Dramamine Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Dramamine is a brand name for dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine used mainly for motion sickness. The published dog dose is 4 to 8 mg/kg by mouth, every 6 to 8 hours (Merck Veterinary Manual). Enter your dog’s weight for the amount and a tablet count. Ask your vet first, especially for small dogs, and ask about the right timing before travel.
By Sikander Malik · Updated October 19, 2026 · Sources
Photo: urtimud.89 / Pexels
Tablet strength
Dose from the Merck Veterinary Manual antiemetic table (dimenhydrinate 4 to 8 mg/kg, every 6 to 8 hours). For motion sickness in dogs. Ask your vet about timing before travel.
Ask your vet before giving any medicine, and confirm the amount for your dog.
Typical dose (start low)
1× 50 mg tablet
= 50 mg (about 5.5 mg/kg), every 6 to 8 hours.
An estimate, not veterinary advice. Reviewed against the Merck Veterinary Manual antiemetic drugs table, its Motion Sickness in Animals chapter, and its antihistamine pharmacology notes, October 2026. Medical disclaimer.
Buy the right Dramamine: Original formula only
- “Less Drowsy” (and “All Day Less Drowsy”) is meclizine, a different antihistamine with a different dose. Do not use our numbers for it.
- “Non-Drowsy Naturals” is ginger, not an antihistamine at all.
- Avoid any combination product, such as one that also lists a decongestant.
How much Dramamine can I give a dog?
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is used mainly to prevent motion sickness, drooling and nausea on car or plane trips. The published dog dose is 4 to 8 mg/kg by mouth, every 6 to 8 hours (Merck Veterinary Manual), which works out to roughly 2 to 4 mg per pound. For travel, the Merck Motion Sickness in Animals chapter gives a one-hour-before-travel timing for the related antihistamine meclizine, not dimenhydrinate; ask your vet how long before a trip to give Dramamine. The calculator leads with the lower, cautious amount and shows the full range. Confirm the amount with your vet first, especially for small dogs.
| Weight | Dose per dose | 50 mg tablets |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 19 mg–36 mg | 0.5 |
| 20 lb | 37 mg–72 mg | 1 |
| 40 lb | 73 mg–145 mg | 1.5–2.5 |
| 60 lb | 109 mg–217 mg | 2.5–4 |
| 80 lb | 146 mg–290 mg | 3–5.5 |
| 100 lb | 182 mg–362 mg | 4–7 |
Cats: ask your vet, no dose here
Who should not take it
Talk to your vet before giving dimenhydrinate if your dog:
- has glaucoma;
- has trouble urinating or an enlarged prostate;
- has significant heart disease;
- is elderly or frail;
- is pregnant or nursing;
- is already on another sedative, antihistamine or similar medicine.
It commonly causes drowsiness, and can cause a dry mouth or an upset stomach.
From the first-generation antihistamine cautions in the Merck Veterinary Manual antihistamines for integumentary disease chapter.
Overdose signs
Too much dimenhydrinate can cause:
- heavy drowsiness or, in some dogs, agitation and restlessness;
- a fast heartbeat and dilated pupils;
- a dry mouth, retching or trouble urinating;
- in severe cases, tremors or seizures.
The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that a large antihistamine overdose can cause central nervous system over-excitement that may be fatal. If you gave more than the amounts above, or see any of these signs, call your vet or the ASPCA right away.
If you think your dog had too much
Questions owners ask
How long before a trip should I give Dramamine?
Can I use Dramamine Less Drowsy?
How often can I give it?
Will it make my dog sleepy?
Can I give Dramamine to my cat?
Related tools
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Antiemetic Drugs table (dimenhydrinate 4–8 mg/kg, PO, q6–8h).
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Motion Sickness in Animals (meclizine given about 1 hour before travel; antihistamines ineffective in cats).
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Antihistamines for Integumentary Disease in Animals (first-generation antihistamine cautions and overdose signs).
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).
- Accessed Oct 19, 2026.
An estimate, not veterinary advice. Reviewed against the Merck Veterinary Manual antiemetic drugs table, its Motion Sickness in Animals chapter, and its antihistamine pharmacology notes, October 2026. Medical disclaimer.