Behaviour change after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

1,455 reports to the FDA describe behaviour change in dogs given Carprofen. That is 3.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 2.5% across reports for all dog medicines.

1,455Reports
29%Marked serious
12%Recovered
19%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
147 23%
1–2 days
119 19%
3–7 days
107 17%
1–4 weeks
99 16%
Over a month
164 26%

How the animals did

Recovered
172 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
9 0.6%
Still unwell when reported
258 18%
Died
166 11%
Euthanised
104 7.1%
Not known
746 51%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
84
1–3 years
182
4–7 years
287
8–11 years
448
12+ years
401

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 behaviour change in dogs?
1,455 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 4 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).

Behaviour change with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with behaviour change