Managing Your Dog's Nausea: A Complete Guide to Maropitant Citrate and Anti-Sickness Injections for Dogs

Why Your Dog Might Need Anti-Nausea Treatment

Motion sickness and vomiting can turn every car ride into a nightmare for your furry friend. But your dog might experience nausea for reasons beyond travel. Whether it’s recovering from surgery, dealing with a digestive issue, or managing chemotherapy side effects, persistent vomiting causes real stress for both pets and their owners. This is where anti-sickness medication like Cerenia (the brand name for maropitant citrate) comes into play.

According to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, V.M.D., veterinarian and advisor for Dr. Treat: “Cerenia is an anti-nausea medication that is used to reduce the sensation of nausea and manage vomiting in dogs.” Unlike simply treating the symptom, this medication addresses the root cause of nausea, offering relief before vomiting even occurs.

What Conditions Can Cerenia Treat?

Cerenia isn’t just for car sickness. Veterinarians prescribe it for a wide range of conditions that trigger nausea and vomiting:

• Motion sickness during travel
• Post-surgical nausea before and after procedures
• Gastrointestinal issues including gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease
• Organ-related problems such as kidney and liver disease
• Pancreatitis and intestinal infections
• Cancer treatment side effects, helping dogs tolerate chemotherapy better

Dr. Casey Robinson, D.V.M., veterinarian and medical director at IndeVets explains: “Cerenia allows the patient to feel better as the cause for the vomiting is further investigated and may be a part of their short term treatment regimen.”

Forms of Administration: Injection vs. Oral Tablets

Cerenia comes in two main forms, each serving different purposes. Owners can administer oral tablets at home for ongoing prevention, particularly for dogs prone to car sickness. However, anti-sickness injection for dogs offers distinct advantages: veterinarians administer injectable Cerenia to prevent nausea before surgery or for acute vomiting that requires faster relief.

The injection form provides more rapid onset and is particularly valuable in clinical settings where immediate symptom management is critical.

Understanding Safe Dosing Guidelines

The correct dose depends on your dog’s weight and the urgency of their condition. Dr. Anna Massey, V.M.D., veterinarian and director of emergency and critical care at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, notes that: “The average dose of Cerenia is 1 mg/kg body weight for intravenous or subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, and 2 mg/kg body weight for oral dosage.”

“Dogs having sudden-onset vomiting due to motion sickness require higher doses, while dogs having less-urgent vomiting related to other causes require lower dosing,” says Dr. Mahaney.

When used for acute vomiting episodes, Cerenia should not be used for more than five days. While it can be given every 24 hours, your veterinarian must establish the specific schedule for your dog’s condition.

When to Avoid Cerenia: Important Safety Restrictions

Not every dog is a candidate for Cerenia. Your vet will rule out these situations:

• Puppies under 8 weeks old – the medication can adversely affect bone marrow development
• Dogs with liver disease – liver function impacts drug metabolism
• Possible intestinal obstruction – medication won’t address the underlying blockage
• Cardiac conditions or abnormal heart rhythm – Cerenia can interact with heart function
• Dogs taking anti-arrhythmic medications – dangerous interactions may occur
• Recent toxin ingestion – the medication’s masking effect could complicate diagnosis

Dr. Michael Thompson, D.V.M., founder of Pets Food Safety, emphasizes: “When prescribed and given under the direction of a veterinarian, Cerenia is safe to give dogs.” The key is proper veterinary oversight.

How Quickly Does It Work?

Speed of relief varies by administration method. Dr. Massey explains: “For intravenous injections, Cerenia usually starts working within minutes; for subcutaneous injections, usually within an hour. For oral doses, Cerenia usually takes a few hours for full effect.”

In healthy dogs without liver issues, the medication’s effects typically last 24 hours.

Potential Side Effects to Monitor

While generally well-tolerated, Cerenia can cause side effects in some dogs:

• Decreased appetite or complete loss of appetite
• Depression or lethargy
• Excessive drooling
• Continued vomiting or diarrhea
• Allergic reactions (rare but serious)
• Injection site pain or swelling

Most side effects are mild and manageable with supportive care. Dr. Massey notes: “It is possible, as with any medication, to receive an overdosage. However, the effects are typically not serious and are managed with supportive care.”

Is Cerenia FDA-Approved and Safe?

Yes. The FDA approved Cerenia for dogs in 2007 and for cats in 2012. In March 2023, the FDA approved the first generic maropitant citrate tablets for use in dogs to prevent acute vomiting and vomiting due to motion sickness. This regulatory approval reflects decades of safe use in veterinary medicine.

Making the Right Choice for Your Dog

Cerenia represents a valuable tool in your veterinarian’s toolkit for managing nausea and vomiting. Whether your dog suffers from motion sickness, post-operative nausea, or vomiting from underlying medical conditions, anti-sickness treatment like Cerenia can significantly improve quality of life.

The medication requires a veterinarian’s prescription and ongoing supervision. Your vet will determine if your dog is a good candidate, establish the proper dosage, and monitor for any adverse reactions. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure your dog gets safe, effective relief from the discomfort of nausea and vomiting.