Cerenia Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Reviewed by Medsdog Team— Last updated August 2026
Cerenia for dogs is the brand name for maropitant citrate, which is a medication formulated specifically by Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) as an antiemetic – a drug which prevents the vomiting process and helps control nausea.
It was first approved by the FDA in January of 2007 to be used in dogs, making it the first medication of its kind to be approved for veterinary use in the United States. Understanding the correct Cerenia dosage for dogs is essential to get the maximum benefits while avoid potential harm to your furry friend.
There are two types of Cerenia, which include:
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- Tablets: Available in 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg and 160 mg strength. These are peach colored, oval tablets with a score line for splitting in case half doses are needed .
- Injectable solution: Used in a clinical setting, or for oral medication problems in dogs that are actively vomiting and unable to
This complete guide will guide you through everything you need to know about using Cerenia Dosage For Dogs.
From knowing how this medication works, to proper Cerenia dosage for dogs calculator by Weight.
we will discuss the safe dosing charts of Cerenia, tips for administering the medication, potential side effects of Cerenia, and important precautions.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before giving Cerenia or any medication to your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Cerenia® is an FDA approved veterinary medicated medication for prevention of acute vomiting and motion sickness. It is not an over-the-counter drug that you administer without any professional guidance.
- Cerenia® is not approved for use in puppies less than 16 weeks old. For acute vomiting, every dog as young as 2 months of age can be treated following certain protocols.
- The medication works by blocking NK-1 receptors in the brain’s vomiting center so the signals that cause nausea and vomiting are blocked.
- Side effects are usually mild but can be hypersalivation, lethargy and sometimes vomiting after administration.
- Never combine Cerenia® with certain drugs without veterinary approval, especially other highly protein-bound drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cerenia Dosage For Dogs
The Cerenia® dosage for dogs depends on the dog’s age, the condition being treated, and form of the medicine i.e. oral tablet or injectable solution.
Cerenia® Tablets Dosage for Acute Vomiting
For the prevention of acute vomiting in canines, the recommended Cerenia tablet dosage is 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) by mouth once daily:
- Dogs 2–7 months old: 2 mg/kg once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
- Dogs 7 months and older: 2 mg/kg once daily until the acute vomiting resolves, as directed by a veterinarian.
If your furry friend continues vomiting despite treatment, make sure to take your vet advice. The underlying cause should be reassessed by a veterinarian rather than simply increasing the dose.
Cerenia® Tablets Dosage for Motion Sickness
For preventing of motion sickness in dogs (4 months of age and older), the recommended dose is higher: 8 mg/kg (3.6 mg/lb) by mouth once daily 2 hours before travel.
Cerenia Injectable Dosage for Dogs
Cerenia® Injectable Solution contains 10 mg/mL of maropitant. For the prevention and treatment of acute vomiting, the recommended injectable dose is 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb), equal to 0.1 mL per kg of body weight.
- Dogs 2–4 Months Old: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
- Dogs 4 Months and Older: 1 mg/kg given either subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV over 1–2 minutes), once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
For dogs that are actively vomiting, the injectable form may be used initially to help ensure the full dose is received.
Cerenia Injection for Chemotherapy- or Medication-Induced Vomiting
For dogs 4 months of age and older receiving an emetogenic medication or chemotherapy agent, the recommended Cerenia injectable dosage is: 1 mg/kg IV over 1–2 minutes or SC, given once 45–60 minutes before the emetogenic medication or chemotherapy agent.
Cerenia Dosing Chart for Dogs by Wight
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Acute Vomiting2 mg/kg once daily | Motion Sickness8 mg/kg once daily |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 lbs | 2–4 kg | 4–9 mg | 18–36 mg |
| 11–15 lbs | 4–6 kg | 10–13 mg | 40–54 mg |
| 16–20 lbs | 7–9 kg | 14–18 mg | 58–72 mg |
| 21–30 lbs | 9–13 kg | 19–27 mg | 76–108 mg |
| 31–40 lbs | 14–18 kg | 28–36 mg | 112–144 mg |
| 41–50 lbs | 18–22 kg | 37–45 mg | 148–181 mg |
| 51–60 lbs | 23–27 kg | 46–54 mg | 184–217 mg |
| 61–80 lbs | 27–36 kg | 55–72 mg | 221–290 mg |
| 81–100 lbs | 36–45 kg | 73–90 mg | 293–363 mg |
| 101–120 lbs | 45–54 kg | 91–108 mg | 366–435 mg |
| Over 120 lbs | Over 54 kg | Over 108 mg | Over 435 mg |
All weight and dosage values are rounded down to the nearest lower whole number.
