Carprofen is a very commonly prescribed medication for dogs. It is used to reduce inflammation and as a painkiller. For some conditions, it will be prescribed for just a few days but it is also suitable for long term use. Carprofen is a prescription only medicine that can solely be obtained via a prescription from a veterinary surgeon who has your pet under their care. 

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Licensed uses of carprofen

One of the main licensed uses for carprofen is for osteoarthritis. This is the type of arthritis we see mainly in older animals. Arthritis develops due to wear and tear on the joints, resulting in inflammation and bony changes. It is often a very painful disease. Drugs such as carprofen are very effective at treating this pain. It also helps to reduce the inflammation that is present. Carprofen can also be used for management of short term pain and inflammation such as that seen after a surgical procedure, an injury or due to certain illnesses.

Carprofen is generally considered a safe and effective medication

Like all medicines however, side effects are occasionally seen. Problems such as loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea are some of the more common ones. If your pet develops these signs during treatment, it is usually best to speak to your veterinary surgeon before giving any further doses. Rarely, carprofen can cause stomach ulcers to develop, leading to more serious signs including vomiting blood, tarry or blood tinged stools and severe abdominal pain. 

Other rare but potentially serious side effects include kidney damage and liver problems. Carprofen can theoretically reduce the ability of the blood to clot. This could lead to abnormal bleeding and bruising, and is more likely when it is used with other blood thinning medicines. If you are concerned about possible side effects, always speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice. They can discuss the signs you should look out for and ways that you can minimise the risk of problems.

Not all animals can take carprofen safely

The product cannot be given to cats except as a one off injection. It is not suitable for very young animals. And the manufacturers recommend against using the product in patients who suffer from liver, heart or kidney disease or individuals who are at risk of stomach ulcers. Always ensure your vet is aware of any other medications, prescription or otherwise, that you are giving to your pet. Some medicines can make side effects more likely if they are given together, for example steroid medications and other anti-inflammatories. Carprofen is not usually suitable for use in pregnant animals and should not generally be used in pets which are dehydrated.

Carprofen is often prescribed in the form of a palatable tablet 

These are generally very easy to give and in fact are so tasty that care should be taken to store them well out of your pet’s reach. Cases of overdose are not that uncommon due to hungry pets thinking they have found some treats. If your pet has taken more tablets than they should contact your veterinary surgeon urgently for advice. Carprofen should be given with food to help prevent some of the side effects mentioned above. Your vet may also choose to give carprofen as an injection. This form is often used following surgery or to start a course of treatment followed by tablets.

It is important that any pet on long term medication is checked regularly by a veterinary surgeon

This is to ensure that the medicine and dose that they are on is still suitable. If your pet is on long-term carprofen, your veterinary practice will ask you to bring them in for regular examinations usually at around 3-6 month intervals. In addition your vet may recommend regular blood tests. These are designed to check the health of your pet’s kidneys and liver whilst they are taking this medicine. Regular appointments also give you the chance to ask any questions or share any concerns that you may have about your pet’s condition. 

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