Madison, NJ (PRWEB) June 06, 2011
With the summer travel season in full swing, many dog owners now face a dilemma about traveling: canine motion sickness.
More than one in six dogs in the United States suffer from vomiting caused by motion sickness, leading many families to curb travel plans or leave the family dog behind. Indeed, 82 percent of dog owners say they would travel more if their dog did not suffer from motion sickness, according to research conducted by SDR Consulting for Pfizer Animal Health.?
?Motion sickness among dogs is a widespread problem that can have a significant impact on summer travel plans,? said Amy Trettien, DVM, Pfizer Animal Health. ?It?s disappointing to see family vacations postponed or families separated from their dogs to avoid having to deal with the effects of motion sickness.?
But canine motion sickness does not have to interfere with the enjoyment of traveling with the family pet.
CERENIA? (maropitant citrate) from Pfizer Animal Health was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007 to prevent vomiting in dogs caused by motion sickness, enabling thousands of families to get on the road with their dogs and improve the quality and quantity of time spent with their dog. CERENIA is the only FDA-approved motion-sickness medication indicated specifically for dogs and has been proven to be up to 93 percent effective in the prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness.
?CERENIA can be an important addition to a family?s packing list for summer travel,? Trettien said. ?Not only does the family feel better about the trip, but the dog feels more comfortable as well.?
Research conducted for Pfizer on the prevalence and impact of canine motion sickness uncovered a wide range of problems associated with the condition. For example, 58 percent of dog owners report that motion sickness has delayed or postponed routine veterinary visits, and about 25 percent say motion sickness completely prevents them from driving to the vet?s office. Still, only 40 percent of dog owners whose pets have repeated episodes of motion sickness say that they have consulted their veterinarian about it.
For dogs, just as in humans, motion can affect the inner ear, which sends signals to the vomiting center in the brain. These signals cause the dog to display signs of motion sickness, such as drooling, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. Motion sickness in dogs can result from any means of travel, including by airplane, car, boat or train.
Over 150 million doses of CERENIA tablets have been purchased since its launch, Trettien said. CERENIA is available by prescription only from veterinarians and is available in an easy-to-give, once-daily tablet that will not cause sedation. In the past, canine motion sickness has been treated with medications designed for people. In a study by Yates et al?, research showed that dogs have a different response than humans to medicines for motion sickness. Because CERENIA does not cause drowsiness, dogs will be alert and ready to play when reaching the final destination ? making summer travel a more positive experience for every member of the family.
Dog Owner Study conducted August 2010, among a random sample of 1,023 U.S. dog owners, with a margin of error of +/- 4%.
?Yates BJ, Miller AD, Lucot JB. Physiological basis and pharmacology of motion sickness: an update. Brain Res Bull. 1998 Nov 15;47(5): 395-406. Review.
Important Safety Information
CERENIA works to prevent vomiting due to motion sickness as well as treat and prevent acute vomiting. CERENIA is recommended for dogs 16 weeks and older. The common side effects seen with CERENIA are excessive drooling, lethargy and vomiting not due to motion sickness. CERENIA should not be used in dogs with liver problems. For more information, read the full prescribing information or visit http://www.CERENIA.com.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, diagnostic products and genetic tests. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit http://www.pfizerah.com.
Ten Tips for Travel with a Canine Companion
Pfizer Animal Health wants dog owners to enjoy happy, healthy summer travel without leaving their pet at home. The following tips can make traveling easier and safer for a dog:
1.???? Visit a veterinarian before the trip to ensure a dog is current on vaccinations, as well as to address any travel-related concerns, including motion sickness. Also, ask the veterinarian about food and water recommendations.
2.????Make sure to identify and know how to contact a local veterinarian at your destination.
3.????Make sure chosen hotels are pet-friendly.
4.????Bring along proof of rabies vaccination.
5.????Make sure the dog?s collar ID tags are current and includes contacts while traveling.
6.????Ensure the collar is properly fitted and the leash and collar are in good repair.
7.????If staying at someone?s home, check out potential problems ? such as hosts? allergies, aggressive animals in the home, etc. ? before embarking on the visit.
8.????It is never OK to leave a dog or cat unattended in a hot vehicle: hyperthermia kills.
9.????If traveling by car, plan for extra stops along the way to let your dog exercise and take a break.
10.????If traveling by plane, check the airline?s requirements and regulations for transporting a pet.
For additional advice on traveling with dogs, visit http://www.CERENIA.com.
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