
NSAIDs and your Dog

- ETOGESIC (etodolac) – not currently marketed
- RIMADYL (carprofen)
- METACAM (meloxicam)
- DERAMAXX (deracoxib)
- PREVICOX (firocoxib)
- ZUBRIN (tepoxalin) – not currently marketed
- NOVOCOX (carprofen)
- VETPROFEN (carprofen)
- CARPRIEVE (carprofen)
- QUELLIN (carprofen)
- OROCAM (meloxicam)
- LOXICOM (meloxicam)
- MELOXIDYL (meloxicam)
- ONSIOR (robenacoxib) for a maximum of 3 day use
- GALLIPRANT (grapiprant)
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of appetitie
- Skin redness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
These can be symptoms that your dog is having a reaction to the NSAID and should be looked at by your veterinarian immediately.
There are some human over the counter NSAIDs that your veterinarian might say is ok to give your dog, such as Aspirin. This is for short term use only and can have some serious side effects if used long term. Do not self prescribe or decide the dosage yourself. The incorrect dosage can cause serious damage to your dog, including death. Call your vet and she will tell you the appropriate dosage and frequency for your dog.
If you think your dog is having issues with pain management due to a condition like arthritis, an injury, or surgery, you should speak to your vet about using NSAIDs as a pain management tool. Here are some questions to ask and things to discuss with your vet:
- what condition the NSAID is being given for. Sometimes our pets have multiple issues, and a prescription might be for one thing but not another. It is important to know exactly what the prescription is for.
- how much to give, aka. dosage
- how long to give it and how often
- possible side effects
- what to avoid while your dog is taking an NSAID – such as any food or treat, types of exercise, sunlight, etc.
- what tests are needed before giving an NSAID to your dog – sometimes dogs have a preexisting condition that might need to be evaluated before giving them an NSAID.
- how often should your dog be re-examined. Never just continue to give your dog an NSAID. Only give it to them for the amount of time the vet has said. If your dog is still in pain, you need to bring them back for an evaluation.
- your dog’s previous medical history and any previous drug reactions. A good medical history comes from annual exams. Make sure to bring your dog in to Vetco every year for his annual exam, that way if there is ever a serious problem you have a good medical history to help evaluate the current situation and treatment path.
- all medications and products your dog currently receives