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Carprofen for dogs is a prescription medication used to control pain and/or inflammation in our canine companions. There are a number of situations where your veterinarian might prescribe this kind of drug, including after surgery or an injury. Like all prescription medications, this drug has been carefully tested for safety and efficacy, however, there are always risks when giving any medication. Carprofen can occasionally have unwanted side effects and there are some dogs that are more at risk for complications if they take this medication.

Learn more carprofen, its intended uses, and possible side effects so you're prepared if your dog is ever prescribed this medication. 

What Is Carprofen for Dogs?

Carprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used specifically for the treatment of inflammation and pain in dogs. This medication is a COX-2 specific inhibitor, meaning that it targets enzymes that are responsible for inflammation and pain pathways in the body without causing as much gastrointestinal upset as other pain medications. 

Carprofen is FDA-approved for use in dogs to treat pain and inflammation associated with surgery as well as arthritis. It may also be used to treat other painful conditions due to trauma, broken bones, torn ligaments, and/or back and neck injuries. When used to treat pain related to surgery or other acutely painful conditions, the first dose may be given as an injection in the hospital. This may be followed up with additional doses to be given by mouth over multiple days if the pain is expected to last more than 24 hours. 

Carprofen Dosage for Dogs

Carprofen comes in both an injectable form given under the skin and an oral medication. Carprofen may be dosed as a once-a-day medication to be given every 24 hours, or in other cases, the dose is split and given every 12 hours. The oral medication can be either a pill or a chewable form that is reported to be very tasty to most pups. Your vet will prescribe a specific dose based on your dog’s weight, and it is very important to follow the dosing instructions exactly.

There may be times when a vet uses a slightly lower dose than normal, such as if a dog is overweight or has some underlying conditions that affect how they will tolerate the medication. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your vet and confirm the dose for your pup if you have any questions. 

Potential Side Effects of Carprofen

Carprofen, like many NSAIDs, comes with some risks of side effects. In a young, healthy dog that is taking a few days’ worth of this medication to treat short-term pain, the chance of side effects is very low. Side effects are more of a concern in dogs that need to take this medication long-term, such as those with arthritis, as well as in dogs who have other underlying health problems.

Gastrointestinal Upset

The most common side effects of carprofen are mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or decreased appetite. If you notice any of these signs while your dog is taking carprofen, it is important to stop the medication and contact your vet right away to avoid more serious consequences.

Liver or Kidney Damage

Some of the more unusual and more serious side effects of carprofen include liver damage, kidney damage, and stomach ulcers. These risks can be minimized by checking your dog’s liver and kidney function on routine blood work before starting the medication, as well as every 6 months when dogs take this medication long-term. While this can minimize the risks to your pup, there are unfortunately some dogs that may have an unpredictable reaction to this medication, or any medication, so close monitoring is always important. 

Drug Interactions

There are also some medications that can increase the risk of side effects if taken with carprofen. This includes steroids, insulin, phenobarbital (an anti-seizure medication), cyclosporine, and diuretics like furosemide, as well as some other less commonly used medications. If your dog is on any medications at all, it is important to tell your veterinarian before starting carprofen. 

Carprofen Overdose in Dogs

Overdosage of carprofen can cause serious illness and even death. It is important to be aware that the chewable formulation of this drug is very tasty to animals, and there have been reports of dogs breaking into the bottle and eating enough chews to cause an overdose. Be sure to keep this medication, and all medications, out of reach of all pets and children to avoid accidental overdoses.

Some of the common signs of overdose include:

• Gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood
• Ulcers within the stomach and intestines
• Sepsis
• Kidney failure

If you suspect your dog has received more than the prescribed dose or you find the bottle chewed up at home, head to an emergency clinic right away. This is a case where every minute counts and there are many proactive steps that can be taken to try to treat an overdose if it is caught early.

Is Carprofen Safe for My Dog?

It is always a good idea to speak with your vet about any concerns you have with a new medication as well as to discuss any underlying health problems your dog has and any medications your dog is taking already. Dogs that are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of bleeding disorders may be more at risk for complications with this drug, so be sure to mention these factors to your vet. Also, due to the ways the drug is broken down in the body, dogs with pre-existing liver or kidney problems may be at higher risk for complications if they take carprofen. Dogs that are already having gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea should also not take this medication.

As a reminder, it is never safe to give a dog medications prescribed to another dog since the dosing and risk factors may be very different between dogs.

The good news is that for most healthy dogs, carprofen is very safe, and it is very effective at helping to reduce pain and inflammation. It is not always obvious when a dog is in pain at first, but most pet parents can tell right away when their pup feels better. It is so important to make them as comfortable as possible if they have a painful injury or a big surgery, and this drug can make a big difference in the quality of life for many pups.