Cerenia 10 mg/mL Injectable Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Cerenia Dose | 10 mg/mL Injection Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 2.3 kg | 2.3 mg | 0.23 mL |
| 10 lbs | 4.5 kg | 4.5 mg | 0.45 mL |
| 15 lbs | 6.8 kg | 6.8 mg | 0.68 mL |
| 20 lbs | 9.1 kg | 9.1 mg | 0.91 mL |
| 25 lbs | 11.3 kg | 11.3 mg | 1.13 mL |
| 30 lbs | 13.6 kg | 13.6 mg | 1.36 mL |
| 40 lbs | 18.1 kg | 18.1 mg | 1.81 mL |
| 50 lbs | 22.7 kg | 22.7 mg | 2.27 mL |
| 60 lbs | 27.2 kg | 27.2 mg | 2.72 mL |
| 70 lbs | 31.8 kg | 31.8 mg | 3.18 mL |
| 80 lbs | 36.3 kg | 36.3 mg | 3.63 mL |
| 90 lbs | 40.8 kg | 40.8 mg | 4.08 mL |
| 100 lbs | 45.4 kg | 45.4 mg | 4.54 mL |
| 120 lbs | 54.4 kg | 54.4 mg | 5.44 mL |
Cerenia® 16mg, 24mg, 60mg, 160mg Tablets Dosage Chart For Dogs
For Acute Vomiting — 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb)
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | 16 mg Tablets | 24 mg Tablets | 60 mg Tablets | 160 mg Tablets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 lbs | 4 kg | ½ tablet | — | — | — |
| 15 lbs | 8 kg | 1 tablet | — | — | — |
| 25 lbs | 12 kg | — | 1 tablet | — | — |
| 50 lbs | 24 kg | — | 2 tablets | — | — |
| 65 lbs | 30 kg | — | — | 1 tablet | — |
| 130 lbs | 60 kg | — | — | 2 tablets | — |
For Motion Sickness — 8 mg/kg (3.6 mg/lb)
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | 16 mg Tablets | 24 mg Tablets | 60 mg Tablets | 160 mg Tablets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | 1 kg | ½ tablet | — | — | — |
| 3 lbs | 1.5 kg | — | ½ tablet | — | — |
| 4 lbs | 2 kg | 1 tablet | — | — | — |
| 6 lbs | 3 kg | — | 1 tablet | — | — |
| 8 lbs | 4 kg | 2 tablets | — | — | — |
| 13 lbs | 6 kg | — | 2 tablets | — | — |
| 16 lbs | 7.5 kg | — | — | 1 tablet | — |
| 22 lbs | 10 kg | — | — | — | ½ tablet |
| 33 lbs | 15 kg | — | — | 2 tablets | — |
| 44 lbs | 20 kg | — | — | — | 1 tablet |
| 66 lbs | 30 kg | — | — | — | 1½ tablets |
| 88 lbs | 40 kg | — | — | — | 2 tablets |
| 132 lbs | 60 kg | — | — | — | 3 tablets |
Cerenia Dosage for Dogs Chart by Weight PDF
How to Calculate Cerenia Dose for Dogs
If you’d rather work out the dose by hand than use the calculator above, the math is straightforward:
- Weigh your dog on an accurate scale: Don’t estimate even small errors can mean under- or overdosing.
- Convert pounds to kilograms: If needed, by dividing pounds by 2.2.
- Multiply the weight in kg by the correct rate:
- Acute vomiting: weight (kg) × 2
- Motion sickness: weight (kg) × 8
- Injectable: weight (kg) × 1
- Match the total milligrams to the closest tablet combination, rounding to the nearest half tablet.
Worked examples:
- A 10 kg (22 lb) dog needing acute-vomiting prevention needs 10 × 2 = 20 mg one 24 mg tablet, or a 16 mg tablet plus a half 16 mg tablet. The same dog dosed for motion sickness needs 10 × 8 = 80 mg a 60 mg tablet plus a 16 mg tablet, or half of a 160 mg tablet.
- A 25 lb (11.3 kg) dog for acute vomiting needs about 22.6 mg one 24 mg tablet.
- A 50 lb (22.7 kg) dog for acute vomiting needs about 45 mg two 24 mg tablets. For motion sickness, the same dog needs about 182 mg one 160 mg tablet is the usual practical choice.
- A 75 lb (34 kg) dog for acute vomiting needs about 68 mg one 60 mg tablet.
