Increased respiratory rate after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

79 reports to the FDA describe increased respiratory rate in dogs given Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.1% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

79Reports
86%Marked serious
10%Recovered
51%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
13 19%
1–2 days
10 15%
3–7 days
14 21%
1–4 weeks
11 16%
Over a month
19 28%

How the animals did

Recovered
8 10%
Still unwell when reported
23 29%
Died
19 24%
Euthanised
21 27%
Not known
8 10%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
4
1–3 years
8
4–7 years
21
8–11 years
28
12+ years
18

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 increased respiratory rate in dogs?
79 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 6 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).

Increased respiratory rate with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with increased respiratory rate