Cerenia (Maropitant) Dosage for Dogs

NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 24 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

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Cerenia Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight	Low Dose	Standard Dose	Max Dose	Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	2.5mg	4.5mg	18.5mg (16mg tablet)	once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	4.5mg	9mg	36mg	once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg)	7mg	13.5mg (16mg tablet)	54.5mg	once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg)	9mg	18mg (16mg tablet)	73mg	once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg)	11.5mg	22.5mg	90.5mg	once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg)	13.5mg (16mg tablet)	27mg	109mg (7 × 16mg)	once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg)	18mg (16mg tablet)	36mg	145mg (9 × 16mg)	once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg)	22.5mg	45.5mg (3 × 16mg)	181.5mg	once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg)	27mg	54.5mg	217.5mg	once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg)	31.5mg (2 × 16mg)	63.5mg (4 × 16mg)	253.5mg (16 × 16mg)	once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg)	36.5mg	72.5mg	290.5mg (18 × 16mg)	once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg)	41mg	81.5mg (5 × 16mg)	326.5mg	once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg)	45.5mg (3 × 16mg)	91mg	363mg	once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg)	54.5mg	109mg (7 × 16mg)	435mg (27 × 16mg)	once daily
150 lbs (68 kg)	68mg	136mg	544mg (34 × 16mg)	once daily

What is Cerenia (Maropitant) used for in dogs?

vomiting nausea motion sickness post-operative nausea

How to give Cerenia to your dog

For motion sickness, give Cerenia at least 2 hours before travel on an empty stomach. For general vomiting, it can be given with a small amount of food. Cerenia is prescription-only and is one of the most effective antiemetics available for dogs.

Available Forms

tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side effects of Cerenia in dogs

Common side effects

drooling

decreased appetite

lethargy

diarrhea

Serious side effects

severe lethargy
pain at injection site
allergic reaction
tremors

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

Vomiting continues despite Cerenia treatment
Blood in vomit
Severe lethargy or weakness
Abdominal pain or bloating
Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cerenia take to work in dogs?

Cerenia typically starts working within 1-2 hours when given as a tablet. The injectable form works within minutes. For motion sickness prevention, give the tablet at least 2 hours before travel for best results.

Can I give my dog Cerenia every day?

Cerenia can be given daily for up to 5 consecutive days for acute vomiting. For motion sickness, it is approved for up to 2 consecutive days. Longer-term use should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of vomiting.

Is Cerenia safe for dogs?

Cerenia is considered very safe and is one of the most commonly prescribed antiemetics in veterinary medicine. It is FDA-approved for dogs 8 weeks and older (for vomiting) and 16 weeks and older (for motion sickness). Side effects are generally mild.

Does Cerenia make dogs sleepy?

Mild lethargy can occur as a side effect, but Cerenia is not a sedative. Unlike some other anti-nausea medications, it works by blocking the vomiting reflex rather than sedating the dog. Any drowsiness is usually mild and temporary.