Can Gravol Kill a Cat? Dosage, Risks, and Alternatives
You’re here because you failed to calm your cat during a car ride. My cat is the same way—motion sickness constantly kicks in despite my efforts to calm her. Can Gravol kill cats?
About six years ago, I discovered that Gravol could safely be used on cats without any problems, except if your cat has a sickness that Gravol could worsen (more on that later in the article). Gravol could also kill your cat if the wrong dose is given.
This essay will explain how Gravol can kill your cat, the dosage, and the better sedate.
Can Gravol Kill A Cat?
Yes! Gravol(dimenhydrinate) can be fatal to cats if they are given or exposed to large dosages.
Since Gravol is an antihistamine meant to relieve motion sickness in people, cats should not use it.
Our cats metabolize differently than we do, so medications we can safely take may be dangerous for them. Gravol can cause seizures, mortality, and nervous system depression if administered incorrectly.
If ginger or Feliway fail to soothe your cat during travel, most vets recommend Gravol.
How Much Gravol To Give A Cat?
The Gravol for cats dosage will be dependent on the size, health status, and weight of your feline friend.
A 10- or 11-pound cat should have 12.5mg, half an adult’s dose. The medicine should be given an hour before travel to be effective.
The effects of Gravol should last 8 hours max. Gravol usually doesn’t harm cats, but it can cause dizziness, tiredness, and vomiting. Before your vacation, test this medicine at home to see how your cat reacts to it to avoid unforeseen symptoms.
In addition to “Do Not Overdose” diseases of the kidney, liver, heart, lungs, or prostrate, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, antihistamine allergies, COPD, seizures, or an enlarged prostate make your cat unsuitable for Gravol.
Symptoms of Gravol poisoning in cats
If you give this medication without following the dosage guide below or your vet’s instructions, or if your cat accidentally got into your stash, it could be poisoned.
You must know the symptoms of poisoning to intervene quickly, which depend on the amount consumed:
Loss of coordination
Gravol can cause cats to lose coordination and balance. They will stagger and have problems walking straight, and this is a result of the drowsy side effect of Gravol at certain levels.
Lethargy
Your cat will show less interest in things that excites it or their usual routines, they will also feel weak and appear to lack energy.
Loss of Appetite
The cat may refuse to eat or show less interest in food. A sudden decrease in appetite can be concerning, especially if your cat is usually a hearty eater.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
Gravol has the potential to impact the heart, causing an elevation in heart rate or irregular heartbeat patterns. If you observe your cat’s heart beating at an unusually accelerated pace or in an irregular manner, it is crucial to promptly seek veterinary assistance.
Seizures
In severe cases, the cat may have seizures or convulsions.
Dry Mouth or Increased Thirst
If your cat seems to have a dry mouth or is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign that the medication is affecting them in some way. Excessive thirst or a dry mouth may indicate that there is an issue with how the drug is affecting your cat.
Gravol or Benadryl for cats?
Gravol treats motion sickness, whereas Benadryl sedates cats at 12.5mg.
I asked you to undertake a home trial because these two medications don’t always work.
Acepromazine works well and will sedate your cat during your trip: This pure sedative is effective, but your cat’s reaction can be unpredictable due to how they metabolize medications.
FAQS
Can You Give A Cat Gravol For Travelling?
Yes, that is one of the major reasons cats are given Gravol an hour before travel, to help prevent or reduce motion sickness, while on a trip with your cat.
Can You Give A Cat Gravol For vomitingÂ
Before giving your cat Gravol, find out why it’s vomiting.
Your cat vomiting may be due to nutritional concerns, digestive troubles, illnesses, or toxins like creeping Jenny or mugwort. or potentially dangerous illnesses. Administering Gravol without understanding the root cause might obscure the issue and postpone appropriate treatment.
But if the need of using gravel when your cat is vomiting is a result of motion sickness, then yes… It is a great choice if used as directed.
Is Gravol Safe For Cats? – Final Thoughts
Gravol was designed for humans, but feeding your cat a baby’s dose wouldn’t hurt it unless it has underlying conditions that could interfere with it.
To prevent overdose, store gravel carefully and out of reach like everything else in your home. For cats with motion nausea after taking Gravol an hour before travel, try pure sedatives such Acepromazine. If you have questions or submissions, feel free to contact us, or use the comment box.