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PetDosageChart

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.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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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)

Related Medications for Dogs

Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist antiemetic

Zofran

Ondansetron

For Nausea and vomiting

View dosage chart
H2 receptor antagonist

Pepcid

Famotidine

For stomach acid reduction

View dosage chart
GI prokinetic / Antiemetic (dopamine antagonist)

Reglan

Metoclopramide

For Nausea and vomiting

View dosage chart
Prostaglandin receptor antagonist (piprant)

Galliprant

Grapiprant

For osteoarthritis pain

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Maropitant.

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.

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