Excessive thirst after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 2,400 reports of excessive thirst in dogs after Carprofen. That is 5.1% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

2,400Reports
18%Marked serious
3.8%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
103 16%
1–2 days
83 13%
3–7 days
114 18%
1–4 weeks
152 24%
Over a month
193 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
85 3.5%
Recovered with lasting effects
7 0.3%
Still unwell when reported
404 17%
Died
424 18%
Euthanised
120 5.0%
Not known
1,360 57%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
61
1–3 years
144
4–7 years
472
8–11 years
958
12+ years
726

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 excessive thirst in dogs?
2,400 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 10 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).

Excessive thirst with similar medicines

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