What Cerenia Treats and How It Works
Vomiting in dogs is coordinated by a natural body network of brainstem structures called the vomiting center, which can be triggered by an overfull stomach, inner-ear signals from motion, emotional stress, or toxins detected in the bloodstream.
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The key messenger in all of these pathways is a neurotransmitter called substance P, which binds to neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors to set off the vomiting reflex.
Cerenia Maropitant for dogs works by occupying those same NK-1 receptors, blocking substance P from attaching to them.
Because NK-1 receptors sit not just in the vomiting center but also in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and along the vagus nerve in the gut, Cerenia interrupts the vomiting signal at multiple points which is why it works against such a wide range of triggers.
How to Administer Cerenia to Dogs
Administering Cerenia® (maropitant citrate) to dogs correctly is essential for helping your furry friend receive the intended benefits. The proper medicine administrating method depends on whether your vet has prescribed Cerenia tablets or the injectable form, as well as the reason for treatment.
How to Give Cerenia Tablets to Dogs
Cerenia tablets are given by mouth (orally). Always make sure to see the tablet strength and number of tablets prescribed for your pup’s weight and condition.
For Acute Vomiting
For the prevention of acute vomiting:
- Dogs 2–7 months old: Give once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
- Dogs 7 months and older: Give once daily until the acute vomiting resolves, as directed by your veterinarian.
If your dog is severely dehydrated or for any reasons unable to take oral medication, your veterinarian may recommend starting treatment with Cerenia Injectable Solution.
For Motion Sickness
For dog motion sickness, give Cerenia® (maropitant citrate) at least 2 hours before travel. The prescribing information recommends giving Cerenia® with a small amount of food to help reduce vomiting associated with giving the medication on an empty stomach. Avoid giving a full meal immediately before travel.
How Cerenia Injection Is Administered
For dogs 2–4 months old, the injection is given subcutaneously (SC) once daily for up to 5 consecutive days. For dogs 4 months and older, it may be administered subcutaneously or intravenously (IV over 1–2 minutes) once daily for up to 5 consecutive days.
Please remember, do not attempt to give an Cerenia® IV injection at home unless you are a qualified veterinary professional. Injectable Cerenia should be administered only according to your veterinarian’s specific instructions.
Giving Cerenia Before Chemotherapy or Emetogenic Medication
Administering Cerenia to Dogs Before Chemotherapy or Emetogenic Medication
Cerenia Injectable Solution may be administered at 1 mg/kg by subcutaneous (SC) injection or intravenous (IV) injection over 1–2 minutes, approximately 45–60 minutes before the emetogenic medication or chemotherapy agent.
Safety Precautions
Cerenia is a medicine for dogs only and it is important to be careful when handling it.
- After handling the tablets washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes after handling the drug. Cerenia is one of the ocular irritants. Where accidental cellular eye exposure occurs, wash out with running water for 15 minutes and in need of medical attention.
- Localized allergic reactions may be caused from skin exposure in sensitive people. If you experience a rash or irritation after handling the medication, consult a healthcare provider.
- At room temperature, keep tablets in original blister packs until the time of use. Do not remove them and keep in other containers where they can be confused as human medication.
- Store out of the reach of children and pets. Accidental ingestion by humans requires the immediate advice of medical personnel.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to administer your dog their scheduled dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to it being time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.
Never double up on doses in order to make up for one that was missed .
What Conditions Does Cerenia Treat in Dogs?
Cerenia is a drug indicated to treat two conditions in dogs:
Prevention of Acute Vomiting: This includes vomiting due to several underlying causes like gastritis, pancreatitis, parvovirus or chemotherapy.
In these cases, Cerenia Dosage For Dogs will help to try to limit the cycle of vomiting and let the dog keep food and fluids down while the underlying illness or disorder is treated.
Prevention of Vomiting Due to Motion Sickness: Many dogs get nauseous when they go on a car ride or travel by some other means.
Cerenia Side Effects in Dogs
Cerenia is usually well-tolerated, but like every medicine, there are some side effects one can experience while taking it.
The most common symptoms that are reported are:
These side effects are typically mild and pass unnoticed and undisturbed. However, do not give another dose if your dog vomits soon after having Cerenia.
Contact your veterinarian for advice as the vomiting may not be related to the drug itself but may have been caused by the underlying condition.
