Dehydration after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 1,127 reports of dehydration in dogs after Carprofen. That is 2.4% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.7% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,127Reports
32%Marked serious
7.4%Recovered
36%Died or euthanised
7 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
51 12%
1–2 days
85 20%
3–7 days
84 20%
1–4 weeks
128 30%
Over a month
80 19%

How the animals did

Recovered
77 6.8%
Recovered with lasting effects
6 0.5%
Still unwell when reported
194 17%
Died
291 26%
Euthanised
120 11%
Not known
439 39%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
71
1–3 years
137
4–7 years
348
8–11 years
366
12+ years
201

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 dehydration in dogs?
1,127 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).

Dehydration with similar medicines

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