Updated September 22, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Veterinarians have several effective anti-nausea medications for dogs. The most widely used is maropitant (brand name Cerenia), which is approved for dogs and works against many causes of vomiting, including motion sickness. Others include ondansetron and metoclopramide. Which one is right depends on why your dog is nauseous, so a vet visit comes first. Vomiting can signal something as simple as eating grass or as serious as a blockage, pancreatitis, or poisoning. Don’t give human nausea medicine without your vet’s direction.
Signs of nausea in dogs
- Drooling and repeated lip-licking
- Swallowing or gulping repeatedly
- Turning away from food, or approaching the bowl and then walking away
- Restlessness, pacing, or eating grass
- Retching or vomiting
Anti-nausea medications vets use
- Maropitant (Cerenia). Approved for dogs to prevent and treat acute vomiting and to prevent vomiting from motion sickness. It blocks substance P, a chemical that triggers vomiting, so it works against a wide range of causes. It’s available as a tablet or injection. It isn’t used in very young puppies.
- Ondansetron. Often used for severe vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy. It is not effective for motion sickness.
- Metoclopramide. Reduces nausea and helps the stomach empty. Vets avoid it if a blockage is suspected, because it increases gut movement.
- Medications for travel anxiety. When nausea in the car is driven by fear, your vet may add an anti-anxiety medication.
Your vet will choose the drug and dose for your dog’s size, age, health conditions, and other medications. These drugs control the symptom; your vet will also look for and treat the cause.
What about human medications?
- Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which is related to aspirin. It can cause problems in dogs with bleeding disorders or ulcers, interacts with some medications, and turns stool black, which can hide signs of bleeding. It should never be given to cats. Ask your vet first.
- Dramamine or Benadryl are sometimes suggested by vets for motion sickness, but doses differ for dogs, and some versions contain other ingredients. Use them only with your vet’s instructions.
- Never give ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen for an upset stomach. They can cause stomach ulcers and kidney or liver damage in dogs.
Safe at-home care for mild stomach upset
If your adult dog vomits once or twice but is otherwise bright, drinking, and acting normally:
- Offer small amounts of water often rather than letting them gulp a whole bowl.
- When your vet agrees, offer small, bland, low-fat meals, such as boiled skinless chicken breast and plain white rice, for a day or two, then slowly return to the regular food.
- For motion sickness, try short practice trips, a well-ventilated car, facing forward in a secured crate or harness, and a light meal a few hours before travel instead of a full stomach.
Ginger is often suggested online. There’s limited evidence for it in dogs, so treat it as unproven and ask your vet before trying it.
When to see a vet right away
- Vomiting more than a couple of times, or vomiting that lasts more than a day
- Blood in vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- A swollen or painful belly, or retching without bringing anything up (a possible sign of bloat, which is an emergency)
- Your dog may have eaten a toy, bone, sock, medication, or poison
- Lethargy, weakness, diarrhea, or not keeping water down
- Puppies, seniors, and dogs with existing conditions
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog Cerenia without seeing a vet?
No. Maropitant is prescription-only. Stopping vomiting without finding the cause can hide a serious problem such as a blockage.
How fast do anti-nausea drugs work?
Many start working within an hour or two. For car rides, your vet will tell you how far ahead to give the medication.
Why is my dog nauseous but not vomiting?
Nausea often comes before vomiting, and some dogs feel sick without vomiting. If lip-licking, drooling, or appetite loss continues, see your vet.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Drugs Used to Control or Stimulate Vomiting
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Motion Sickness in Animals
- dvm360: Maropitant, a novel treatment for acute vomiting in dogs
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.