety. Its chemical composition makes it the perfect solution for the dog. When everything else fails, pets can benefit from the same medication that people take to prevent motion sickness when driving, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
These medications act as CNS depressants, which can help calm an agitated or anxious dog. It’s crucial to understand that medication interactions are a constant possibility. Therefore, before giving your dog any medicine, even one as seemingly harmless as Dramamine, it’s crucial to see your veterinarian.
Gravol/Dramamine Dose for Dogs by Weight
The maximum daily dose of meclizine in Dramamine is 25 mg, taken only once. 2/4 mg per pound is the standard dose. Only three times a day, separated by eight hours, should be administered. It is usually preferable to administer too little rather than too much medication when in question about the dosage. Giving them the medicine 30 minutes in advance is preferable if you’re utilizing this for travel.
Only oral administration of this drug is recommended. It might be difficult to get your dog to consume pills. You may try a few different things to make this procedure as simple as possible. With the aid of a pill popper, you can place a pill deep inside the dog’s mouth. Your dog may have some little discomfort, but it won’t last long. You can try to conceal the tablet by putting it in food or using a pouch.
It’s crucial to see your veterinarian before administering your dog Dramamine if she has specific medical issues. If your dog has any of the following conditions, she should not be given Dramamine without first consulting a veterinarian:
- Blockage of the bladder neck
- COPD
- Prostate growth
- The obstacle to the gastric outflow
- Heart condition
- elevated blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- Spectral-band glaucoma
- Disorders of seizures
Does Gravol Make Dogs Drowsy?
Dramamine is to blame if your dog feels sleepy after taking the medicine because it is one of the most frequent adverse effects. The effects of this quick-acting medicine should wear off after 24 hours. However, they may last longer in animals with liver or renal illness.
With continued usage, side effects will become less prevalent. However, the classic formulation frequently causes drowsiness, dry mouth, and urine retention. Meclizine’s more uncommon adverse effects might include hyperactivity, a quick heartbeat, dry eyes, and sedation. Another frequent side effect is sedation.
The maximum dose for dogs using the All Day, Less Drowsy formula or other Dramamine products containing meclizine should be 25 mg, and there should only be one dose per day.
Other Dog Anxiety Medications
Before the medication’s full efficacy in treating dogs becomes apparent, they often need to be treated for around four weeks. After an appropriate response is seen, therapy must continue for at least two more weeks. While some dogs may ultimately wean themselves off anti-anxiety drugs, others need ongoing care. The medications listed below, however, are some alternatives to Dramamine for treating canine anxiety.
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Alprazolam for Situational Anxiety
Alprazolam may also be used for various forms of situational anxiety, and it is frequently recommended for dogs that experience anxiety during thunderstorms. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family of sedatives, which reduce activity in specific central nervous system regions (the precise mechanism of action is still unknown). It is frequently prescribed as an anti-anxiety drug, sedative, muscle relaxant, or seizure activity suppressant.
If feasible, provide the medication before the first indication of anxiety for best results. Tablets of alprazolam are used for administration. They can be taken with or without meals.
Clomipramine for Separation Anxiety
Dog separation anxiety is the first condition for which clomipramine has been FDA-approved. It can be dispensed for further forms of anxiety. It is a tricyclic antidepressant that functions similarly to amitriptyline. Up to two months are required to assess whether it is advantageous for a dog, and many weeks of usage are required before a therapeutic impact can be observed. Tablets containing clomipramine are prescribed and can be taken with or without meals.
Lorazepam for Situational Anxiety
Whenever possible, lorazepam should be given to dogs in advance of an event that is known to cause anxiety. The drug can also be given at the earliest sign that a dog is becoming anxious. It is a member of the benzodiazepine class of sedatives, which work by depressing activity in certain parts of the central nervous system (the exact mechanism of action hasn’t been identified).
Lorazepam is usually dispensed in the form of tablets or liquid (given with or without food) to treat anxiety. However, it may also be given by injection or via other routes in certain situations.
Paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety
Numerous anxiety-related behaviors, such as violence, fear of sounds, and self-mutilation, can be treated with paroxetine (pulling fur out or licking skin compulsively). It belongs to the SSRI class of drugs, which act by raising the levels of the brain’s serotonin neurotransmitter. The medication can be taken orally with or without meals and comes in tablet or liquid form.
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