Cerenia is a drug used to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs. It works by blocking signals from the brain that cause vomiting and nausea. When administered, Cerenia can be an effective way to stop dogs from throwing up, but some owners may wonder how it kills their pet if given in high doses.
In this article, we look at how Cerenia kills dogs and why it should only be given under veterinary supervision. We will also discuss potential risks and Cerenia side effects for dogs. We will also provide information on how to properly administer the medication to ensure its safe use. Read on to learn more about Cerenia dangers, how it works, and why it can be fatal for dogs when not used correctly.
What Is Cerenia?
Cerenia is a medication specifically designed for treating various digestive issues in dogs. It blocks the chemicals that cause nausea and vomiting, helping to keep your pup feeling better. Cerenia comes in several forms, including tablets, injectable solutions, and liquid suspensions. Depending on the type of issue your dog is experiencing and the severity of their symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend one or more of these types to get your pup back up to speed.
Types of Cerenia
There are two main categories: maropitant citrate and ponazuril. Maropitant citrate is what’s known as an antiemetic drug, meaning it helps prevent vomiting by blocking certain chemical receptors in the brain. Ponazuril is more of a prokinetic drug, meaning it helps speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract. Depending on your pup’s specific condition and symptoms, your vet may recommend one or both types of Cerenia to help manage their condition.
Cerenia Uses in Dogs
When it comes to Cerenia uses in dogs, there are several possible applications. You can use Cerenia for dogs’ upset stomach and treat acute vomiting due to an upset stomach or other causes such as motion sickness. It’s also often used for long-term prevention of nausea and vomiting due to certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Additionally, Cerenia can reduce inflammation associated with certain intestinal disorders such as colitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Finally, Cerenia can also be used to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by certain infections.
How Does Cerenia Work On Dogs?
And how long does it take for Cerenia to work with dogs? Read on to learn everything about this medication and its effectiveness.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action for Cerenia in dogs is that it works as an antiemetic, which means it suppresses vomiting. It does this by blocking signals from the brain to the stomach muscles and also blocking certain serotonin receptors in the small intestine.
Duration of Action
Cerenia typically starts working within 10-30 minutes after administration and can provide relief for up to 24 hours after taking a single dose. In some cases, one dose can be enough to keep your dog comfortable and nausea free for several days or even weeks at a time.
Effectiveness
Overall, Cerenia is an effective medication for controlling vomiting and nausea in dogs. Its fast-acting mechanism of action makes it ideal for relieving these symptoms quickly and efficiently, providing your dog with much-needed relief from its ailment. Its prolonged duration of action also ensures that your dog has consistent relief even when the initial dose wears off. However, if your dog is still vomiting after Cerenia injection, pay a visit to the vet immediately.
Side Effects Of Cerenia On Dogs
What are the side effects of Cerenia for dogs? And how severe can they be? In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the common and rare Cerenia side effects on dogs, as well as their severity.
Common Side Effects
The most common Cerenia side effects in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Increased drinking
- Decreased activity
If these symptoms persist or worsen after starting your dog on this medication, call your veterinarian immediately.
Rare Side Effects
In very rare cases, more serious side effects have been reported from Cerenia use. These include:
- Allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or limbs, difficulty breathing)
- Seizures
- Constipation
- Collapse
- Jaundice
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Anemia
- Tremors
- Coma
- Depression or behavioral changes
- Renal failure
If your dog develops any of the above symptoms while taking Cerenia, contact your veterinarian immediately. Unfortunately, Cernia can even provoke death in some cases.
Side Effects Severity
Most Cerenia dog side effects are mild, but if you notice any severe symptoms such as panting, difficulty breathing, or collapse, it’s recommended that you consult with your veterinarian immediately. They’ll advise on further evaluation and treatment. Your vet will be able to assess whether Cerenia is still a good option for your dog or if another medication should be prescribed instead.
Additionally, it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions to minimize the risk of side effects. Overdosing can increase the likelihood of adverse reactions, including seizures and coma.