Less Common Side Effects (Serious)
According to post-approval monitoring and clinical studies, the following adverse reactions have been reported and are reported less frequently but require immediate veterinary attention:
- Muscle tremors or trembling (seen in about 1% of dogs with the dose of 8 mg/kg)
- Ataxia (loss of coordination/ balance)
- Allergic reactions (swelling of the face and hives and difficulty breathing)
- Convulsions or seizures (are rarely).
- Injection site reactions (.if you are using the injectable form – pain, swelling or edema)
Post-Approval Adverse Events Reporting
The FDA maintains its database of adverse drug experiences reported following the approval of Cerenia Dosage For Dogs by its Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The adverse events reported in decreasing order of frequency include the following:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Depression and lethargy
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trembling
- Ataxia
- Allergic reactions
- Weight loss
- Convulsion
- Hyperactivity
- Panting
Cases of death and euthanosia also have been reported, but it is not always possible to prove a causal connection between this and the medication.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
You should consult your veterinarian if:
- Your dog keeps vomiting even though he/she is drinking Cerenia Dosage For Dogs
- You see any signs of an allergic reaction swellings hives trouble breathing
- Your dog has tremors, seizures, or loss of coordination
- Side effects are available longer than 24 hours
- Your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity)
Drug Interaction and Precautionary
Cerenia contains a high amount of protein (almost 99.5% is bound to plasma proteins). This means that when given with other highly protein bound medications there is potential for drug competition and a change in drug levels.
The following classifications of drugs should be used with caution:
| Drug Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib |
| Cardiac medications | Digoxin, enalapril |
| Anticonvulsants | Phenobarbital, potassium bromide |
| Behavioral medications | Fluoxetine, other SSRIs |
Additionally, medications that block the function of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system (which is responsible for the metabolism of Cerenia) may impact the rate at which the drug is cleared from the dangerously ill dog’s system.
These include
- Cimetidine (an antacid)
- Erythromycin (an antibiotic)
- Ketoconazole and itraconazole (anti-fungals)
- Terbinafine (an antifungal)
- Behavior modification (fluoxetine)
Always tell your veterinarian all medications and supplements that your dog is taking before giving Cerenia.
Which Dogs Should not take Cerenia® (maropitant citrate)
Liver disease: Since Cerenia passes through the liver, the dog may require dose modifications if it has hepatic dysfunction. Reduced dose of 25-50% may be recommended by your veterinarian in dogs with liver disease.
Pregnancy and lactation: It has not been established how Cerenia Dosage For Dogs is safe to use in pregnant or nursing bitches. This should not be used in these situations unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Gastrointestinal obstruction: Cerenia should not be used in dogs with a suspected gastrointestinal obstruction and/or the ingestion of a toxin.
Suppressing vomiting in these cases could cause important symptoms to be masked and treatment to be delayed.
Breeding animals: Safety has not been determined in dogs that are used for breeding.
Age-Related Considerations
Puppies under 11 weeks: In clinical studies, puppies younger than 11 weeks that were treated with Cerenia exhibited a higher incidence as well as more severe cases of bone marrow hypocellularity than the control puppies.
This condition is characterized by the decreased manufacture of blood cells in the bone marrow. For this reason, Cerenia tablets are only approved for use in dogs 16 weeks and above .
Puppies 11-16 weeks: While some use is thought by vets to be indicated, care should be taken and they should be carefully monitored .
What If My Dog Gets Too Much Cerenia?
Ingesting more maropitant citrate then the recommended dosage can be toxic to canines. Signs of getting more Cerenia than intended in dogs can include excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, weakness, soft stools, or loss of coordination.
In dogs’ safety studies, doses in the 15–20 mg/kg range (well above the labeled 2–8 mg/kg) produced these more pronounced effects, along with changes like low potassium and reduced heart rate at the higher end.
If you suspect your furry freind received too much Cerenia, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away rather than waiting to see if symptoms appear.
Cerenia® (maropitant citrate) Available Tablet Strengths
Tablets Strenght
- 16 mg Tablet
- 24 mg Tablet
- 60 mg Tablet
- 160 mg Tablet
Injectable Strength
- 10 mg/ml solution for subcutaneous or intravenous use
Images credit: drugs.com
Cerenia Injectable or Tablets: What’s the Difference?
Injectable Formulation
The injectable form of Cerenia is usually used in the veterinary clinics. It has 10 mg/ml of maropitant per milliliter and is preserved with metacresol.
Interchangeability
For acute vomiting prevention, Cerenia Dosage For Dogs by weight can be used interchangeably as tablets and injectable solution for once-daily use.
This means that a dog that has received an initial injection can be switched to tablets for the rest of the days of treatment.
