Medication Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Cerenia for Dogs
Cerenia is a prescription anti-nausea medication that prevents and treats vomiting in dogs — including motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and general GI upset.
What Cerenia is used for in dogs
- Acute vomiting
- Motion sickness for travel
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Post-surgical nausea
How it works
Maropitant blocks the NK-1 receptor in the brain's vomiting center, interrupting the nausea signal at its source.
Available formulations
16 mg tablet
24 mg tablet
60 mg tablet
160 mg tablet
Injectable
Side effects to know
Common side effects
- • Mild sedation
- • Decreased appetite
- • Drooling
These usually resolve on their own. If they persist past the first few doses, ask your vet.
Call your vet immediately if you see
- ⚠ Severe allergic reaction
- ⚠ Pain at injection site (injectable form)
- ⚠ Persistent lethargy
Drug interactions
- • Generally low — confirm with your vet if on multiple medications
When not to use
- • Dogs under 8 weeks (acute vomiting use)
- • Dogs under 16 weeks (motion sickness use)
- • Severe liver disease
Monitoring during treatment
Limited to short courses for acute vomiting. For longer-term use (e.g. chemotherapy), follow your vet's specific schedule.
Need a Cerenia refill?
RexVet is the first 501(c)(3) non-profit online vet service in the U.S. Talk to a licensed veterinarian by video, get your dogs's Cerenia prescription, and have it shipped through RexVetRx — all for $64.99 per visit.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Cerenia for Dogs
Frequently asked questions
How fast does Cerenia work?
Most dogs stop vomiting within 1-2 hours of an oral dose, faster with the injectable form.
How do I prevent car sickness with Cerenia?
Give the motion sickness dose at least 2 hours before travel for best effect. Effect lasts about 24 hours.
Can my dog take Cerenia every day?
Cerenia is usually used short-term (5-7 days for acute vomiting). Daily long-term use should be supervised — your vet will design the right schedule.
Can RexVet prescribe Cerenia?
Yes. For acute vomiting, motion sickness, or post-surgical nausea, a RexVet video visit can ship Cerenia same-day through RexVetRx.
What if Cerenia doesn't stop my dog's vomiting?
Persistent vomiting despite Cerenia is a sign your dog needs an in-person workup — there may be an underlying obstruction, infection, or other issue.
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Sources
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping medication for your pet.