If your dog has ever vomited and you have seen a vet, you have probably heard of Cerenia. But what is Cerenia, and how does it work?
In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain everything you need to know about Cerenia for dogs.
Content:
- What Is Cerenia for Dogs and What Does It Do
- Cerenia Dosage for Dogs: Tablets, Injections, and Dosing Charts
- Cerenia Side Effects in Dogs and Safety Considerations
- Conclusion
What Is Cerenia for Dogs and What Does It Do
Cerenia is the brand name for an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) drug called maropitant citrate. It is FDA-approved for dogs and has been used since 2007.
Maropitant citrate, the active ingredient in Cerenia, targets the emetic center - part of the brain responsible for vomiting. The drug works by blocking the chemical signals that trigger vomiting through the emetic center.
Studies show that “A single daily dose of maropitant was more effective than metoclopramide administered two or three times daily in the treatment of emesis caused by various aetiologies in dogs.”
In another study, dogs treated with Cerenia did not vomit or exhibit associated signs, such as retching or nausea.
Cerenia Dosage for Dogs: Tablets, Injections, and Dosing Charts
Cerenia for dogs is available in two forms: tablets and injections. The tablets are slower to act, but are more suitable for at-home use as they can be given by the parent.
The injections are fast-acting and applied by vets in hospital settings. “When using the injectable form, there can be pain or swelling at the site of injection,” warns Jerry Klein, DVM, in an AKC article.
The Cerenia dosage depends on the reason for use. When given to prevent acute vomiting, Cerenia is administered at 2 mg/kg once daily for up to 14 consecutive days, while for motion sickness control, dogs need higher doses of up to 8 mg/kg daily.
Cerenia Side Effects in Dogs and Safety Considerations
Like all meds, Cerenia can cause side effects in some dogs. “Ironically, a common side effect of Cerenia is nausea (sometimes with vomiting or hypersalivation),” says a Reddit user.
The good news is that vomiting, nausea, and hypersalivation (drooling) are not seen in all dogs using Cerenia and are usually associated with high doses.
Other less common side effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Uncoordinated walking
- Convulsions
Always talk to a veterinarian before using Cerenia. The med should not be used in puppies less than 8 weeks old, in dogs with intestinal blockage, and dogs that have ingested toxins.
Cerenia must be used with caution in dogs with heart, kidney, or liver diseases, and in pregnant or nursing bitches.
If you want to learn more about Cerenia for dogs, including potential side effects and safety considerations, check out the Petcube App.
Conclusion
Cerenia is a popular medication used to prevent or stop vomiting in dogs. It is frequently given to dogs with motion sickness and dogs vomiting due to chemotherapy.
Available in injectable and oral forms, Cerenia is easy to use in both veterinary hospitals and at home. If you believe Cerenia could be a fit for your dog, talk to a veterinarian.
Keep in mind that some causes of vomiting require immediate veterinary attention, and using an antiemetic without consulting a vet could be life-threatening.
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