What is Carprofen for Dogs and How It Can Help You

Modern veterinary medicine has made strides in managing canine arthritis. By consistently using the correct dosage of prescribed medications, numerous dogs have been able to live fairly normal lives with this chronic condition. Many pet owners have heard of medications such as Rimadyl or Quellin, which are great non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used for treating canine osteoarthritis. These medications have something in common: carprofen. Carprofen is the generic form of these drugs, and offers many benefits in combating pain.

What is Carprofen?

Carprofen is an NSAID that is administered to your dog in pill form, specifically used to treat postoperative and osteoarthritic pain. It is the generic form of medications such as Rimadyl, Quellin, Carprieve, Novox, and Vetprofen. Other common NSAIDs are ibuprofen and naproxen, both of which are intended for human use only. In addition, carprofen is also non-narcotic meaning that it is non-addictive and mainly control pain and inflammation. Dogs taking carprofen often see a significant improvement within a few days of consistent administration.

How Carprofen Works

Carprofen works by reducing swelling in your dog’s joints by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are produced at the site of injury on tissue. The production of prostaglandins lead to swelling in the afflicted area, thus causing pain and discomfort. The overproduction of prostaglandins is associated with arthritis and other chronic pain related ailments. When carprofen is introduced, prostaglandin production is inhibited, thus reducing swelling and pain. This treatment is very effective in managing arthritis pain in dogs.

Side Effects

Although carprofen is safe to use for many dogs, there are some general side effects associated with NSAIDs to look out for:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach ulcers
• Bloody stool
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

If liver problems occur you will notice your dog's gums, eyes and lips turn slightly yellow. Seek veterinary attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Carprofen is for dogs only, and should only be administered to puppies over 6 weeks of age. In addition, carprofen should be avoided for pregnant or nursing dogs Do not administer carprofen to dogs who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. If your pet is on any other NSAIDs, consult your veterinarian before administering carprofen. Lastly, carprofen is a prescription medication; consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog has osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is manageable if you have the right tools. Carprofen is one tool that can truly benefit dogs struggling with osteoarthritis. We hope this article provides you with the information needed to make an informed decision about this medication.