Hair loss after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 613 reports of hair loss in dogs after Carprofen. That is 1.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines.

613Reports
22%Marked serious
9.5%Recovered
6.7%Died or euthanised
14 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
27 12%
1–2 days
22 9.9%
3–7 days
35 16%
1–4 weeks
55 25%
Over a month
83 37%

How the animals did

Recovered
47 7.7%
Recovered with lasting effects
11 1.8%
Still unwell when reported
134 22%
Died
28 4.6%
Euthanised
13 2.1%
Not known
380 62%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
34
1–3 years
73
4–7 years
126
8–11 years
199
12+ years
165

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 hair loss in dogs?
613 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 14 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).

Hair loss with similar medicines

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