Cerenia, A Motion Sickness Pill for Dogs

Whenever my wife and I go on a road trip, we try to take our dog. We believe he likes the change of scene, and it’s fun to get to spend time with him, since we’re usually at work. Fortunately for us, he’s a great travel companion — aside from the shedding! — but evidently, lots of dogs get car sick.

The owners of those dogs will no doubt celebrate the FDA’s recent decision to approve the use of Cerenia, a pill that prevents vomiting associated with motion sickness in dogs. Interestingly, during the clinical trials, some of the reactions (PDF) dogs suffered from ingesting the pills included hypersalivation, anorexia, flatulence, and vomiting (NOT caused by car sickness).

Depending on the severity of your dog’s motion sickness — and the severity of his flatulence! — you may want to think carefully about Cerenia. Maybe a homeopathic approach would be more appropriate. Or maybe you should just leave your dog at home.

[Photo: Willy Volk]