Carprofen
Carprofen is a painkiller that is used for dogs with joint problems or other pain. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In this article, you can find out more about the use, dosage and side effects of carprofen in dogs.
What is carprofen and what is it used for?
Carprofen is the active substance contained in various medicines for dogs. The best known are Rimadyl, Carprodyl, Carprieve and Novox. These medicines are available in the form of tablets, chewable tablets or injections.
Carprofen is mainly used for dogs with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, elbow or hip dysplasia. These diseases cause pain, stiffness and lameness in the affected dogs. Carprofen relieves the pain and inhibits the inflammation in the joints.
Carprofen can also be administered before or after surgery to reduce pain. It can also help with other pain conditions such as muscle, bone or soft tissue pain.
How is carprofen dosed in dogs?
The dosage of Carprofen depends on your dog's body weight. The recommended starting dose is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. This means that a dog weighing 10 kg will receive around 40 mg of carprofen per day.
The dose can be adjusted depending on pain intensity and tolerance. The vet can recommend the exact dose for your dog. The maximum dose should not exceed 8 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
The tablets or chewable tablets can be given with or without food. The injections are injected under the skin by the vet.
Carprofen usually takes effect quickly and lasts for up to 12 hours. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. A few days are often sufficient for acute pain, while chronic pain may require longer treatment.
What are the side effects of carprofen in dogs?
Like all NSAIDs, carprofen can also have side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal complaints such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or blood in the stool. These can be avoided or alleviated by reducing the dose or administering stomach protectors.
Other possible side effects include liver or kidney damage, blood count changes, skin reactions or behavioral changes. These are usually rare and often only occur after prolonged use.
To minimize the risk of side effects, you should have your dog examined regularly by a vet. Blood tests can be carried out to check liver and kidney function.
If you notice any signs of side effects in your dog, you should contact your vet immediately and discontinue treatment with Carprofen.
When should Carprofen not be used in dogs?
Carprofen must not be used if your dog:
- has a hypersensitivity to carprofen or other NSAIDs
- suffers from stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders
- is pregnant or nursing
- is younger than 6 weeks
- suffers from severe liver, kidney or heart problems
In addition, you should not give carprofen together with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, as this increases the risk of side effects.
Are there alternatives to carprofen in dogs?
Carprofen is one of the most commonly used painkillers for dogs, but there are other active ingredients that have similar effects. These include, for example, meloxicam, firocoxib, robenacoxib or ketoprofen. These may be better or worse tolerated depending on the dog and the condition.
There are also natural alternatives to carprofen that can relieve pain and promote joint health. These include, for example, green-lipped mussel, devil's claw, turmeric or CBD oil. These can be given as food supplements or as an ingredient in special feed.
Before giving your dog an alternative painkiller, you should always ask your vet for advice. They can explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various options and recommend the right dosage.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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