Cerenia for Dogs Dosing Chart 🐾

Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is a go-to medication for managing vomiting and nausea in dogs. Whether your dog suffers from motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or gastroenteritis, Cerenia is one of the most reliable medications to bring quick relief. However, proper dosing is critical to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.

Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Cerenia for Dogs

• What is Cerenia used for? Cerenia is used to prevent and treat vomiting and motion sickness in dogs.
• How much Cerenia should I give my dog? The dosage is 2 mg per kg (1 mg per lb) of body weight once daily.
• Can all dogs take Cerenia? Most dogs can take Cerenia, but dogs with liver issues or allergies to the medication need special consideration.
• What forms does Cerenia come in? Cerenia is available in tablets and injectable forms.
• How long does it take for Cerenia to work? Cerenia typically works within 1-2 hours after administration.

---

🦠 What Conditions Does Cerenia Treat in Dogs?

Cerenia is primarily used for two key purposes: to prevent vomiting and to treat motion sickness. Its active ingredient, maropitant citrate, works by blocking neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the brain, which prevents the substance P (a neurotransmitter) from causing nausea and vomiting.

Here are the most common conditions Cerenia treats:

• Acute Vomiting: Often caused by gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, or infections.
• Motion Sickness: Helps prevent vomiting in dogs that get carsick during travel.
• Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: Cerenia can also be used to control nausea caused by certain medications like chemotherapy.

💡 Pro Tip: Cerenia is not a cure for the underlying cause of vomiting or nausea. Always consult your vet to identify and address the root cause while managing symptoms with Cerenia.

---

💊 Cerenia Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight: How Much Should You Give?

The dosage for Cerenia is calculated based on your dog’s weight. For acute vomiting, the dose is 2 mg per kg (1 mg per lb) of body weight, once a day. For motion sickness, the dose is higher, at 8 mg per kg (3.6 mg per lb), administered two hours before travel.

Below is a dosing chart to help guide you:

Dog Weight	Dose for Vomiting (1 mg/lb)	Dose for Motion Sickness (3.6 mg/lb)	💡 Tip
5 lbs	5 mg once daily	18 mg two hours before travel	Use a pill cutter for accurate doses in small dogs.
10 lbs	10 mg once daily	36 mg two hours before travel	Administer with food to reduce stomach upset.
20 lbs	20 mg once daily	72 mg two hours before travel	Use multiple tablets if needed for larger doses.
40 lbs	40 mg once daily	144 mg two hours before travel	Cerenia tablets come in 16 mg, 24 mg, and 60 mg strengths for easy dosing.
60 lbs	60 mg once daily	216 mg two hours before travel	Consider injectable Cerenia if giving large doses frequently.
80 lbs	80 mg once daily	288 mg two hours before travel	Consult your vet if dosing more than 80 mg daily.

💡 Pro Tip: Always administer Cerenia at the same time each day if it’s part of a multi-day treatment, and don’t exceed 5 consecutive days unless instructed by your veterinarian.

---

🐶 How Long Does It Take for Cerenia to Work in Dogs?

Cerenia is a fast-acting medication, with effects typically kicking in within 1-2 hours after administration. For dogs suffering from motion sickness, it’s recommended to give Cerenia 2 hours before travel to ensure it has time to take effect.

For acute vomiting, results are often seen even faster, with vomiting controlled or prevented within an hour. Keep in mind that while Cerenia addresses the symptom of vomiting, it may take additional time for the underlying cause (such as a gastrointestinal upset) to resolve.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog doesn’t respond to Cerenia within a few hours or continues to vomit despite the medication, contact your veterinarian. They may need to investigate further for more serious underlying issues.

---

🌡 Is Cerenia Safe for All Dogs?

Cerenia is considered safe for most dogs, but certain conditions warrant caution. Here’s what you need to know:

• Dogs with Liver Disease: Since Cerenia is metabolized by the liver, dogs with liver problems may need adjusted doses or more frequent monitoring.
• Puppies Under 16 Weeks: Use in young puppies can be risky, as their liver and kidneys are still developing. Consult your vet for alternatives.
• Dogs with Allergies: Rarely, dogs may be allergic to maropitant citrate. Watch for signs like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog is on other medications or has a pre-existing health condition, always inform your vet before starting Cerenia. Some medications can interact with Cerenia, affecting its effectiveness or causing adverse reactions.

