Cerenia for Dogs

If you have a dog that struggles with motion sickness or a sensitive stomach, you know how distressing dog vomiting can be. Whether it’s frequent dry heaving or an occasional upset belly after digging through the trash, dog nausea is a common problem. For repeated or long-lasting issues, an antiemetic like Cerenia for dogs can be life-changing. Cerenia is the most widely used canine anti‑vomiting medication, and the only drug that is FDA-approved for the treatment of vomiting in dogs. 

What is Cerenia for Dogs?

Cerenia for dogs received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2007 to treat vomiting and motion sickness in dogs. Before that, veterinarians had to rely on “off label” medications to treat canine nausea, meaning human drugs that were not specifically approved for use in dogs.

Since Cerenia is specifically designed for dogs and FDA-approved as an effective treatment, most vets now prefer it for managing canine nausea and vomiting.

You’ll find Cerenia in both injectable and oral forms. Both forms of this canine anti-emetic are stocked in nearly every veterinary clinic throughout the United States. Cerenia injection for dogs is commonly used to help hospitalized pups or dogs too nauseated to take pills. Oral Cerenia tablets are a popular option for easy administration at home, especially for preventing travel sickness or managing ongoing nausea.  

What Does Cerenia Look Like?

Oral Cerenia for dogs comes in small, oval tablets, scored for easy splitting in case a pet needs a half-tablet dose. Each tablet bears the imprint “MPT” and the strength in milligrams (mg), to help ensure accurate dosing.

Injectable Cerenia is a clear liquid medication that comes in an amber-colored bottle.  

How Does Cerenia Work in Dogs?

Cerenia works by blocking the effects of Substance P, a key neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in vomiting. 

When something occurs in the body that triggers nausea, whether that is fear, anxiety, motion sickness, gastrointestinal disease, or exposure to a toxin, Substance P is released to trigger vomiting. Cerenia prevents Substance P from binding in the brain, which prevents vomiting.

Because it acts in this way, Cerenia is effective against nausea due to a wide variety of causes. 

Interestingly, Substance P also plays a role in canine coughing. So vets sometimes use Cerenia for dogs off‑label to soothe chronic bronchitis by reducing cough reflex.   

What Is Cerenia Used for in Dogs?

Vets prescribe Cerenia for dogs to address nausea or vomiting associated with a variety of conditions, including:

• Motion sickness
• Gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea due to a variety of causes)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Parvovirus
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Cancer treatment side effects

Additionally, Cerenia’s anti-cough effects have led some veterinarians to use it in the treatment of chronic bronchitis in dogs. Although Cerenia is not labeled for use in this manner, there is enough evidence of its benefits that some veterinarians will use it off-label for challenging cases of chronic cough. 

Cerenia for Dogs Side Effects

Cerenia for dogs is generally safe and rarely associated with severe side effects. 

The most common side effect associated with injectable Cerenia is pain at the injection site; many dogs act as though the injection stings or burns. Most veterinarians store Cerenia in the refrigerator, which appears to decrease the stinging sensation associated with injection. 

Less common side effects associated with Cerenia (in its oral or injectable form) include: 

• Diarrhea
• Anorexia (no appetite)
• Lethargy
• Incoordination
• Very rarely, allergic reactions (swelling of head/face, anaphylaxis)

Cerenia has a wide margin of safety. Even with doses exceeding the recommended dose, side effects are rare. Additionally, this medication only remains in the body for 24 hours, so side effects are typically short-lived. 

If your dog experiences any side effects or new signs of illness while taking Cerenia, contact your veterinarian. 

Reactions With Other Drugs and Medications

Cerenia for dogs may can interact with other drugs or supplements. If your dog is taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements, talk to your veterinarian before giving Cerenia.

Cerenia Dosage for Dogs

Your dog’s Cerenia dosage is determined by the goal of treatment and your dog’s weight. Higher doses of Cerenia are required to treat motion sickness, while lower doses can often be used to treat other causes of vomiting. 

As for Cerenia dosing for dogs frequency:

• Motion sickness – give at least 2 hours before travel on an empty stomach
• General nausea/vomiting – daily dosing every 24 hours.
• Chronic cough – vet may recommend dosing every 48 hours.

Your vet will tailor dosing schedules and strengths for your dog based on their conditions and weight. 

What if My Dog Misses a Dose of Cerenia?

If your dog misses a dose of Cerenia, you may see a recurrence of your dog’s nausea or vomiting. Give the missed dose as soon as possible, then resume your regular dosing schedule by waiting the recommended amount of time between doses. Do not give two doses at once. 

Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.

Cost of Cerenia for Dogs

Cerenia can become expensive, especially in large dogs requiring high doses of medication. Unfortunately, there is no generic version available at this time. 

Cerenia tablets for dogs typically cost $5-$15 each. Your dog’s daily dose may range from one-half to two tablets per day, depending on their weight.

The cost of a Cerenia injection may vary from $20 to $50, depending on your dog’s weight. 

Cerenia Storage Instructions

Cerenia tablets should be stored at room temperature. Each tablet is contained in an individual foil-wrapped blister pack; once the foil for a tablet has been opened, that tablet should be used within two days. 

Injectable Cerenia is stored at room temperature until it is opened, and then is typically refrigerated. The entire bottle of medication must be used within 90 days of opening.