Cerenia (Maropitant Citrate) For Dogs: Safe Dosage and Uses

Have you ever seen your dog suffer during a car ride? I tell you from experience, it is heartbreaking to see your pet writhing with nausea and vomiting. When my labrador started to show these symptoms, I felt completely helpless.

Fortunately, my veterinarian recommended maropitant citrate, better known as Cerenia. This medication has been a lifesaver for many dog owners, although I personally have mixed feelings about relying on drugs for issues that might be addressed in other ways.

What Is Cerenia Used for in Dogs?

Cerenia is mainly used to treat nausea and prevent motion sickness in dogs.

“It is an anti-nausea medication that reduces the feeling of nausea and controls vomiting in dogs,” according to Dr. Patrick Mahaney. You can find it in tablet form for at-home administration, especially useful before car trips.

It is also available as an injectable that veterinarians administer, frequently used to prevent nausea before surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Anna Massey notes that Cerenia is used to prevent coughing and even treat pain.

Is It Safe to Administer Cerenia to Dogs?

Although veterinarians consider it safe, I am concerned about the trend of prescribing medications without exploring natural alternatives first. The FDA approved Cerenia for dogs in 2007 and for cats in 2012. In March 2023, they approved the first generic maropitant citrate.

But be careful, it requires a veterinary prescription and you should never self-medicate your pet.

When Can Cerenia Be Given to Dogs

This medication can treat nausea and vomiting from various causes:

• Motion sickness
• Kidney and liver diseases
• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal infections
• Cancer (help with chemotherapy side effects)

However, it should not be used in:

• Dogs under 8 weeks old
• Dogs with liver disease
• Cases of possible intestinal obstruction
• Dogs with heart problems
• Dogs taking antiarrhythmic medications
• Dogs that have ingested toxins

Safe Dose of Cerenia for Dogs

The dosage depends on the weight of the dog and the reason for use. “Dogs with sudden vomiting due to motion sickness require higher doses, while less urgent cases need lower doses,” explains Mahaney.

The average dose is 1 mg/kg for injection and 2 mg/kg for oral administration. Although overdose is possible, the effects are generally not severe.

Cerenia can be administered every 24 hours following veterinary instructions, but for acute vomiting it should not be used for more than five days.

Side Effects of Cerenia

Among the possible negative effects are:

• Decrease or loss of appetite
• Depression/lethargy
• Hypersalivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reaction
• Pain or swelling at the injection site

Cerenia acts quickly: within minutes with intravenous injection, within an hour with subcutaneous injection, and within a few hours orally. Its effects usually last 24 hours in healthy dogs.

While Cerenia may be effective, I wonder if we are becoming too dependent on pharmaceutical solutions for problems that perhaps could be managed with changes in diet or alternative therapies. In the end, each owner must decide together with their veterinarian the best approach for their pet.