---

🩺 What Are the Side Effects of Cerenia in Dogs?

While Cerenia is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some dogs. Here’s what to watch for:

• Drooling: Excessive drooling is one of the more common side effects, especially if your dog doesn’t tolerate the taste of the tablet.
• Lethargy: Some dogs may appear tired or less energetic after taking Cerenia, especially during the first few doses.
• Diarrhea: Though rare, some dogs may experience diarrhea while taking Cerenia.
• Appetite Changes: In some cases, dogs may show a decrease in appetite, particularly with higher doses.

💡 Pro Tip: If side effects persist beyond the first day or worsen over time, discontinue Cerenia and contact your vet immediately.

---

🚨 When Should I Avoid Giving Cerenia to My Dog?

There are certain situations where Cerenia should be avoided or used only under veterinary guidance. These include:

• Pregnant or Nursing Dogs: Cerenia has not been extensively studied in pregnant or lactating dogs, so its safety in these cases remains unclear. Always consult your vet before using Cerenia in these circumstances.
• Dogs with Pre-existing Heart Disease: Cerenia may need to be used cautiously in dogs with cardiovascular issues.
• Puppies Under 16 Weeks: Cerenia isn’t typically recommended for very young puppies unless specifically instructed by your vet, as their organs are still maturing.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog is experiencing vomiting or nausea due to a more serious illness, such as pancreatitis or parvovirus, Cerenia may be part of the treatment, but it should never be the only line of defense. Proper diagnostics are essential in these cases.

---

📌 Quick Recap: What You Need to Know About Cerenia for Dogs

• Dosage: 2 mg per kg for vomiting; 8 mg per kg for motion sickness.
• Onset of Action: Works within 1-2 hours for most dogs.
• Forms: Available in tablets and injectable formulations.
• Safety: Cerenia is generally safe, but use caution with dogs that have liver or heart issues.
• Side Effects: Watch for drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your dog receives the proper treatment for their vomiting or motion sickness, leading to a quicker recovery and a more comfortable journey! 🐕✨

---

Q: Can I give Cerenia to my dog on an empty stomach, or should it be given with food?

Cerenia can generally be given with or without food, but many veterinarians recommend administering it with a small meal, particularly if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is prone to nausea from medication. Giving Cerenia on an empty stomach may cause mild discomfort, such as excessive drooling or nausea, in some dogs. A small amount of bland food, such as boiled chicken and rice, can help reduce this risk.

If you’re using Cerenia to prevent motion sickness, giving it with food two hours before travel is often the best approach. This ensures the medication has time to take effect and helps prevent your dog from vomiting during the trip. If your dog tends to become car-sick on an empty stomach, feeding them a light meal beforehand can also help minimize nausea.

💡 Pro Tip: To reduce the chances of your dog rejecting the tablet, you can hide it in a treat like peanut butter or use a pill pocket. This makes administering Cerenia easier and more enjoyable for your dog!

---

Q: Can I use Cerenia long-term to manage chronic vomiting in my dog?

While Cerenia is effective for short-term management of vomiting, it’s not typically intended for long-term use without close veterinary supervision. Cerenia is commonly prescribed for acute vomiting (such as gastroenteritis or after surgery) and motion sickness, but chronic vomiting can signal an underlying health issue that requires further investigation.

If your dog experiences frequent or chronic vomiting, your vet may recommend using Cerenia as part of a larger treatment plan to manage symptoms while they work to identify the root cause. This could involve blood work, ultrasounds, or endoscopy to rule out conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disorders like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

💡 Pro Tip: Using Cerenia intermittently for conditions like motion sickness is perfectly safe. However, if your dog’s vomiting persists or worsens over time, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive diagnostic workup to ensure there’s not a more serious underlying issue.

---

Q: What happens if I accidentally give my dog too much Cerenia?

Accidentally giving your dog too much Cerenia can lead to overdose symptoms, although the medication has a relatively wide safety margin. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Lethargy or extreme drowsiness
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors or uncoordinated movement
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

If you suspect an overdose, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. They may recommend bringing your dog in for monitoring or administer activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids or other supportive treatments.

💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check the dosing chart and your dog’s weight before administering Cerenia. To prevent accidental overdosing, keep medications stored safely and use a pill organizer if your dog is on multiple medications.

---

Q: How does Cerenia compare to other anti-nausea medications for dogs?

Cerenia is often considered the gold standard for treating nausea and vomiting in dogs, particularly because it works by blocking substance P, a key neurotransmitter involved in triggering nausea. Unlike other anti-nausea medications that may simply mask symptoms, Cerenia effectively prevents vomiting at its source, making it highly effective for motion sickness and acute vomiting caused by gastrointestinal upset or chemotherapy.

Compared to other medications like metoclopramide or ondansetron, Cerenia is generally well-tolerated, causes fewer side effects, and has a longer duration of action (typically up to 24 hours). For example:

• Metoclopramide: Primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract’s motility and is more effective for vomiting caused by slow gut motility, but it has a shorter duration of action.
• Ondansetron: A commonly used antiemetic, particularly for chemotherapy-induced nausea, but it’s more expensive and not specifically approved for use in dogs.

💡 Pro Tip: Cerenia is FDA-approved for use in dogs and specifically formulated to address canine vomiting. For motion sickness, it outperforms many alternatives, as it not only prevents vomiting but also reduces the associated nausea, making your dog more comfortable during travel.

---

Q: Can Cerenia be used in cats, or is it just for dogs?

Yes, Cerenia is also approved for use in cats, though the dosing and administration guidelines are different. It’s particularly helpful for managing acute vomiting in cats caused by gastrointestinal upset, but it’s also used to reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy or other treatments.

The oral tablet form of Cerenia is not always well-tolerated by cats, so veterinarians often prefer the injectable form for feline patients. Cerenia injections can be administered by a veterinarian and are typically given once daily.

💡 Pro Tip: If your cat has a history of vomiting, talk to your vet about using Cerenia. In many cases, it can provide fast relief, especially when a single injection is all that’s needed to manage acute symptoms.

---

Q: Is it safe to use Cerenia for a dog with kidney or liver disease?

Cerenia is metabolized by the liver, which means dogs with liver disease may require careful monitoring or adjusted doses to prevent complications. Although Cerenia is generally safe, dogs with severe liver disease or compromised liver function may struggle to metabolize the medication efficiently, leading to prolonged effects or increased side effects like lethargy or anorexia.

For dogs with kidney disease, Cerenia is usually considered safe, but your vet may adjust the dose or frequency depending on your dog’s specific health condition. Since chronic kidney disease can lead to vomiting and nausea, Cerenia is often part of the treatment plan to improve your dog’s quality of life.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog has been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease, inform your vet before starting Cerenia. They may choose to run additional liver function tests or adjust the medication to ensure it’s safe for long-term use.

---

Q: How should I store Cerenia tablets, and do they have a specific shelf life?

Cerenia tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F), away from moisture and direct sunlight. The tablets come in 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg, and 160 mg strengths, and should always remain in their original blister packaging until use to prevent moisture exposure, which could degrade the medication.

The shelf life of Cerenia is typically printed on the packaging, and you should never use the medication past its expiration date, as it may lose effectiveness. If you’re unsure whether your medication is still safe to use, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check the expiration date before administering any medication. For long-term treatments, mark the expiration date on your medication bottle with a reminder to ensure timely refills.

---

Q: Can I give my dog Cerenia and another anti-nausea medication at the same time?

Generally, combining multiple anti-nausea medications is not recommended unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. Cerenia is highly effective on its own, and combining it with other antiemetics like metoclopramide or ondansetron may not provide additional benefit and could increase the risk of side effects, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.

If your dog’s vomiting or nausea is particularly severe or resistant to Cerenia, your vet may explore alternative treatments or recommend other supportive care, such as intravenous fluids or dietary modifications.

💡 Pro Tip: If Cerenia alone isn’t controlling your dog’s symptoms, consult your vet before adding or switching medications. They can tailor the treatment based on your dog’s specific needs.