Absolutely! Let’s break down the potential dangers associated with Cerenia for dogs, how to approach this medication safely, and key takeaways for responsible pet owners.
Cerenia: A Helpful Medication with Potential Risks
Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is a valuable medication for treating nausea and vomiting in dogs. However, it is crucial to understand that misuse or overdose can lead to serious health problems, including the possibility of death in the most severe cases.
How Cerenia Can Be Harmful
- Overdose: Exceeding the recommended dosage based on your dog’s weight and age can lead to toxicity with severe consequences.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Cerenia may worsen existing liver or heart disease, or cause complications if your dog has unknown health issues.
- Drug Interactions: Cerenia can interact negatively with certain other medications your dog takes.
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may be hypersensitive to the medication, leading to adverse reactions even at prescribed doses.
Symptoms of Cerenia Toxicity
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in behavior
- Elevated body temperature (which can cause significant damage to organs)
Safe Use of Cerenia
- Vet Prescription is a MUST: Only use Cerenia under the direct guidance and prescription of a veterinarian.
- Strict Dosage Adherence: Adhere to the exact dosage and duration recommended by your vet.
- Vet Checkups: Your vet may want to check in on your dog, even while taking Cerenia, for any signs of adverse reactions.
- Disclose Medical History: Inform your vet about any other medications or health conditions your dog has.
- Pregnant/Lactating Dogs: Cerenia is not recommended for dogs that are pregnant or nursing.
What to Do if You Suspect Cerenia Toxicity
- Stop Medication Immediately: Do not administer any further doses.
- Vet Visit URGENTLY: Take your dog to the vet or an emergency clinic for immediate evaluation and treatment. Early intervention is key.
- Legal Action (If Applicable): If your dog passed away after taking Cerenia, discuss with your vet the possibility of a necropsy (autopsy on an animal) to determine the cause of death and whether legal action against the drug company is warranted.
Alternatives to Cerenia
- Other Medications: Meclizine, Benadryl, and Dramamine can be used as alternatives, though their effectiveness may vary. Always consult your vet first.
- CBD Oil: CBD may help with motion sickness and nausea. However, more research is needed, and it should be used under veterinary guidance.
- Behavioral Modification: For car anxiety and motion sickness, gradual training to acclimate your dog to car rides can be beneficial.
- Dietary Changes: Maintain a regular feeding schedule with appropriate food portions to minimize the risk of vomiting.
Key Takeaways
- Cerenia is a Tool, Not a Magic Solution: It’s important to understand that Cerenia addresses symptoms but may not always cure the underlying cause of vomiting.
- Vet Partnership is Vital: Work closely with your veterinarian to determine if Cerenia is the right choice, the correct dosage, and to monitor your dog during treatment.
- Vigilance is Key: Observe your dog closely for any side effects while on Cerenia, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet immediately with concerns.
- Explore Alternatives: Discuss with your vet other potential options for managing nausea and vomiting in your dog.
Remember: Your dog’s well-being comes first. Responsible medication use, in conjunction with veterinary care, is essential to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy!
What is Cerenia?
Cerenia is an FDA-approved medication. It is generally used in situations where dogs have an upset stomach from food poisoning or some other illness.
It should only be used until your pet feels better. Cerenia is used for treating nausea in dogs. But Misuse of this drug can lead to death.
This medication is used in Injection and tablet forms. But Tablets are more popular than the injections. So, the dog owner should be careful about the size of the dog and how much the drugs can be taken.
What Should be the Dosages For Cerenia?
Only a licensed Veterinarian can prescribe Cerenia dosages. This medication is used according to your dog’s age, size, and body weight.
For dogs between two and seven months of age, the minimum dose should be 0.9 mg for a pound of body weight or 2 mg/kg once daily for five consecutive days.
Dogs aged about four months vomiting due to motion sickness are recommended dosage of Cerenia tablets is 3.6 mg/lb or 8 mg/kg once daily for two consecutive days.
Under 14-week-old puppies should never give to Cerenia. It should be prohibited for pregnant dogs or dogs who are suffering from heart or liver diseases.
Even, whenever you use Cerenia tablets for the prevention of dog vomiting due to car sickness, you should give tablets at least two hours prior to travel.
Common Side Effects of Cerenia
Cerenia has some difficulties. Diarrhea, Vomiting, muscle tremors, excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, changes in behavior, etc. are the common side effects.
Overdosing of this drug can increase your dog’s body temperature directly affecting the central nervous system and causing many serious health issues that can cause the uncertain death of your dog.
Dogs with serious heart or liver functions or pregnant dogs are at higher risk from Cerenia side effects. So, it is very urgent to use Cerenia only after some medical tests such as blood tests and X-rays to make sure that there are no underlying causes of your dog’s nausea.
Safety Measures When Giving Cerenia Dose
Whenever your dog is prescribed Cerenia medication, you should take some precautions of its dosings. Here we are going to mention some safety measures-
- Sometimes after taking cerenia few pets face stomach irritation, so be aware of this issue.
- If your dog is facing any gastrointestinal or vomiting problems do not apply this medicine to fully absorb.
- If your pet is traveling with you during Cerenia medication, make sure that he is not thirsty. He should be hydrated.
- If you are not confident about the duration period of cerenia medication for your pet, go for the veterinarian. He will guide you about the next Cerenia dosages.
- If your pet has any kind of allergy or sensitivity, do keep in mind its side effects before pursuing Cerenia treatments.
- If your dog facing difficulties or vomits within one hour of Swallowing a dose, then contact the veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian, because only he can guide you about the Cerenia dosage.
Legal Steps Can Be Taken if Cerenia Kills Your Dog:
If your dog died after Cerenia medication, go for a necroscopy. Because it only can disclose whether this medicine may have been an offender or some other underlying causes are behind your pet’s death.
You should get a copy of your dog’s medical records. Then You will be asked for information about how Cerenia kills your dog and all the treatments that occur to the death.
On receiving your complaints the drug company will have to submit a report of your dog’s case to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Alternative of Cerenia Dosages:
Here we are going to mention some measures that can be taken as an alternative to Cerenia dosages.
Medication:
Meclizine, Benadryl, and Dramamine are three drugs that can be used as an alternative to Cerenia. Benadryl is a useful drug that can be used to reduce acid in the stomach.
It is also effective in treating inflammation and nausea. Besides this Meclizine and Dramamine are the two drugs used to treat morning sickness including anxiety, vomiting, and nausea. Overdosing of these medications has some side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, rapid breathing, etc.
Cannabidiol:
This is known as CBD. It is formed from the hemp.CBD oil has all the benefits of preventing motion sickness and vomiting. That can make your pet relaxed and lively.
Practice Car Rides:
The car ride is always stressful for pets. It also causes anxiety, sickness, and nausea. So, you should practice your dog car riding for a short time.
Then slowly take much time in car practice. When you see that your dog is comfortable with it, you can increase the speed and also the spending time.
Maintain a Balance Diet:
You should give the proper food to your pet as per the meal plan. It is not mandatory that his stomach should be full of food that can lead to vomit.
It is important he is getting proper food. Avoid feeding your dog in a moving vehicle, as this can cause vomiting. If possible, try to keep your dog hydrated.
These can help you to avoid Cerenia dosages. Even, it can also reduce your fear of losing your lovable dog.
Conclusion:
Here is no doubt that Cerenia Medication causes the death of dogs. Cerenia dosage should always given to the dog as per their health condition.
So, it is advised that before applying Cerenia to your dog, you should be aware of some safety measures. A good veterinary consultation will be the most important step in this field.
