Loss of appetite after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 12,329 reports of loss of appetite in dogs after Carprofen. That is 26% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

12,329Reports

23%Marked serious

7.3%Recovered

29%Died or euthanised

7 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

585 14%

1–2 days

755 18%

3–7 days

810 20%

1–4 weeks

1,124 27%

Over a month

847 21%

How the animals did

Recovered

852 6.9%

Recovered with lasting effects

52 0.4%

Still unwell when reported

2,121 17%

Died

2,776 23%

Euthanised

816 6.6%

Not known

5,712 46%

Problems reported at the same time

6,464 52%

6,358 52%

5,516 45%

3,589 29%

2,964 24%

2,698 22%

1,830 15%

1,769 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

387

1–3 years

1,125

4–7 years

3,133

8–11 years

4,634

12+ years

2,901

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 loss of appetite in dogs?: 12,329 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 7 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).

Loss of appetite with similar medicines

Loss of appetite after Deracoxib (Deramaxx) 2,861 reports · 26% of its reports
Loss of appetite after Grapiprant (Galliprant) 1,595 reports · 18% of its reports
Loss of appetite after Meloxicam (Metacam) 1,822 reports · 23% of its reports
Loss of appetite after Firocoxib (Previcox) 1,798 reports · 22% of its reports
Loss of appetite after Robenacoxib (Onsior) 22 reports · 19% of its reports

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