Appetite loss after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 185 reports of appetite loss in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.3% across reports for all dog medicines.

185Reports
68%Marked serious
26%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
11 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
23 14%
1–2 days
32 20%
3–7 days
21 13%
1–4 weeks
38 24%
Over a month
47 29%

How the animals did

Recovered
44 24%
Recovered with lasting effects
5 2.7%
Still unwell when reported
53 29%
Died
20 11%
Euthanised
33 18%
Not known
30 16%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
3
1–3 years
18
4–7 years
35
8–11 years
78
12+ years
48

About this medicine

Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.

Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Carprofen cause appetite loss in dogs?
185 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 11 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Appetite loss with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with appetite loss