Cerenia for Dogs and Cats in Alberta: Cost, Availability and Prescription Requirements

Cerenia (maropitant) is a prescription veterinary medication veterinarians may discuss with owners dealing with nausea or motion sickness in dogs and cats. Because vomiting can have many underlying causes, it is only ever prescribed after a veterinary assessment.

General education only. This article does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide dosing. Every medication decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your pet's history and current health.

Why it is prescription only

Vomiting is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Behind it can sit anything from a dietary indiscretion to an obstruction or an organ related problem. A veterinarian needs to examine the pet, decide whether anti nausea medication is appropriate, and rule out situations where it would not be. That is why it is not sold over the counter.

Formats

• Tablets dispensed for home use when authorized by a veterinarian.
• An injectable form administered in clinic.

What affects cost

• Pet body weight, which determines tablet strength.
• Number of tablets authorized, since some uses are short course.
• Whether the pet is also being treated for an underlying condition.

Save up to 40% on eligible prescribed pet medications compared with typical clinic pricing. Actual pricing depends on the product, the strength your veterinarian prescribes, and the quantity dispensed.

Travel related use

Owners planning long drives through the Rockies or across Alberta sometimes ask about motion sickness in advance of a trip. That conversation belongs at the clinic well before departure, since a prescription and an assessment are required and your veterinarian may want to discuss the trip specifics.

Questions worth raising

• What do you think is causing the vomiting?
• What tests, if any, do you recommend before treating symptoms?
• What warning signs mean I should come back in?
• Is this a short course or something we may repeat?

How ordering works with VetFaster

VetFaster is a prescription coordination and delivery service. It is not a veterinary clinic and does not decide what your pet is prescribed. Your veterinarian writes the prescription and sends it to VetFaster directly by fax at +1 825-256-5399, then the order is filled and shipped to you.

• Your veterinarian examines your pet and issues the prescription.
• The clinic sends the prescription to VetFaster on your behalf.
• You can create a VetFaster account and review your order online.
• Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours.

You can read the full process on the How It Works page, browse what is stocked on the pet medication catalogue, or check coverage on the Alberta service area page.

Next step

If your veterinarian prescribes take home anti nausea medication, VetFaster can deliver it across Alberta. Sign up with VetFaster and ask your veterinary clinic to send the prescription over by fax. Questions first? Use the contact page or read the frequently asked questions.

Related reading

• What to ask your veterinarian when your dog is vomiting or not eating
• Gabapentin and trazodone: general differences
• VetFaster frequently asked questions