Anti-Nausea Medication for Dogs: Complete Guide to Cerenia Injections and Tablets

Safety Profile: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

When your veterinarian mentions Cerenia for your dog’s vomiting issues, you might wonder about its safety record. The good news: this medication has solid FDA approval history. Cerenia (the brand name for maropitant citrate) was first approved by the FDA in 2007 for canine use, followed by cat approval in 2012. Most recently, in March 2023, the FDA greenlit generic versions of maropitant citrate tablets designed to prevent acute vomiting and motion-induced nausea in dogs.

According to Dr. Michael Thompson, D.V.M., founder of Pets Food Safety, when administered under veterinary supervision, Cerenia stands out as a safe option for managing canine nausea. The medication has been used across the veterinary field for over 15 years, accumulating a reliable safety track record. However, like any pharmaceutical, proper use is critical—it should never be given without veterinary prescription and guidance.

What Cerenia Actually Does: Beyond Motion Sickness

Most dog owners associate Cerenia with car sickness, but its applications run deeper. Dr. Patrick Mahaney, V.M.D., veterinarian and advisor for Dr. Treat, explains: “Cerenia is an anti-nausea medication that is used to reduce the sensation of nausea and manage vomiting in dogs.”

The versatility of Cerenia makes it valuable for treating various conditions:

• Motion sickness during car travel
• Gastrointestinal issues including gastroenteritis and intestinal infections
• Chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer-related nausea as a supportive therapy during chemotherapy
• Post-surgical nausea (often administered via anti-nausea shot before procedures)
• Cough management and pain relief in certain cases

Cerenia comes in two forms: tablets for at-home administration and injectable anti-nausea shots administered by veterinarians. This flexibility allows vets to choose the best delivery method based on your dog’s condition and immediate needs.

Important Restrictions: Who Cannot Take Cerenia

Certain dogs should avoid this medication entirely. Dr. Casey Robinson, D.V.M., medical director at IndeVets, notes that veterinarians must screen carefully before prescribing. Cerenia is contraindicated for:

• Puppies under 8 weeks old (risk of bone marrow damage)
• Dogs with existing liver disease
• Dogs suspected of intestinal obstruction
• Dogs with cardiac conditions or abnormal heart rhythm
• Dogs already on anti-arrhythmic medications
• Dogs that may have ingested toxins

This screening process is essential—your vet needs complete health history before dispensing this anti-nausea medication.

Dosing Guidelines: Getting the Amount Right

Dosage isn’t one-size-fits-all. The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, and the urgency of the vomiting situation. According to Dr. Anna Massey, V.M.D., director of emergency and critical care at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital:

• Injectable forms (intravenous or subcutaneous): 1 mg/kg of body weight
• Oral tablets: 2 mg/kg of body weight

Dr. Mahaney adds important nuance: “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.” This distinction explains why your vet’s dose might differ from another dog’s even if they’re similar weights.

Frequency and Duration Questions

Can you give Cerenia daily? Technically yes—it can be administered every 24 hours. However, for acute vomiting episodes, the medication shouldn’t exceed five consecutive days of use, according to Dr. Robinson. Exceeding this window requires veterinary reassessment of the underlying cause.

Overdose Risk

While overdosing on Cerenia is possible if misused, Dr. Massey notes that “the effects are typically not serious and are managed with supportive care.” This reassurance assumes the dog receives veterinary attention if overdose occurs. Never self-adjust dosing or give someone else’s prescribed medication to your dog.

Speed and Duration: How Quickly Does It Work?

The timeline varies by administration method:

• Intravenous injection: Relief within minutes
• Subcutaneous (under-skin) injection: Relief within approximately one hour
• Oral tablet: Full effect after a few hours

Individual dogs show variation in response times, so some may take longer to experience the anti-nausea benefits. In dogs without liver complications, Cerenia’s effects typically persist for a full 24-hour period, making once-daily dosing practical.

Potential Side Effects You Should Monitor

Relief from nausea comes with potential downsides. Common side effects include:

• Reduced or loss of appetite
• Lethargy and depression
• Excessive drooling (hypersalivation)
• Vomiting (ironically, though this is less common)
• Diarrhea
• Injection site pain or swelling
• Allergic reactions (rare but serious—anaphylaxis)

Most dogs tolerate Cerenia well, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog shows severe reactions or persistent adverse effects.

The Bottom Line

Cerenia represents a well-established, FDA-approved tool for managing canine nausea and vomiting when used properly. Whether administered as an anti-nausea shot before surgery or as a tablet for chronic motion sickness, it can significantly improve your dog’s comfort when prescribed appropriately.

The key: work closely with your veterinarian to determine if Cerenia suits your dog’s specific situation, monitor for side effects, and follow dosing instructions precisely. Your vet’s assessment of your dog’s health profile, combined with proper supervision, makes the difference between an effective treatment and a problematic one.