Grapiprant (Galliprant) for Dogs

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 08, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
4 min read

Grapiprant (Galliprant) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) your veterinarian might give your dog to help treat their osteoarthritis pain. Grapiprant is FDA-approved for short- or long-term treatment because it specifically targets the joint pain and may be safer for the kidneys, liver, stomach, and intestines than other NSAIDs.

Grapiprant is available from your veterinarian as a flavored, chewable tablet in several dosages.

Grapiprant is a flavored tablet your dog takes once a day with or without food, but it works best when they take it on an empty stomach. If your dog gets an upset stomach after taking grapiprant on an empty stomach, give it to them with food.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Tell them about any other medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you’re giving your dog. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.

Grapiprant isn’t approved for cats.

Grapiprant has several benefits, including:

  • It’s FDA-approved for dogs.
  • It works fast, so your dog could see pain relief in one to two hours.
  • It’s less likely to harm your dog’s liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines compared to other NSAIDs.
  • The flavored chewable table is easy to give your dog.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your dog to see if their pain improves, as well as for side effects of the medicine. Before starting your dog on grapiprant, your veterinarian will do a full workup to check their blood and urine. If your dog takes grapiprant long-term, your vet will keep checking their bloodwork to be sure there are no problems. 

If your dog starts to have side effects, stop giving them grapiprant and contact your vet so they can check their bloodwork right away.

Don’t use grapiprant in dogs that are allergic to it or dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing. Don’t use grapiprant in dogs that weigh less than 8 pounds or puppies less than 9 months old. Be careful giving it to dogs with heart disease or low levels of albumin, which is a type of protein in the blood.

Grapiprant can have side effects. Most are gastrointestinal (related to the stomach and intestines), and some can be severe. They include:

  • Vomiting
  • Bloody poop
  • Low appetite
  • Diarrhea or loose poop
  • Low levels of protein in the blood 
  • Tiredness (lethargy)

If you notice any of these in your dog, stop giving them grapiprant and call your veterinarian. They may recommend switching to a different medicine. 

If you think your pet is having a serious side effect, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

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 can sometimes change how your dog’s medicines work or increase their risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your dog takes.

Before giving grapiprant to your dog, tell your vet if they take:

Blood pressure and heart disease medicines. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and other blood pressure medicines may not work as well if your dog takes them with grapiprant.

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids (sometimes just called steroids) such as prednisone or dexamethasone may increase your dog’s chances of side effects if they take them with grapiprant. It’s best to stop giving your dog steroids and wait until your vet says it’s OK to start giving them grapiprant.

Diuretics. Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide help your dog’s kidneys remove salt and water from their body. Grapiprant might keep diuretics from working properly. 

NSAIDs. If your dog takes other NSAIDs with grapiprant, they can be at a higher risk of side effects.  It’s best to stop giving your dog the NSAIDs and wait until your vet says it’s OK to start giving them grapiprant.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with grapiprant. Talk to your veterinarian about any medication changes.

Keep grapiprant out of the reach of children. Wash your hands after giving grapiprant to your dog, and don’t handle it if you’re allergic.

Because the chewable tablets are flavored, they smell and taste good to most dogs. To make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally eat too many, keep grapiprant in the original bottle with the lid closed tightly and store it where your dog can’t get it. If you think your dog has eaten more grapiprant than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.

If you missed giving your dog their dose of grapiprant, give it as soon as you remember and then continue with the next dose as normal. If it’s closer to the next dose, skip the one you missed and give the normal dose. Don’t double it. 

Store grapiprant at room temperature, protected from moisture and light, and where your dog can’t get it.