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When we pick up prescription medication for ourselves, most of us take the time to do a little research about the side effects. We should do the same kind of research when we get a prescription medication for our dogs. If your vet prescribed Rimadyl for your dog, you need to know about what Rimadyl treats, potential side effects, and possible alternatives to the drug if your dog has an adverse reaction.
Rimadyl is one of the brand names for the veterinary drug carprofen. Carprofen belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs act to reduce inflammation with fewer negative side effects than steroids, making them more suitable than steroids for long-term use.
Carprofen is safer for use in dogs 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 pills from your own medicine cabinet, as many human medications can have serious consequences for dogs.
Rimadyl for dogs comes in three forms: caplets, chewable tablets, and an injection. Talk to your vet about which method is best for your dog.
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.
These qualities make it highly effective at treating osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of Rimadyl 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 for dogs after surgery 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 he or she prescribed Rimadyl.
What Is The Best Carprofen Dosage?
If youre new to using Carprofen for your dog, then its important to make sure you use the correct dosage. While your vet will likely let you know how much carprofen to give your dog and when it never hurts to have an understanding of the dosage yourself.
The first aspect to know is that carprofen is offered in a few different doses, including 100mg carprofen, 75mg, and 25mg. That way, dogs of just about any size can get an amount that is suitable for them. Furthermore, its usually offered as a chewable or tablet for easier administering.
Keep in mind that carprofen is not for humans, so its not recommended that you take it yourself. There are plenty of over the counter options that are reliable for you. Its also a good idea to give your dog the carprofen with food, in order to help them digest it more easily.
Typically, the dosage for carprofen is 2mg for every pound your dog weighs on a daily basis. Otherwise, you can provide half that dose twice a day. For example, a 50lb dog would receive 100mg daily, but you could also choose to give them 50mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening.
Signs Of Allergic Reaction To Carprofen
No matter what the medication is, some dogs can experience allergic reactions. On top of that, these reactions can sometimes be dangerous to your beloved companion.
While these are known side effects of the drug, other dogs are able to tolerate it without any noticeable problem. Since Rimadyl for dogs seems to provide significant relief to the canines that don’t experience an allergic reaction, the drug is still widely prescribed by vets across the country. In fact, Rimadyl has been prescribed to over four million dogs in the U.S. alone, and even more across seas [1].
When it was first marketed for dogs in the 1990s, Rimadyl for dogs seemed to be a wonder drug [1]. Commercials depicted dogs suddenly able to move as freely as pups after taking the prescription medicine. Naturally, pet owners across the country sought out Rimadyl, hoping it would give the same relief to their aging and symptomatic dogs.
The average Rimadyl dosage will depend largely on the size and weight of your dog and the severity of their condition. Rimadyl usually comes in 25mg, 75mg, or 100mg capsules or chewable tablets [4]. Often, the dose can either be given all at once or split up and given twice a day. Make sure to consult with your vet to find out what dose they recommend for your dog specifically. As with any drug, it’s important not to exceed the prescribed dose—even if you think it will help ease your dog’s discomfoet even more. It’s always best to be safe when your dog’s life is on the line.
Make the Home More Comfy: Sometimes we forget how much larger we are than our pets. Couches, beds, stairs, and cars may be easier for us to navigate, but as your pup gets older, it becomes difficult to move their bodies to great heights (or jump down safely). Adding ramps and easy steps to your home can make life a lot easier on your dog’s joints.
Clean Up Your Dog’s Diet: Think about the dosage of pharmaceutical drugs—they’re usually measured in milligrams. But we often forget about the impact that food has, which is measured in kilograms (a much larger quantity than the medicine). Most dogs thrive on a diet that is high in animal proteins, like meat and raw bones, followed by fresh fruits and vegetables.
FAQ
Can carprofen cause pancreatitis in dogs?
Is Rimadyl hard on dogs liver?
Can Rimadyl upset a dog’s stomach?
How long can a dog stay on Rimadyl?