Carprofen for Dogs

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on September 04, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
5 min read

Carprofen (brand names: Belprofen, Carprieve, Carprodyl, Carprovet, Levafen, Movodyl, Novox, Ostifen, Quellin, Rimadyl, Rovera, Truprofen, Vetprofen) is a medicine used in dogs for pain and inflammation (swelling) relief of muscles and bones. It’s classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 

Carprofen is an antipyretic, meaning it can prevent or reduce fevers.

Carprofen is used for pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis in dogs. This treatment can be short-term or long-term since it’s tolerated well by most dogs.  Carprofen is also for pain control after surgery in dogs.  

Carprofen is one of the safest NSAIDs available for dogs. It has fewer side effects than steroids. It has a lower chance of side effects for dogs than if they take human NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. It’s quick-acting, with pain relief occurring in 1 to 3 hours when given by mouth.  

Carprofen is also prescribed extra-label or off-label in veterinary medicine for other animals, including cats, horses, cattle, ferrets, rabbits, small mammals, and reptiles. While there’s evidence it’s safe and effective for them, the use is controversial, especially in cats. Carprofen is only FDA-approved for use in dogs.

Carprofen is available as a prescription medication from your veterinarian or from a pharmacy with a veterinary prescription.  

Carprofen is given by mouth as a caplet or a flavored chewable tablet.  It also comes in an injectable form used in a veterinary clinic. It can be used short-term for occasional relief of pain.  It can be used long-term for chronic pain, such as arthritis.  Carprofen can be given once or twice daily.  Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your dog.

Carprofen may be given with or without food.  If stomach upset occurs, try giving it with a small amount of food or a treat.  It can be given to dogs as young as 6 weeks old.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to your pet.  Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies your pet receives. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.  

There are several benefits to using carprofen in dogs.

  • It’s quickly absorbed by your pet’s body. It should feel pain relief within 1 to 3 hours.
  • It can be used as either a short-term or long-term treatment.
  • It’s FDA-approved for use in dogs. 
  • It’s one of the safest NSAIDs available for dogs.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement, as well as for side effects. Before starting your pet on carprofen, your veterinarian should do a full workup, including baseline blood and urine tests. If your pet takes carprofen long-term, their blood levels should be checked again 2 to 4 weeks later, and then every 3 to 6 months.  Your veterinarian uses blood work to monitor any changes in their liver.  If your pet has side effects at any point, their blood should be checked immediately.

Don’t use carprofen in pets that are allergic to it or if they’re pregnant or nursing.  Use carprofen with caution in pets with existing liver or kidney problems.

Side effects are usually related to their gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) and may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Decreased hunger
  • Loose poop
  • Ulcers in their stomach
  • Liver or kidney issues (less common)

If side effects occur with carprofen, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian.  They’ll discuss treatment options with you. They may recommend switching to a different NSAID or another kind of medicine.  

Although rare, some dogs may experience an adverse reaction to carprofen that can be very serious.  Symptoms may include:

  • Decreased interest in food
  • Severe vomiting and loose poop (poop may be bloody or black and tar-like)
  • Changes in activity level
  • Coordination issues
  • Aggression
  • Seizure
  • Changes in thirst 
  • Changes in their pee, amount of pee, or how often they pee
  • Skin issues (itching, redness, scabs)
  • Jaundice or yellow coloring to their skin, the whites of their eyes, or gums in their mouth

If you suspect your pet is having a serious side effect or may be overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it’s outside regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. You may be charged extra fees for emergency care.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines for your pet can sometimes change how those medicines work. They also might increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your pet uses.

Before using carprofen, tell your vet if your pet takes:

Other NSAIDs. When taken with carprofen, they increase your pet’s risk of side effects.  It’s best to stop other NSAIDs and wait about 7 days before starting carprofen.

Corticosteroids. Steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone can cause an increased risk of side effects if taken with carprofen. Stop the steroid and wait about 7 days before starting carprofen.

Aspirin. This can increase your pet’s risk of stomach or intestine bleeding if taken with carprofen.  Stop the aspirin and wait 3 to 10 days before starting carprofen. If the aspirin is used to prevent blood clots, talk to your veterinarian before stopping it.

ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors like benazepril and enalapril are medicines commonly used in dogs for heart disease and high blood pressure. These drugs may not be as effective if taken with carprofen. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with carprofen. Always check with your veterinarian.

To stay safe when using carprofen for your dog, keep it out of reach of any children. Wash your hands after giving it to your dog, and don’t handle carprofen if you’re allergic to it.

The chewable carprofen smells and tastes really good to a lot of dogs. Some may try to chew their way into the bottle if it’s left where they can get to it.  These tablets should be stored in the original prescription bottle or other tightly closed container.  To prevent accidental taking, store the bottle in a secure location out of reach of your dog.  If you suspect your dog took more carprofen than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

If your dog missed a dose of carprofen, give it to them if it’s close to the scheduled time. But if it’s closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct time.  Don’t double the medication dose.  

Carprofen caplets and chewable tablets should be protected from light and stored at room temperature. Chewable tablets should be stored in the original prescription bottle or other tightly closed container.  Compounded forms of carprofen should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s recommendations.