Licking after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 117 reports of licking in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.2% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines.

117Reports
57%Marked serious
18%Recovered
11%Died or euthanised
6 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
17 19%
1–2 days
16 18%
3–7 days
16 18%
1–4 weeks
16 18%
Over a month
26 29%

How the animals did

Recovered
19 16%
Recovered with lasting effects
2 1.7%
Still unwell when reported
59 50%
Died
4 3.4%
Euthanised
9 7.7%
Not known
24 21%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
5
1–3 years
14
4–7 years
28
8–11 years
49
12+ years
19

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 licking in dogs?
117 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).

Licking with similar medicines

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