Home

>

Dog

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Carprofen Usage, Dosage, & Side Effects For Dogs

Carprofen Usage, Dosage, & Side Effects for Dogs

Updated on February 03, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM

Swollen joints, post-surgery pain and inflammation can all get in the way of your dog’s regular routine, but relief may be found in an anti-inflammatory medication called carprofen. Carprofen is sold under various brand names including: Rimadyl®, Zinecarp®, Canidryl®, Aventicarp®, Rycarfa®, Rimifin®, Carpox®, Tergive®, Carprodyl®, Carprieve®, Norocarp®, Novox®, quellin®, Rovera®, Vetprofen®, Levafen®. This pain reliever is FDA-approved specifically for dogs. Think of it as a canine alternative to ibuprofen. It’s so versatile in alleviating pain that it can be prescribed for either short-term or chronic conditions.

Table of Contents

What is carprofen?

Carprofen is a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Canine carprofen is primarily used to help alleviate inflammation and joint pain as well as post-surgery pain. It can be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, an incurable degenerative disease that can leave dogs feeling uncomfortable and unable to move as well as they once did. Carprofen caplets, when used as directed by your veterinarian, may help your pup resume some of their regular physical activities. Signs of osteoarthritis in dogs can include:

  • Changes in gait Your dog might develop an unusual walk or limp or stiffer stride if they’re experiencing joint pain.
  • Difficulty standing up Your dog might show signs of discomfort or hesitation when lying down or getting up, or they may be unable to jump onto the bed as easily as they once could.
  • Resistance to playtime Dogs with joint pain might resist running around, chasing balls or wrestling or opt out of other activities they enjoyed when they were more limber.
  • Mood changes Pain and physical limitations can affect your pet’s disposition, and they may be less affectionate or even irritable.

If you notice these types of behavioral changes in your dog, consult your veterinarian and determine how to best support your pup. Your veterinarian may recommend carprofen caplets or chewable tablets. Finding the proper medication to reduce inflammation and pain could help change your dog’s life for the better.

Is carprofen a pain killer for dogs?

Yes, carprofen is a pain reliever that—when used correctly—can help reduce discomfort in dogs. Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, experiencing osteoarthritis or dealing with a different inflammatory issue that’s causing them pain, your veterinarian may recommend an NSAID to help them recover. One such type of medication is carprofen. Common brands include Novox and Rimadyl. It has been proven effective in helping dogs get relief from the discomfort of inflammation. With an appropriate method of pain relief, your dog may be able to get back to their regular routine.

Do I need a prescription for carprofen?

While many of the solutions available to keep pups happy don’t require a prescription—from food to bedding to toys—medication is a different story. Certain supplements to support relief for your dog’s condition may be purchased over the counter, but many pain medications, including carprofen, require a prescription from a veterinarian. The recommended dosage varies based on a dog’s size and condition, so you should always administer this medication under the guidance of a veterinarian. At Petco, we offer carprofen for dogs in multiple strengths and forms, including both caplets and chewable tablets. No matter the strength your vet prescribes or whether your pup prefers chewing or swallowing medication, we have options that are right for your pet. There are also yummy treat options to help dose medication.

Is carprofen safe for my dogs?

Carprofen has been prescribed for dogs for decades, and when used according to the label recommendations has a very low risk of side effects. Any medication approved by the FDA must undergo rigorous safety studies. Just like with any NSAID, however, there is risk for negative effects on the liver and kidneys, so your veterinarian may want to run some blood work to ensure those organs are functioning normally before starting your dog on carprofen. NSAIDs can also have some GI side effects, so if your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea or loses their appetite or you have any other concerns, stop the medication and call your veterinarian.  If you’re administering carprofen under the guidance of your veterinarian and keeping an eye on your dog for behavior or mood changes, you should see more positive effects than negative ones.

As with all medications, it’s important to keep your bottle of carprofen out of your dog’s reach. While carprofen usage is generally safe when administered according to direction from your veterinarian, an overdose could occur if your dog gets ahold of the bottle and eats too much medicine at once. Make sure you store your dog’s carprofen in a place where it is unlikely to be knocked onto the ground and consumed.

How much carprofen can my dog take?

Veterinarians calculate dosage based on the patient’s weight, so the amount you’ll give your dog will largely depend on their size. Your vet will probably also take into account your dog’s age, the specific issue for which carprofen is being prescribed and any underlying conditions your dog may have.

Are there any potential side effects in dogs?

Overall, canine carprofen is known to be beneficial for pain management and inflammation reduction. But as with any medication, it does have the potential for side effects. Keep an eye on your dog for:

  • GI effects An upset stomach (diarrhea, vomiting or diminished appetite) is the most commonly reported side effect, and it can be serious.
  • Fatigue Your dog may seem lethargic as a result of taking carprofen.
  • Neurological symptoms Although very rare,  severe side effects of carprofen for dogs include seizures, lack of balance or coordination, and loss of motor function.
  • Liver & kidney issues If your dog is drinking more water or urinating more frequently, this could be a sign that carprofen is affecting their kidneys. In addition, if they develop jaundiced (yellow) eyes or skin, it’s a probable sign that their liver function is being compromised.

If you notice any unusual side effects while your dog is taking carprofen, speak to your veterinarian immediately. While carprofen is generally beneficial, the potential for harmful side effects does exist, especially in dogs with underlying health conditions.

Does carprofen make dogs sleepy?

While gastrointestinal symptoms are more common, sleepiness is a potential side effect for dogs who take carprofen. Consult your veterinarian if you notice significant tiredness or lack of energy in your dog, as they may need their dosage adjusted. On the other hand, if your dog has been experiencing discomfort from a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis, your dog may seem to have more energy and stamina than they did before they began taking carprofen. With pain and inflammation reduced, your dog can more easily enjoy playtime and exercise.

How long is carprofen good for?

It’s important to pay attention to expiration dates for any medication your dog takes. As drugs break down over time they can lose their efficacy or become unsafe to administer. In general, it’s not a good idea to keep pills for more than a year once a bottle has been opened. Keep your eye on your carprofen bottle’s expiration date to make sure you’re not giving your dog expired caplets or tablets.

When your dog’s medication expires, ask your veterinarian for a new prescription even if caplets or tablets remain in the bottle. There are better ways to save money than giving your dog medicine that may be unsafe or ineffective. Petco’s dog deals are a great way to save money responsibly while providing your pet everything they need to stay happy.

As a responsible pet parent, you know that proper pup care includes, among other things, feeding them a nutritious diet, supplementing with dog vitamins for their specific needs, keeping up with regular dental cleanings, and treating them to natural chewable bones for extra care between vet visits. Unfortunately, despite the loving care you can give them, your dog may end up needing medical intervention from time to time. For a quick and easy pet pharmacy experience, purchase your pet’s prescription for canine carprofen and other medications online. 

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Filed Under

Sponsored