Inappropriate urination after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 264 reports of inappropriate urination in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines.

264Reports
66%Marked serious
12%Recovered
23%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
33 16%
1–2 days
32 16%
3–7 days
31 15%
1–4 weeks
41 20%
Over a month
69 33%

How the animals did

Recovered
29 11%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 0.8%
Still unwell when reported
138 52%
Died
24 9.1%
Euthanised
37 14%
Not known
34 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
7
1–3 years
12
4–7 years
43
8–11 years
93
12+ years
107

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 inappropriate urination in dogs?
264 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).

Inappropriate urination with similar medicines

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