What is Rimadyl For Dogs?
Dogs can experience aches and pains with all the discomfort humans face. Responsible pet owners notice when pets have trouble jumping, walking, or finding a comfortable position. A visit to your pet’s veterinarian is necessary to diagnose the problem and apply the most appropriate treatment. Your vet may prescribe a medication called Rimadyl. Most animal healthcare providers take the time to explain the diagnosis and the facts about their choice for treatment, but busy vet clinics may cut the amount of time the provider has to share with you. You may have questions about the safety, or effectiveness of this drug. Here is everything that is currently known about Rimadyl for dogs.
What is Rimadyl for dogs?
The American Kennel Club reports that Rimadyl is the brand name of a common drug called Carprofen. Carprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication in the NSAID class, that does not contain steroids. The only active ingredient in Rimadyl is Carprofen. Rimadyl is available in caplets, chewable tablets, and injection forms.
What is Rimadyl used for?
Rimadyl is used to treat inflammation of the joints and soft tissue. It reduces inflammation that causes discomfort, pain, and stiffness. Vets prescribe Rimadyl for dogs diagnosed with various forms of arthritis. It is used to reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. Rimadyl is also used as a medication to help treats inflammation and pain after surgical procedures. Your vet may prescribe Rimadyl for other conditions that present with symptoms of fever and inflammation, to reduce pain and fever. It is also prescribed as a long-term treatment for hip dysplasia. It is also used for dental procedures. Your vet may also prescribe Rimadyl for off-label use to treat other medical conditions. It is a multi-purpose drug that helps control inflammation and fever for many different health issues in dogs.
How does Rimadyl work?
1-800 Pet Meds explains that Rimadyl works by going directly to the source of pain sensations. It works in the body of a dog by lowering the number of hormones that cause inflammation and pain. When inflammation is reduced, the associated symptoms of pain and discomfort are relieved. Reduction of inflammation and pain often results in greater mobility and freedom of movement without pain. Your dog may be better able to resume his regular activities such as jumping, running, or moving from one position to another without experiencing pain.
Is Rimadyl safe for dogs?
The most common question of pet owners is about the safety of Rimadyl. Is this a medication that is safe for dogs, or can it cause health problems? Zoetis Pet Care explains that Rimadyl is among the most trusted drugs in its class because it is safer than steroidal treatments with fewer side effects. It’s been prescribed for more than 22 years with 26 million dogs treated and over 3 billion doses of the medication dispensed. Vets are confident in the safety of this drug with high marks for safety when weighing the benefits to risks ratio. Rimadyl is the first NSAID to be approved for dogs by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This medication has undergone 22 years of clinical research and testing. The rigorous testing regimens have satisfied the FDA’s strict requirements for safety. This drug is prescribed more often than all other NSAIDs approved for canine use combined. It’s a vote of confidence from animal healthcare professionals. Rimadyl is approved for short-term and long-term treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.
How effective is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is rated as a highly effective treatment for reducing inflammation, pain, and fever in canines. The medication starts working right away, but some conditions take longer to treat. Rimadyl reduces fever within an hour of treatment in most cases, and it starts working to reduce inflammation in joints. Noticeable relief from joint pain in dogs is seen within two weeks of starting the treatment regimen of this medication. Dogs may become more active as their pain levels go down. When used as prescribed, this medication has a high effectiveness rating. Skipping doses, or discontinuing this medication before recommended may result in the return of the symptoms. It’s essential to administer as prescribed for the entire duration of the prescription.
Does Rimadyl Cure osteoarthritis in dogs?
There is currently no known cure for osteoarthritis in dogs. Rimadyl is not a cure for the disease. it is a treatment for the symptoms of the condition. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease involving inflammation of the joints. Rimadyl reduces inflammation and is used as a treatment for the symptoms of dogs of all ages. it does not stop the progression of the disease, but it does help to slow it down. Rimadyl is an effective pain management tool that works with other recommended healthcare plans to slow the progression of osteoarthritis, by controlling the inflammation that can make the condition worsen. For example, obese dogs experience more pressure and pain in the joints. Achieving healthy body weight in conjunction with Rimadyl provides better results.
What do the studies say about Rimadyl?
Recent studies observing 133 dogs treated with Rimadyl at label doses show two significant benefits. Dogs experienced improvements in mobility and overall quality of life. dogs on Rimadyl were better able to climb stairs after four months of treatment. Within one month of treatment, dogs previously experiencing pain from getting up or lying down had a far easier time with less pain and discomfort. Rimadyl is proven to provide significant improvements in functional ability and emotional well-being. The quality of life also improved for dogs on Rimadyl after just two weeks of treatment. Researchers assess the energy, happiness, activity, comfort, and calmness levels of dogs. Dogs in the study showed noticeable improvements in all of these categories. Ongoing studies showed that over 8 months of treatment with Rimadyl, dogs maintained a better quality of life with improved physical and emotional well-being. The clinical trial measured how dogs respond to long-term treatment past 120 days. All dogs in the study were diagnosed with osteoarthritis before entering the study.
What are the side effects of Rimadyl?
The next question many pet owners have about Rimadyl is are there any side effects? All medications and supplements have the potential to produce side effects. Dog Time reports that Rimadyl is safer for dogs than steroids, but there are some potential side effects. They’re less in short-term use than for dogs taking it for the long haul. The most common side effects your dog may experience are abnormalities in the color, smell, frequency of urine. this is a mild symptom in most cases that may go away during treatment. Your dog may experience changes in thirst level that is either increased or decreased. Some dogs may experience constipation, fluid retention, and weight gain. These are the most common symptoms that can range from mild to severe. In extreme cases, dogs have been reported to experience fatigue, weakness, sores in the mouth, muscle cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, black, tarry, or bloody stool, gastrointestinal ulcers, abdominal pain, seizures, jaundice, liver or kidney problems. The dangerous side effects are rare with Rimadyl, but it’s wise to be informed that they are possible with long-term use. The potential of allergic reaction is also possible with Rimadyl, as with any other medication or supplement. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop treatment and call your vet immediately. Symptoms include swelling of the mouth, eyes, or face, wheezing and difficulty breathing, hives, itching, excessive scratching, or rashes on the body. Anaphylactic shock is also possible in extreme cases.
Is Rimadyl Safe for all dogs?
Rimadyl is recommended for dogs six weeks of age or older. It is not for puppies under six weeks old, nor for pregnant or nursing dogs. The effects of Rimadyl on unborn puppies are unknown. Dogs that have experienced an adverse reaction to Rimadyl should not take this medication. Alternative treatments are available for dogs that are not good candidates for this medication. Rimadyl should not be used in dogs with bleeding disorders, such as Von Willebrand’s disease.
Dosages for Rimadyl
Zoetis explains that Rimadyl comes in capsule, chewable tablet, or injection formats. The dosages of Rimadyl are determined by the weight of the dog. Dogs from 1 to 5 pounds receive 1/2 of a 25 mg tablet daily. Dogs 11-15 pounds take 1 -25 mg tablet daily. Dogs 16-20 pounds take 1/2 75 mg tablet daily. Dogs 21-30 pounds take 1/2 100 mg tablet daily. Dogs 31 to 40 pounds take one 75 mg tablet daily. Dogs 41 to 60 pounds take 1-100 mg tablet daily. Dogs 61-90 pounds take 1-1/2 100 mg tablets daily. Dogs 91-120 pounds take 2-100 mg tablets daily.
Is there a risk of drug interactions with Rimadyl?
Remember to inform your pet’s healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and herbal preparations your pet takes. You shouldn’t use Rimadyl in conjunction with other NSAID drugs or corticosteroids as the risk of adverse actions exists. Combining these therapies may lead to perforations and ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract. Your vet may prescribe Rimadyl with other drugs, but close monitoring of the dog is required to ensure no signs of adverse reactions exist. Your dog’s healthcare provider is qualified to assess the potential risks of administering Rimadyl with other drugs and weigh them against the expected benefits.
Can you buy Rimadyl without a prescription?
You cannot buy Rimadyl without a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. It is a controlled medication that requires professional expertise and diagnosis of an existing medical condition. Only a professional may determine if this is the best medication for dogs. You may be able to find Rimadyl for sale online, but all reputable vendors require a prescription to fill before they will sell it to a customer. Online vendors that offer this drug without a prescription should be avoided. The sale of Rimadyl without a prescription is illegal in the United States. Avoid fly-by-night companies offering Rimadyl or Carprofen because it is difficult to verify the truth in labeling, or if the medication contains potentially harmful ingredients. Cheap medications are not a good solution as they put your pet at risk of health complications.
Should I give my dog Rimadyl?
If your dog is otherwise healthy and medication-free, Rimadyl may be the best option. Studies suggest that Rimadyl is a safe treatment for most dogs. The benefits outweigh the potential risks. Rimadyl offers a relatively safe solution for the pain and discomfort dogs experience from osteoarthritis, injuries from accidents, and some viral infections that cause pain and fever. The decision to treat your dog with Rimadyl is personal. It should happen under consultation with your pet’s healthcare provider. It’s wise to know the facts about any treatment option before proceeding. Most healthy dogs over six weeks of age that are not pregnant and have shown no signs of adverse reactions to NSAIDs respond well to this treatment option.
Final thoughts
Rimadyl is the most commonly prescribed treatment for canines diagnosed with osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. It is also a treatment used for dogs during surgeries or dental procedures. Rimadyl is an effective anti-inflammatory medication with analgesic properties to reduce fever and pain from inflammation. It contains no steroids and is considered safer than most other treatments because of the data obtained from 22 years of clinical testing. Like any other drug, there is always a risk of allergic reaction. Side effects are also possible, but these are rare. Most healthy dogs see an improvement in their mobility with reduced pain, soreness, and stiffness when treated for extended periods with Rimadyl. It’s a drug with the potential to improve your dog’s quality of life. If you have more questions about Rimadyl, it’s wise to consult with your pet’s healthcare provider to learn more about the reasons for the prescription, its safety, and its benefits.