However, for motion sickness prevention the injectable solution should not be interchangeable with tablets. The dosing protocols are different and the injectable form of it is not approved for preventing motion sickness .
Injection Site Considerations
Pain at the injection site is a known side effect especially in the cat (affecting about a third of feline patients). In dogs, administration of the injectable at refrigerated temperature may decrease pain associated with the injection.
The product may be administered at room temperature (15-30C) or refrigerator temperature (2-8C) .
How to Store Storage Cerenia For Dogs
Store Cerenia tablets for dogs at controlled room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C, with excursions to 59–86°F / 15–30°C), in their original blister packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets.
The injectable solution can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated; refrigerating it before injection may reduce injection-site discomfort.
Referennces
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=3bc065ce-09d6-4131-a5a0-dca3909e0bc8
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/cerenia.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/cerenia-for-dogs?srsltid=AfmBOoot4tAk5z_qTOoe03nXfJTVP_ZF4TkZO7Z73HD9Ymutk4mHUYsa
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FAQs
How long does it take Cerenia Dosage For Dogs to get a job?
The working of Cerenia For Dogs Dosage is relatively fast. When administered as an injection, effects may be observed in 30 to 60 minutes. Tablets usually work after one to two hours.
Can I give Cerenia to my dog everyday?
For acute vomiting prevention, Cerenia can be administered every day for a maximum of 5 days. For those dogs 7 months and up, treatment may be continued for longer than 5 days until vomiting subsides. For motion sickness, do not take more than 2 consecutive days of treatment.
What if my dog throws up after it has taken Cerenia?
If your dog vomits soon after receiving the tablet, do not administer another dose. Contact your veterinarian for advice.
The vomiting may have to do with the underlying condition and not with the medication itself. Some dogs do throw up the pill immediately after giving them, that is why giving them with a little food can help.
Can Cerenia be used for cats?
Cerenia is approved for use in cats as well however the feline formulation and dosing is different. For cats, Cerenia is indicated for symptomatic treatment of acute vomiting of cats 4 months and over.
The injectable dose is 1 mg/kg once daily for maximum of 5 days. Tablets are not FDA approved for cats, however, some veterinarians may prescribe this off-label.
Is there some sort of generic version of Cerenia Dosage For Dogs?
Yes. FDA approves the first generic version of maropitant citrate tablets for use in dogs. These tablets have the same active ingredient at the same concentrations (16, 24, 60 and 160 mg) as the brand-name Cerenia. They are manufactured by ZyVet Animal Health Inc.
What do I do if I accidentally swallowed Cerenia?
Cerenia is not for human use. In case of accidental intake then seek medical guidance immediately. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the medication in order to avoid any accidental exposure.
Can Cerenia lead to weight loss in dogs?
Yes Cerenia may cause dose-related reduction in appetite and bodyweight. This has been documented through clinical studies and post approval monitoring.
If your dog shows a substantial decrease in appetite or weight loss while you are monitoring him or her on Cerenia, consult your veterinarian.
How should I keep Cerenia for dogs Dosage Tablets?
At room temperature, you should store Cerenia tablets in their original blister packs, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Is Cerenia safe for puppies?
Cerenia tablets are approved for 16 weeks and up. For acute vomiting, the dose of 2 mg/kg can be given to dogs 2-7 months of age for up to 5 consecutive days. Puppies under 11 weeks of age have demonstrated changes in the bone marrow in studies so caution should be advised.
Can Cerenia be administered with other anti-nausea drugs?
Concurrent therapy of Cerenia with other antiemetic agents has not been well assessed. Your veterinarian will decide if it is the right approach for combination therapy for your dog’s particular situation.
Final Thoughts
Cerenia Dosage For Dogs per pound or kg has changed the treatment of dogs with nausea and vomiting since its approval in 2007.
By understanding how to properly use a Cerenia dosage for dogs calculator per pound or kg, and by following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can help to ensure that your dog receives safe and effective treatment.
However, the biggest lesson to learn is this, Cerenia is a prescription drug that requires veterinary supervision.
Your vet knows your dog’s full health history and understands the potential drugs interactions that can occur, and will be able to determine whether or not Cerenia is right for your dog’s individual situation.
Never try to get or take this medicine without the advice of a professional.
When used correctly, and under veterinary supervision, Cerenia Dosage For Dogs can make a world of difference for dogs who suffer with nausea and vomiting whether due to illness, chemotherapy or the simple stress associated with a car ride.
Here is to happier and healthier travels and journeys with your four-legged friend.
