AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
If your veterinarian prescribed Rimadyl for your dog, it’s a sign of responsible dog ownership that you want to learn more about this medicine. Let’s talk about why Rimadyl is prescribed for dogs, what potential side effects might look like, and some alternatives if your dog has a negative reaction. Rimadyl is generally safe for dogs, but it should only be given to a dog with a veterinarian’s prescription.
What Is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is a brand name for the generic veterinary equivalent drug carprofen. Carprofen belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs act to reduce inflammation in dogs with fewer negative side effects than steroids, making them more suitable than steroids for long-term use.
Carprofen for dogs is safer for use than human NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, which is why it is one of the more commonly prescribed veterinary canine painkillers. This is also why it is never a good idea to treat your dog with medications from your own medicine cabinet, as many human medications can be poisonous for dogs.
Rimadyl for dogs can come in different forms — caplets, chewable tablets, or injectable. Talk to your vet about which method is best for your dog.
What Is Rimadyl (or Carprofen) Used For?
If you’re not sure why your vet prescribed Rimadyl for your dog, the first thing you should do is call your vet’s office for clarification. There are two main reasons why vets prescribe Rimadyl for dogs:
- As part of a chronic pain management strategy for dogs with osteoarthritis
- As a post-operative medication to treat pain and inflammation in dogs after surgery
Carprofen for dogs works in three ways:
These qualities make Rimadyl or carprofen highly effective at treating osteoarthritis in dogs. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the joint inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which reduces pain, and the analgesic properties of the drug also reduce pain. Since the drug is tolerated relatively well by the majority of canine patients, Rimadyl is a good choice for long-term pain management of arthritis in dogs.
Vets prescribe short-term use of Rimadyl to dogs for the same reasons. The drug reduces post-operative inflammation and also helps manage acute pain, keeping the patient more comfortable.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s condition if you have any questions about why they prescribed Rimadyl or carprofen.
Side Effects of Rimadyl for Dogs
Rimadyl can have serious side effects that owners need to be aware of, especially for long-term use. The most common problems associated are related to the digestive tract.
Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) complications include:
Liver and kidney side effects are rare, but when they do occur, they are very serious. Most vets recommend running regular blood work to monitor the liver, especially in older dogs and in dogs that take Rimadyl long-term.
How do you tell if your dog is having an adverse reaction to Rimadyl? Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Change in appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Black, tarry, or bloody stool
- Changes in behavior (increased or decreased activity, changes in coordination, aggression)
- Seizure
- Increased or decreased drinking
- Urinary symptoms (change in frequency, color, or smell of urine)
- Skin symptoms (scabbing, itching, or redness)
- Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
If you notice any of these symptoms or any other change in your dog, call your vet immediately. Adverse side effects can have serious repercussions. The sooner you catch them, the sooner your vet can help get your dog back on the right track.
Pros and Cons of Carprofen for Dogs
The side effects associated with Rimadyl or carprofen are serious, but so are the impacts on a dog’s quality of life if their arthritis pain isn’t well-managed. As a dog owner, you need to weigh the impact of arthritis pain on your dog’s everyday life against the relatively low risk of medication side effects for otherwise healthy dogs. Talk to your vet about your concerns and let them know about any other medications your dog is on, as well as any other conditions that your vet might not be aware of.
Alternatives to Rimadyl for Dogs
Rimadyl is one of the safest NSAIDs available for dogs, but there are alternatives if your dog has an adverse reaction. Talk to your vet about prescribing a different painkiller for dogs or about alternative pain management strategies for your dog’s osteoarthritis. Discuss with your vet whether Rimadyl could be part of a holistic approach to managing arthritis that includes canine joint supplements to support your dog’s overall joint health, as well as other therapies like canine massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and even water therapy.
Your veterinarian is your best source of information about Rimadyl for dogs. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have and be sure you give your dog the prescribed dosage and follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.