This pain fireman can give your cad a new term of a contract on life , but it needs to be used cautiously .

If your frankfurter is experiencing pain and inflammation , your veterinarian may order carprofen . This common dog medication work in a exchangeable means to human medications likeibuprofen , but is safe for dog ( unlike ibuprofen and many other human drug ) .

I ’ve seen carprofen used in many dogs with great winner throughout my career as a veterinary technician . I ’ve also seen some detent experience undesirable side force . Now , my own elderly bounder is taking it to manage her arthritis . It has cue me that , while carprofen is often safe and in effect , it ’s important to supervise dog tight while they are on this drug .

man taking a selfie outdoors with his dog

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Here ’s what you call for to jazz if your dog is taking carprofen .

What Is Carprofen for Dogs?

Carprofen is a non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drug ( NSAID ) used to treat annoyance and ignition in dogs .

Pain from inflammation is facilitated by an enzyme called Cox ( COX ) . There are two configuration of this enzyme : COX-1 and COX-2 . Both facilitate pain in the neck and fervour , but COX-2 is mainly chance at sites with excrescence . Carprofen is categorize as a selective COX-2 inhibitor , preserve COX-1 in a dog ’s body which is chiefly know to wield and protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract . Some NSAIDs inhibit all COX , which is likely to cause breadbasket upset , ulcer , and hemorrhage . By stamp down COX-2 but not COX-1 , carprofen can relieve pain and excitation with milder GI side effects , which is why carprofen and other COX-2 - inhibiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug are prescribed over other types of NSAIDs for certain dogs

Carprofen Uses in Dogs

Carprofen is most commonly used to ease the painful sensation and inflammation associated with conditions likearthritis , elbow dysplasia , andhip dysplasia . Your veterinarian may also order carprofen after surgical procedure , injury , or infections to reduce infliction , lighting , andfever .

Carprofen Side Effects in Dogs

Side personal effects can occur with any drug , and carprofen is no exclusion . Like most NSAIDs , gastrointestinal upset is one of the most vulgar side force . Carprofen is generally tolerated well by frankfurter when given with food at the appropriate dose . However , some dogs may still experience some of the pursuit :

Monitoring

My own dog has not had any visible side effects like vomiting or diarrhea , but one of her liver enzymes was slightly elevated on her stick with - up blood work . My vet has advocate that we recheck her blood work in a few week and also do some ex - rays so she can see how her liver bet . If anything is abnormal , she may need an ultrasound . We may even necessitate to hold back the medicinal drug if they determine that the carprofen is affecting her liver . This scenario is not rare for dogs on this drug , so be certain to follow your vet ’s recommendations about monitoring .

Carprofen Dosage for Dogs

Carprofen is a veterinary drug that is givenorally as a pillonce or twice a daylight . Chewable tablets are usable , which makes dosing commodious for pet parents . Carprofen should be given with nutrient to decrease the chance of stomach upset .

Carprofen is typically administrate to dogs at a dose of approximately two milligrams per pounding of body system of weights per day . This is often divide into two daily doses spaced about 12 hour asunder . Carprofen tablets are available in three sizes : 25 , 75 , and 100 milligrams . My 45 - Egyptian pound mixed - breed hot dog is taking one - half of a 100 milligram chewable tablet with each meal ( morning and Nox ) and she eats them like treat properly out of her solid food sports stadium . If my veterinary surgeon is out of the chews , I usepill pocketsto make the tablets more beguiling for my puppy .

Carprofen give way by many brand name , including Rimadyl , Vetprofen , and Novox . Several generic forms are also uncommitted . Or , an injectable signifier can be parcel out in your vet ’s place .

Interactions

Carprofen should not be given in continuative with other NSAIDs or corticoid . This will increase the likelihood of dangerous side effects like gilbert bleeding and ulceration , liver damage , and kidney damage . Other drugs can interact with carprofen as well , so tell your vet about all medicament and supplement that you give your dog .

Can Dogs Overdose on Carprofen?

It ’s certainly potential for dogs to overdose on carprofen , and the event can be serious . Doses of 10 mg per pound or more tend to first cause life-threatening disgorgement , abdominal nuisance , and diarrhea . go out untreated , carprofen toxicity can guide to weakness , shudder , seizure , GI perforation , and kidney failure .

The most usual character of overdose happens when a dog get into a nursing bottle of chewable carprofen and corrode the whole matter . This kind of utmost overdose calls for an immediatevet visitor question to an animal emergency brake center if your vet is closed . Be trusted to bring what is leave of the oral contraceptive pill bottle and any other information available about the drug strength and quantity .

If your dog accidentally gets a small overdose ( like one or two excess tablets ) contact your vet or an animate being toxicant controller service likeASPCA Animal Poison Controlat(888 ) 426 - 4435orPet Poison Helplineat(855 ) 764 - 7661 . You may be advise toinduce vomitingif the overdose happened recently . Some dogs will still want follow - up handling at a veterinary infirmary .

To prevent inadvertent overdose , be sure to keep carprofen and all other medication out of your dog ’s reach . check that all members of your home plate understand the dosing instruction and schedule if they will be involved in alimentation / medicine times .