Cough after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 456 reports of cough in dogs after Carprofen. That is 1.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.8% across reports for all dog medicines.

456Reports
34%Marked serious
8.3%Recovered
30%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
29 15%
1–2 days
35 18%
3–7 days
37 19%
1–4 weeks
38 20%
Over a month
51 27%

How the animals did

Recovered
35 7.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 0.7%
Still unwell when reported
94 21%
Died
97 21%
Euthanised
40 8.8%
Not known
187 41%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
20
1–3 years
38
4–7 years
71
8–11 years
171
12+ years
151

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 cough in dogs?
456 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 7 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).

Cough with similar medicines

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