Cerenia, like any other medication, has the potential to cause adverse reactions in dogs, even death. How does Cerenia kill a dog?
Cerenia has been shown to effectively treat acute vomiting and prevent vomiting due to motion sickness. So how can such a helpful drug lead to such a tragic ending?
How Does Cerenia Kill A Dog?
The death of a dog due to Cerenia can be caused by two factors: an allergic reaction to the drug or the presence of an underlying disease that the medication masked. Cerenia, like other drugs, can have serious side effects, including death, which is listed in the drug information leaflet.
If these adverse reactions are not properly managed, a dog can potentially die from complications.
Also, failure to address or treat the underlying cause of vomiting can also lead to death in dogs.
It is important to note that, like in humans, allergic reactions can be deadly.
When a dog vomits, it is their body’s way of removing harmful substances, such as:
- Toxins
- Bacteria
- Viruses
, when Cerenia is given to dogs, it inhibits vomiting and removes these toxins.
This can be dangerous if the underlying cause of vomiting is not treated, as the medication may mask the symptoms.
Therefore, it is essential for owners to only use Cerenia after their veterinarian has run tests to rule out other health issues.
What is Cerenia?
Cerenia is a brand name for the drug maropitant, which is used in veterinary medicine to treat vomiting in dogs. It is a selective antagonist of the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. It works by blocking the action of certain chemical signals in the brain that trigger vomiting.
Cerenia is available as an oral tablet or injection and can be used to treat both acute and ongoing (chronic) vomiting. It is considered a safe and effective treatment option for dogs when used as directed by a veterinarian.
Cerenia helps to reduce the frequency and severity of vomiting and can improve a dog’s overall quality of life.
Is Cerenia Safe For Dogs?
Cerenia is generally considered safe for dogs when used as directed by a veterinarian. It is an FDA-approved medication specifically designed for use in veterinary medicine. Cerenia has been used to treat vomiting in dogs for many years.
In clinical studies, Cerenia has shown to be well-tolerated with few reported side effects. The most common side effects include decreased appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.
It is important to note that Cerenia should only be used for dogs and should not be used in other animals or in humans. Before using Cerenia, pet owners should provide their veterinarian with a complete medical history of their dog, including any current medications or supplements.
This information is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of Cerenia and to avoid any potential interactions with other medications.
What Can You Do If Cerenia Kills Your Dog?
If your dog has died as a result of Cerenia, it is important to take immediate action. First and foremost, if your dog has already died, it is important to contact your veterinarian and report the incident.
If your dog passed away after being given Cerenia, it is crucial to get an autopsy report to determine whether the medication was the cause of death or if there were other underlying factors at play.
This report can provide valuable information and help you understand what happened.

Additionally, it may be helpful to report the incident to the FDA and the manufacturer of Cerenia, as this can help identify any potential safety issues with the medication.
If the results of the post-mortem examination indicate that your dog passed away as a result of taking Cerenia, you can contact Zoetis Inc. the company at 1-888-963-8471 to report the adverse effects of the drug.
It is also a good idea to obtain a copy of your dog’s medical records to provide to the company when you file your complaint.
Upon receiving your report, Zoetis Inc. will be required to submit a case report to the Food and Drug Administration.
Cerenia Side Effects In Dogs
The most common side effects of Cerenia include sleepiness, loss of appetite, and dry mouth.
Other possible side effects include lethargy, dizziness, and changes in behavior.
In rare cases, Cerenia can cause more serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate.
If you have a dog who is pregnant, or nursing, or a dog with a liver impairment, they are more susceptible to the side effects of Cerenia.
If your dog is taking other medications, it is important to inform your veterinarian so they can recommend alternative treatment options for vomiting.
Taking Cerenia with other drugs, such as phenobarbital, chloramphenicol, ketoconazole, and certain thyroid and anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase the risk of side effects.
It is essential to consult with a veterinary professional to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your dog’s medication.
When Should I NOT Give My Dog Cerenia?
There are several situations in which it is not recommended to give your dog Cerenia.
If your dog has a known allergy to maropitant, the active ingredient in Cerenia, it should not be given.
Additionally, Cerenia should not be used in dogs with a history of pancreatitis, as it may worsen the condition.
Also as previously metioned, it is also not recommended to use Cerenia in pregnant or nursing dogs, as the effects on fetal and pup development are not known.
Or, a dog with liver impairment.
It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog Cerenia or any other medication.
How To Avoid Cerenia Overdose in Dogs
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving Cerenia to your dog.
The veterinarian will typically base the dosage on your dog’s body weight and age.
Giving too much Cerenia can be fatal.
To treat vomiting, the minimum recommended dose is 3.6mg per pound of the dog’s body weight, given once daily for up to five consecutive days.
To prevent vomiting due to car sickness, the minimum recommended dose is 3.6mg per pound of the dog’s body weight, given once daily for up to two consecutive days.
Cerenia should be given to dogs on an empty stomach for it to work more effectively.
This means that your dog should not be fed at least one hour prior to giving Cerenia and at least two hours before traveling.
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for Cerenia dosage to ensure that your dog receives the correct treatment.
The Risks of Long-term Cerenia Use in Dogs
Cerenia is an effective medication for treating acute vomiting and preventing motion sickness in dogs. However, long-term use of the drug can lead to certain risks and side effects.
First and foremost, it’s important to know that Cerenia is a long-acting anti-emetic, it works by blocking a chemical in the brain that causes vomiting.
Although it’s effective in preventing vomiting, it can also mask underlying symptoms of other medical conditions.
Therefore, it’s important to only use Cerenia after your veterinarian has run tests to rule out other health issues.
Long-term use of Cerenia can also lead to a decrease in appetite and weight loss in dogs. This is because the drug can cause dry mouth and a lack of taste sensation, making food unappealing to the dog.
Also, long-term use of Cerenia can also lead to a decrease in the production of stomach acid. This acid is essential for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. This can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition in dogs.
It’s also important to note that Cerenia can cause sedation and drowsiness. This can be problematic for dogs that need to be active, such as working or service dogs.
If your dog is on Cerenia for an extended period, it’s important to closely monitor their weight, appetite and overall health. Your veterinarian should also run regular blood tests to check for any nutrient deficiencies or other issues.
It’s also important to remember that long-term use of Cerenia can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug, and your veterinarian may need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication.
Conclusion
Cerenia is generally considered to be a safe drug for dogs, although there have been some reports of Cerenia-related deaths.
Though you may have heard people state “Cerenia killed my dog”, there is no direct evidence linking the use of Cerenia to these deaths.
Like any medication, Cerenia can have side effects, so it’s important to use it under the guidance of a veterinarian and to check the drug label carefully.
If you have any doubts about the medication, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
This can help reduce the risk of side effects.
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FAQs
Is Cerenia good for upset stomach in dogs?
Yes. Cerenia is prescribed for motion sickness. One of the most common reactions to car sickness, is upset stomach.
Can cerenia be used for coughing in dogs?
Yes, Cerania can be used for coughing in dogs, as it blocks the effects that Substance P has.
What does cerenia do for dogs?
Cerenia helps prevent dogs from getting motion sickness. Rather it be motion sickness in vehicles, or in general. In some cases it can be given to control coughing.