Constipation after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

229 reports to the FDA describe constipation in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

229Reports
29%Marked serious
7.0%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
18 21%
1–2 days
15 17%
3–7 days
12 14%
1–4 weeks
23 26%
Over a month
19 22%

How the animals did

Recovered
14 6.1%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.9%
Still unwell when reported
37 16%
Died
43 19%
Euthanised
23 10%
Not known
110 48%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
10
1–3 years
10
4–7 years
52
8–11 years
85
12+ years
67

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 constipation in dogs?
229 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 6 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).

Constipation with similar medicines

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