Not drinking after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 270 reports of not drinking in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.6% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.5% across reports for all dog medicines.

270Reports
67%Marked serious
23%Recovered
33%Died or euthanised
4 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
46 21%
1–2 days
48 21%
3–7 days
43 19%
1–4 weeks
42 19%
Over a month
45 20%

How the animals did

Recovered
58 21%
Recovered with lasting effects
3 1.1%
Still unwell when reported
85 31%
Died
21 7.8%
Euthanised
68 25%
Not known
35 13%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
9
1–3 years
34
4–7 years
66
8–11 years
84
12+ years
75

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 not drinking in dogs?
270 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 4 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).

Not drinking with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with not drinking