Cerenia® Injection for Acute Vomiting in Dogs and Cats

What Cerenia Is and How It Works

Cerenia® is a veterinary antiemetic injection used to prevent and treat acute vomiting in dogs and cats. You can access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada, which may help if you pay without insurance. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine contains maropitant, a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. By blocking substance P in the vomiting center, it helps control nausea and emesis from many causes. In practice, the Canine Vomiting and Feline Vomiting pages outline common triggers your veterinarian may evaluate. As a maropitant injection, it is typically administered in clinic or under veterinary guidance.

The injection is distinct from motion sickness tablets used in dogs. For travel-related nausea, see our category for Canine Motion Sickness. This page focuses on the injectable form used for acute vomiting management.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated to prevent and treat acute vomiting in dogs eight weeks of age and older. It is also approved to treat vomiting in cats of appropriate age as directed by a veterinarian. When discussing cerenia injection for dogs, your clinician will assess age, medical history, and current medications before dosing.

Do not use it in animals with known hypersensitivity to maropitant or formulation components. Safety has not been established in pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as the drug is metabolized in the liver.

Dosage and Usage

Veterinarians often dose by body weight at about 1 mg/kg once daily for a short course, consistent with labeling. Dogs may receive subcutaneous or, in some settings, intravenous administration at the clinician’s discretion. Cats typically receive a subcutaneous injection. When discussing cerenia injection for cats, your veterinarian will choose the route and schedule suitable for the condition being treated.

Administration is usually limited to several consecutive days for acute cases. The medicine addresses vomiting but not the underlying cause, so additional diagnostics may be required. Always follow the official label and your veterinarian’s instructions.

Strengths and Forms

The injectable solution is commonly supplied as a single-strength maropitant citrate injection. Availability may vary by market and supplier. Tablets are also available for motion sickness prevention in dogs; those are a separate form with different use considerations.

Missed Dose and Timing

In-clinic dosing is typically given on a scheduled basis. If a home dose is delayed, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Do not double up doses without professional advice. If you read or hear the term cerenia shot, it refers to the same injectable antiemetic given by a clinician or under veterinary direction.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened vials per the label, protected from light and extreme temperatures. After first puncture, your veterinarian may advise refrigerated storage and a limited in-use period; follow the product insert. Do not freeze the solution. Keep the vial in its carton and out of reach of children and animals.

When traveling, carry the medicine in original packaging, along with your veterinary prescription and receipt. Use a travel case to prevent breakage and temperature swings. For dogs prone to travel-related nausea, your veterinarian may consider a dog anti nausea injection before long trips, depending on the clinical picture. Pack safe disposal supplies if you are trained to administer injections.

Benefits

This antiemetic targets the vomiting pathway directly, which can reduce episodes tied to gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, and other causes. It allows oral medications and fluids to be better tolerated once vomiting abates. The treatment may also be combined with fluids and gastroprotectants when indicated by your clinician.

Because it is given as an injection, onset can occur without relying on gut absorption. That can be helpful in animals that cannot keep tablets down. Your veterinarian will coordinate diagnostics and supportive care while monitoring response.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection site pain or swelling
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea or loose stool
• Drooling or hypersalivation

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include allergic responses or marked injection site reactions. Use caution in very young puppies, animals with liver disease, or those on multiple hepatically metabolized drugs. Contact your veterinarian promptly if severe or unexpected signs occur.

This antiemetic is not an antibiotic. If your veterinarian also prescribes antimicrobial therapy, you can review our Antibiotic Guide for general background. For suspected gastric ulceration, adjunctive agents such as Sucralfate may be considered by your clinician.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Maropitant is metabolized by hepatic enzymes, including CYP pathways. Use caution with strong enzyme inhibitors or inducers, which may alter exposure. Avoid combining with other drugs that can meaningfully prolong the QT interval without veterinary oversight. Always inform your veterinarian about all prescriptions, supplements, and preventives your pet receives.

Use care when animals are concurrently dehydrated or have electrolyte disturbances. The clinician may correct fluid deficits and electrolytes before or during therapy. If parasites are suspected as a cause of vomiting, deworming with a product such as Drontal Plus may be part of the care plan.

What to Expect Over Time

Many animals show reduced vomiting after injection, allowing oral hydration and medications to resume. Ongoing management depends on the underlying diagnosis. Your veterinarian may reassess diet, exposure risks, and comorbidities if symptoms persist.

Some patients need only a brief course. Others require additional diagnostics, such as imaging or lab tests, to address the cause. For cats with recurrent vomiting, see our overview on related conditions in Pancreatitis in Cats for general context, and browse our category for Feline Vomiting.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians sometimes consider dopamine antagonists such as Metoclopramide for certain cases. For motion sickness prevention in dogs, oral Cerenia® Tablets are commonly used; they differ from the injectable form covered here.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing may offer meaningful savings for many US pet owners. You can review cerenia injection price on our product page, then compare sizes and quantities. Add the item to your cart to see options before checkout. US shipping from Canada is available after prescription verification.

For broader selections, browse our Pet Medications catalog. If you are comparing treatments, start with our category hubs for Canine Vomiting and Canine Motion Sickness to understand typical use cases.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by distributor and season. If this item is temporarily unavailable, your veterinarian may recommend an alternative antiemetic or supportive therapy. We cannot provide restock dates in advance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include dogs with acute vomiting and cats needing treatment for emesis after a clinician evaluates causes. Pets with severe dehydration, liver disease, or very young age require extra caution. The medicine is typically used short-term while the underlying issue is addressed.

Ask your veterinarian about multi-visit plans if your pet needs more than one injection. If at-home use is prescribed, set reminders for administration and storage checks. Ordering larger quantities for a treatment course may reduce per-unit expense and help you avoid repeat fees, when appropriate for your plan.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Primary cause suspected and tests needed
• Expected course and monitoring signs
• When to add fluids or gastroprotectants
• Diet changes during recovery
• Potential drug interactions
• At-home administration suitability

Authoritative Sources

For complete prescribing information, see the manufacturer resource on the Zoetis site: Cerenia product information at Zoetis Petcare. For regulatory background, consult FDA CVM resources: Animal Drugs @ FDA search portal. For Canadian listings, refer to Health Canada’s database: Drug Product Database (DPD).

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Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.