Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc has announced that Cerenia (maropitant citrate), the first and only FDA-approved medication for the prevention and treatment of canine vomiting from a wide range of causes, including motion sickness, is now available by prescription in the United States.

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners take their dogs to the veterinarian. According to Pfizer Animal Health market research, veterinarians see between 16-28 cases of acute vomiting per month, with an estimated 3 million dogs experiencing vomiting each year in the US. In addition, another 7 million dogs suffer from vomiting caused by motion sickness.

"Vomiting is extremely distressing to dogs and owners, whatever the cause may be, including motion sickness," said George Fennell, vice president, US Companion Animal Division, Pfizer Animal Health. "For many people, dogs are members of the family, and it's difficult to leave them behind during vacations or even while running errands because of motion sickness. Pfizer understands the strong emotional bond between pet owners and their dogs and is excited to make available this innovative and groundbreaking medication."

Vomiting may be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Before Cerenia, there was no product developed and approved specifically to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs.

There also were no medications approved specifically for dogs that reliably control vomiting from motion sickness without causing sedation. In fact, owners tend to leave their dog behind at home for day trips or put their dog in a kennel while they go on vacation because of motion sickness. Pfizer Animal Health market research shows that one in six dogs suffer from motion sickness.

"Every single time my dog Reba rides in the car she vomits. That means that she is miserable, and I have to clean up a crate filled with vomit every time we go anywhere - and then again when we go back home," said Leah Cohn, DVM, DACVIM, University of Missouri. "I was really looking forward to hiking with Reba but I've tried lots of treatments to no avail. I finally had to give up on that idea and just keep her home."

Dogs are the most common pet to take on a trip (78 per cent), according to the Travel Information Association of America. Additionally: