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Is carprofen safe for my dogs?
Carprofen has been prescribed for dogs for decades, and when used according to the label recommendations has a very low risk of side effects. Any medication approved by the FDA must undergo rigorous safety studies. Just like with any NSAID, however, there is risk for negative effects on the liver and kidneys, so your veterinarian may want to run some blood work to ensure those organs are functioning normally before starting your dog on carprofen. NSAIDs can also have some GI side effects, so if your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea or loses their appetite or you have any other concerns, stop the medication and call your veterinarian. If you’re administering carprofen under the guidance of your veterinarian and keeping an eye on your dog for behavior or mood changes, you should see more positive effects than negative ones.
As with all medications, it’s important to keep your bottle of carprofen out of your dog’s reach. While carprofen usage is generally safe when administered according to direction from your veterinarian, an overdose could occur if your dog gets ahold of the bottle and eats too much medicine at once. Make sure you store your dog’s carprofen in a place where it is unlikely to be knocked onto the ground and consumed.
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How much carprofen can my dog take?
Veterinarians calculate dosage based on the patient’s weight, so the amount you’ll give your dog will largely depend on their size. Your vet will probably also take into account your dog’s age, the specific issue for which carprofen is being prescribed and any underlying conditions your dog may have.
What are the side effects of carprofen in dogs?
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Overall, canine carprofen is known to be beneficial for pain management and inflammation reduction. But as with any medication, it does have the potential for side effects. Keep an eye on your dog for:
- GI effects An upset stomach (diarrhea, vomiting or diminished appetite) is the most commonly reported side effect, and it can be serious.
- Fatigue Your dog may seem lethargic as a result of taking carprofen.
- Neurological symptoms Although very rare, severe side effects of carprofen for dogs include seizures, lack of balance or coordination, and loss of motor function.
- Liver & kidney issues If your dog is drinking more water or urinating more frequently, this could be a sign that carprofen is affecting their kidneys. In addition, if they develop jaundiced (yellow) eyes or skin, it’s a probable sign that their liver function is being compromised.
If you notice any unusual side effects while your dog is taking carprofen, speak to your veterinarian immediately. While carprofen is generally beneficial, the potential for harmful side effects does exist, especially in dogs with underlying health conditions.
Does carprofen make dogs sleepy?
While gastrointestinal symptoms are more common, sleepiness is a potential side effect for dogs who take carprofen. Consult your veterinarian if you notice significant tiredness or lack of energy in your dog, as they may need their dosage adjusted. On the other hand, if your dog has been experiencing discomfort from a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis, your dog may seem to have more energy and stamina than they did before they began taking carprofen. With pain and inflammation reduced, your dog can more easily enjoy playtime and exercise.
How long is carprofen good for?
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It’s important to pay attention to expiration dates for any medication your dog takes. As drugs break down over time they can lose their efficacy or become unsafe to administer. In general, it’s not a good idea to keep pills for more than a year once a bottle has been opened. Keep your eye on your carprofen bottle’s expiration date to make sure you’re not giving your dog expired caplets or tablets.
When your dog’s medication expires, ask your veterinarian for a new prescription even if caplets or tablets remain in the bottle. There are better ways to save money than giving your dog medicine that may be unsafe or ineffective. Petco’s dog deals are a great way to save money responsibly while providing your pet everything they need to stay happy.
As a responsible pet parent, you know that proper pup care includes, among other things, feeding them a nutritious diet, supplementing with dog vitamins for their specific needs, keeping up with regular dental cleanings, and treating them to natural chewable bones for extra care between vet visits. Unfortunately, despite the loving care you can give them, your dog may end up needing medical intervention from time to time. For a quick and easy pet pharmacy experience, purchase your pet’s prescription for canine carprofen and other medications online.
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