Pfizer drug ‘can stop animal motion sickness’

Pfizer is encouraging dog owners to go on holiday with their pets before the end of the summer and recommends its Cerenia (maropitant citrate) product to alleviate motion sickness.

It notes the compound is the first and only approved canine medication in Europe, the US and Canada for the prevention of vomiting attributed to a wide range of causes.

The compound is available by prescription as a once-daily tablet that does not cause sedation.

George Fennell, vice president of the US companion animal division at the firm, said: “Our experience is that, with a little pre-trip planning and with the benefits of Cerenia, motion sickness no longer needs to be a reason to leave the family dog behind.”

He added that increasing numbers of families are taking their dogs on trips and longer holidays.

Pfizer Animal Health reports that around 17 per cent of dogs get sick from travelling.