How Does Cerenia Kill a Dog?
Cerenia is a prescription drug that is administered by a vet, and it is generally considered to be safe. However, like any medication, Cerenia can be dangerous if it is not used properly. Here we will discuss the potential risks associated with Cerenia and how it can cause harm to dogs.
Overdose of Cerenia and its Effect on Dogs
One of the main ways that Cerenia can be dangerous and kill dogs is through overdose. Signs of a Cerenia overdose in dogs may include diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and vomiting. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s directions when giving your dog any type of medication—including Cerenia.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Cerenia
Another way that Cerenia can be harmful to dogs is if they have pre-existing medical conditions. Pre-existing medical conditions can increase a dog’s sensitivity to Cerenia or even make the medication dangerous for them to take. So, take proper dog care and monitor your dog’s behavior and conditions carefully. Even if some conditions, like dog prolapsing, might not seem like a big deal to you, it can be dangerous for your puppy.
Pre-existing medical conditions that may impact the use of Cerenia in dogs include liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation, and certain blood disorders. In dogs with these conditions, the use of Cerenia may need to be closely monitored or may not be recommended at all. For example, if a dog has liver or kidney disease, it may not be able to properly metabolize Cerenia, which can cause toxicity. Additionally, dogs with a history of seizures may be at an increased risk of experiencing seizures while taking Cerenia.
In addition to evaluating your dog’s medical history and current health status, your veterinarian may also recommend additional tests or evaluations before administering Cerenia. These may include blood tests to evaluate liver and kidney function or imaging tests to evaluate the gastrointestinal tract.
Interaction with Other Medications
Cerenia can also interact with other medications. For example, if a dog is taking a medication that is metabolized by the liver, it won’t be able to process Cerenia. Additionally, Cerenia can interact with medications that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, which can cause additional side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your vet of other medications your dog may be taking before administering Cerenia.
Case Studies and News Reports
If a dog is given too much Cerenia, it can affect the dog’s central nervous system and result in symptoms such as tremors, confusion, difficulty breathing, or even death. A study has shown that 10 out of 206 died after receiving Cerenia.
To avoid death and other complications, dogs need to be given the exact amount of Cerenia.
As mentioned, the mechanism of action for Cerenia suppresses vomiting by blocking signals from the brain to the stomach muscles. By doing so, it prevents the nausea-induced reflex that causes vomiting. Dogs reach a steady state in 4 days if they are given 2 mg/kg daily. It is smart to know how much your dog needs to avoid a Cerenia overdose.
Recommended Dosage Of Cerenia For Dogs: Veterinary Doctor Suggestion
As a dog owner, it is important to understand the proper dosage of any medication prescribed by your veterinarian, including Cerenia. This section will provide a veterinary doctor-suggested guide on how to properly administer Cerenia to your dog as well as dosage calculation guidelines based on your dog’s weight and breed.
Cerenia Dosage Guidelines
When using Cerenia, dosage calculation is essential. The dosage of Cerenia depends on the weight of your dog, and it is crucial to follow your vet’s instructions to avoid any potential side effects.
Dosage Calculation Based on Dog Weight
The recommended dosage of Cerenia for dogs is 1-2 mg per kg of body weight. The injectable maropitant formulation should be dosed at 1.0 mg/kg, and it can be given to dogs aged 2–4 months. Dogs that are 4 months and older can get the dosage slowly through IV over 1–2 minutes.
So, this dosage should be given once a day for up to five days. Your veterinarian will determine the exact dosage of Cerenia based on your dog’s weight and medical history. For instance, a 10-pound dog would need a dosage of 4.5-9 mg of Cerenia once a day. A 50-pound dog would need a dosage of 22.5-45 mg of Cerenia once a day.
And it is comforting to know that the tablets are well tolerated when given for 15 days at dosages up to 10 mg/kg daily.
How to Administer Cerenia to Dogs
How to administer Cerenia for dogs – is it hard? Luckily, administering Cerenia to your dog is relatively simple. The medication can be given orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously (IV). To give Cerenia in a tablet form, mix the prescribed dose in a little bit of wet food or water and feed it to your dog to help prevent any stomach upset. When giving an injection of Cerenia, make sure you use a clean needle and follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely. They’ll explain the correct way to administer the medication to your dog.
Cerenia Dosage for Different Dog Breeds
Different dog breeds may require different dosages of Cerenia to treat their symptoms effectively. Here, we will explore how much Cerenia to give a dog and the recommended dosage of Cerenia for different dog breeds.
- Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are a small breed of dog and typically weigh between 3-6 pounds. For Chihuahuas, the recommended dosage of Cerenia is 4.5-9 mg once a day for up to five days.
- Beagles
Beagles are a medium-sized breed of dog and typically weigh between 18-30 pounds. For Beagles, the recommended dosage of Cerenia is 16-27 mg once a day for up to five days.
- Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are a large breed of dog and typically weigh between 55-75 pounds. For Golden Retrievers, the recommended dosage of Cerenia is 25-45 mg once a day for up to five days.
- Great Danes
Great Danes are a giant breed of dog and typically weigh between 100-200 pounds. For Great Danes, the recommended dosage of Cerenia is 45-90 mg once a day for up to five days.
The tablet should be given whole and not crushed or broken. Also, ensure your dog swallows the tablet and does not spit it out. It is best to give all these dosages with food to prevent stomach upset. During this time, make sure your dog has a healthy diet, so that they can absorb the medication more easily. You can include a low protein diet for dogs and give healthy snacks like fruit to your puppy. Yes, you can give fruit to your puppy. Actually, dogs eating raspberries and other berries are healthier.
And it is essential to note that these dosages are just guidelines, and the exact dosage of Cerenia for a particular dog may vary based on their individual needs and medical history. Your vet will take into consideration your dog’s breed, weight, and overall health when determining the appropriate dosage of Cerenia.
Safety Tips And Precautions When Giving Cerenia Dose
While Cerenia can be an effective treatment option, pet owners need to take the proper safety precautions when administering Cerenia and also schedule follow-up vet visits to ensure that the treatment is effective. Here are some key tips and recommendations for giving your pup a safe dose of Cerenia.
Cerenia Safety Precautions
Cerenia is a prescription medication and should only be given to your dog under the guidance of a vet. They will be able to give you specific instructions on how much and how often you should be administering the medication to your dog. Cerenia should not be given to dogs who are allergic to it or have liver or kidney disease. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions to Cerenia, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Pre-Administration Safety Check
Before giving your pup Cerenia, make sure you have all the necessary items for administering the medication. This involves checking the medication label to ensure that you are giving the correct dosage and that the medication has not expired. You should check the medication for any signs of damage or contamination.
Also, measure out the correct dose of Cerenia, have a syringe or spoon to give it, as well as a treat that can be used to distract your pet. Make sure all these items are available so you can administer the medication without any issues. If you notice any issues with the medication, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Follow-up Vet Visits
After administering Cerenia to your dog, it’s necessary to take them for follow-up vet visits to monitor their progress and make sure that the treatment is effective. Your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments or adjustments to the Cerenia dosage based on your dog’s response to the medication. It is important to keep your veterinarian informed of any changes in your dog’s condition or behavior. Your vet will also be able to provide additional information on how best to administer the medication and what other safety precautions should be taken.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your pup is being given a safe dose of Cerenia and that their health is being monitored closely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cerenia is an excellent option for easing the pain and discomfort of certain gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Its efficacy has been well-documented, and it has few contraindications and adverse effects with proper usage.
However, just like any other drug or drug class, it should be used carefully and only as prescribed by your veterinarian. We have all heard that Cerenia kills dogs, so you should be careful when administering this medication. Furthermore, Cerenia should never be used as a substitute for regular veterinary care; always consult a professional if you suspect your pet may be suffering from any medical condition.
With appropriate use of Cerenia, along with regular vet visits and a nutritious diet, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy!