Cerenia, also known as maropitant citrate, Is a drug commonly prescribed to dogs for Nausea, vomiting, motion sickness induced vomiting.
It has been our observations in the Ketogenic Dog Group (KDG) that Cerenia is commonly prescribed to dogs while they are on chemotherapy in an effort to combat nausea which then results in the dogs not wanting to eat. It has also been our observations that a far share of dogs in the KDG suffer side effects from this drug, most commonly being Diarrhea and/or the drug simply not working at all to resolve Nausea from Chemo.
Cerenia does not come without the possibility of some pretty severe side effects as noted below: cited from
precautions for the drug also state that it should not be given if the dog is allergic to maropitant citrate. (maropitant citrate, is a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist which was developed by Zoetis specifically for the treatment of motion sickness and vomiting in dogs. It was approved by the FDA in 2007 for use in dogs and in 2012 for cats)
Well, who is going to know that about their dog? we’re gambling here
What if there was a SAFER alternative that can work better
Many members of the KDG have found better results using a safer solution. An all natural food solution. Ginger.
Working with clients from my Ketogenic Meal Plan Program I routinely deal with clients whose dogs suffer adverse side effects from cerenia, and it has been my observation that in all of those cases when we use the ginger alternative the dog rebounds much better.
Ginger can help treat Nausea and it can also act as an appetite stimulant which is especially helpful when a dog may not be feeling 100% and not wanting to eat. It also aids in indigestion.
Ginger has also been shown to be advantageous in high fat diets: lower weight gain, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol – NCBI
“Nausea is one of the side effects of chemotherapy and dogs will inevitably go on hunger strikes. My Isis sure did. Her Oncologist would prescribe Cerenia but that didn’t help at all. I make a ginger root tea for Isis. I boil a 1/4 cup of water. While that is boiling, I peel and slice 2 small slices of fresh ginger root. Once the water boils, I drop in the ginger in the water, take it off the stove and let it steep for 5 minutes. I then take ginger out of water and test the tea for hotness. How I test it is I get a dropper and take some of the tea and put drops of it on my wrist till it’s just lukewarm. Then I take a tablespoon of the tea and give it to Isis. I do this morning and night for 3-5 days after IV chemo. For nausea side effect for Oral chemo I give her a tablespoon of ginger root tea in the evening on a daily basis. Works like a charm for her.” – KDG group member Coleen.
And for reference her dog weighed approx 30 lbs. Since we are dealing with a food and not a drug, there is no exact “dose” to give your dog, so you may need some trial and error to figure out what works best for your particular dog.
So at the end of the day, It has been our observations that using food can sometimes very well work BETTER than manufactured drugs that come with their own potentially sever risks ! Which brings me to think of a quote from our own vet, Dr. Barbara Royal who said it best about dogs “eating their way healthy”. Food is the most powerful influence to our animals health and it can either help or hinder the process. And if we can use a food/spice that can work equally as well, and in some cases even BETTER than a drug, then by all means lets us the natural approach for our animals!
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