Carprofen Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your vet prescribed carprofen to your painful dog? You likely have a list of questions about what this medication is and how it works, so let’s discuss everything you need to know about carprofen for dogs below!

What Is Carprofen?

Carprofen, or Rimadyl, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to relieve inflammation and pain in dogs. Carprofen was once used in human medicine as well, but it is now only available for use in veterinary medicine. Carprofen is now one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the veterinary space.

Is Carprofen (Rimadyl) Safe For Dogs?

Carprofen is safe for use in dogs when following your veterinarian’s guidance. Unlike many NSAIDs made for humans, Carprofen can target painful inflammation without any life-threatening side effects. Medications like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause serious health complications in dogs, so Carprofen is a safe alternative in managing inflammation in our canine companions.

Why Do Dogs Take Carprofen?

Carprofen, or Rimadyl, is primarily prescribed to manage pain and inflammation in our canine friends. Ranging from painful arthritis to soft tissue injuries, let’s list some of the most common reasons why dogs take Carprofen below.

• Arthiritis
• Managing inflammation after surgery
• Soft tissue injuries like sprains and lacerations
• Severe ear infection inflammation
• Back injuries (only when steroids are not prescribed)
• Fever management

There are many painful conditions in dogs that can benefit from the use of Carprofen. We suggest following your vet’s guidance if they think Carprofen is right for your pup.

How To Give Carprofen To Dogs

Carprofen can be prescribed to your dog in pill form. It can technically be given without food, but some dogs can experience GI upset or nausea when Carprofen is given on an empty stomach. We suggest giving your dog their dose of Carprofen with a small meal to decrease their risk of nausea after administration.

What Is The Dose Of Carprofen In Dogs?

Before we discuss the standard dose of Carprofen for dogs, we should mention again that you should not give your dog Carprofen without veterinary approval. With that in mind, there is a common Carprofen dose that most veterinarians follow!

The standard dose of Carprofen for dogs is 2 mg per pound of body weight. It is typically given every 12 to 24 hours for 3-7 days, but it can be given in lower doses when prescribed for long term use. For example, if Carprofen is used to manage inflammation after surgery, then it may only be given for a few days at 2 mg per pound. If your dog is taking Carprofen to manage pain from arthritis, then they may be prescribed a lower dose for long periods.

The standard dosing for Carprofen can vary slightly, so it’s best to trust your veterinarian’s guidance.

Are There Any Side Effects With Carprofen Use In Dogs?

Carprofen is generally safe when following your vet’s guidance, but just like any other medication, it can cause a few mild side effects. Some of the most common side effects with Carprofen use in dogs include:

• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Liver & kidney complications

Most Carprofen side effects are mild, but we always suggest keeping a close eye on your dog once they start this popular NSAID. We suggest reaching out to your vet if your dog develops any of the above side effects, as your vet team can offer advice on how to alleviate their symptoms, or let you know if they need to be examined.

Potential Dangers Of Carprofen Use In Dogs

Carprofen is generally safe for dogs when following the guidance of your veterinarian, but there are a few potential risks to be aware of with this medication.

The first potential risk of Carprofen use in dogs is exacerbation of kidney or liver disease. Carprofen can be challenging to process if your pup has decreased liver or kidney function, which is why it is so important to perform blood tests on senior dogs before the medication is prescribed. This is a common risk that all veterinarians are aware of, so they will always recommend blood work to assess kidney and liver function before prescribing Carprofen to senior dogs.

The next potential risk of Carprofen use in dogs is the threat of fatal health complications that come with Carprofen overdose. Carprofen overdose can lead to kidney and liver damage in dogs, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. It is essential to keep your dog’s bottle of Carprofen in an area they cannot access, and to reach out to your vet immediately if your dog accidently consumes a large amount of Carprofen.

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that a Carprofen overdose in dogs will require aggressive and immediate veterinary care. These dogs will need to be hospitalized on intravenous fluids to support their liver and kidneys, and offered gastrointestinal protectants to prevent GI bleeding. You can prevent this complication by keeping your dog’s medication in a safe area they cannot access at all times.

The last potential danger with Carprofen use in dogs is mixing any form of steroid with the medication. Mixing a steroid with any form of NSAID can lead to gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, and this can be fatal for some dogs. It is essential to make your veterinarian aware of any other medications your dog is taking so they can avoid this complication.

How Do I Get Carprofen For My Dog?

Carprofen is an NSAID that can only be found at your vet’s office. We suggest reaching out to your veterinary team if you think your dog can benefit from the use of Carprofen!

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