Do you have a dog with joint pain and inflammation? Has your pooch been diagnosed with arthritis or just gone through a surgical procedure? You may be asking yourself: What is good for dog joints? You might also be wondering if there’s a good remedy for dog joint pain that doesn’t involve surgery. Your veterinarian may prescribe a drug to help with pain management. There’s a chance the drug contains carprofen as its active ingredient.

Carprofen comes in many forms. It goes by the brand name Rimadyl, the generic version Vetprofen, a generic equivalent called Carprofen, and is sometimes also labeled as Novox. Dog arthritis medication using this ingredient can be purchased as caplets or chewables. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best administration method for your dog and the optimum price point when choosing a product. If you need long-term pain control for dog joint health problems or arthritis, carprofen provides an excellent option.

What is Carprofen? Breaking It Down

Carprofen is classified as a NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). It’s major advantage over steroids is that it can provide many of the same results with fewer side effects. The benefits include reduced inflammation with less health issues. It also proves a safer alternative to treat dog joint pain than using human pain medication like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, which may cause severe health risks to canines. (So if you’ve been asking: “Can I give my dog aspirin for a limp?”, consult your veterinarian first.) Your vet may also prescribe some short-term use of this drug to treat pain and inflammation for your dog following surgery.

What does Carprofen do for Dog Joint Pain?

Carprofen’s anti-inflammatory ingredients treat inflammation and reduce pain and fever for dogs. It also works to alleviate discomfort related to arthritis and like joint conditions. Most dogs tolerate using carprofen well, which makes it an outstanding medical treatment. It is available in chewable tablets and other forms.

What are Carprofen Side Effects? A Little Extra Knowledge

As is the case with any drug, some dogs may experience side effects, especially over long-term use. Most side effects involve vomiting, diarrhea, and ulcers in the gastro-intestinal tract. Rare occurrences of liver and kidney problems have also been reported. For canines using carprofen for the long term, veterinarians will generally recommend regular blood work monitoring as part of any physical.

Besides the above symptoms, other signs your dog may be having a reaction to carprofen are:

Jaundice-Yellow tint to gums, skin or whites of eyes

Change in appetite

Stools that are black, tarry, or bloody

Scabby, itchy, or red skin

Changes in behavior-decreased/increased activity, agitation, coordination issues, and aggression

Seizure

Notify your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms. Early intervention and resolution can prevent serious health problems from affecting your dog. However, it is important to remember that carprofen generally presents few serious side effects for canine users.

Here’s Your Answer

For the most part, carprofen offers one of the safest NSAID treatments available for dog joint pain. It provides an excellent treatment for dogs or pups hindered by arthritis and other related joint diseases. The medication’s positive outcome may increase your dog’s mobility and diminish their pain level, too. Always work with your veterinarian to find the best solution for your dog’s discomfort.

Carprofen Use in Dogs – Joint Pain Solutions – Well Pet