NSAIDs for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
iStock/Hugo Alejandro Salazar S
Everybody experiences pain from time to time, including dogs. But as tempting as it may be, don’t reach into your medicine cabinet and give your dog any human over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Medications like ibuprofen (Advil® and other brand names), naproxen (Aleve®), and aspirin can cause serious side effects in dogs, including gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney damage, liver damage, and bleeding. Tylenol®, which isn’t technically an NSAID but has many of the same effects, can damage a dog’s red blood cells and liver when used incorrectly.
Thankfully, we now have made specific NSAIDs for dogs, which are much safer and more effective in dogs than those designed for human use. Let’s look at the reasons why.
What Are NSAIDs for Dogs?
NSAIDs stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are commonly used in dogs to treat pain, inflammation, fever, and other conditions.
Most NSAIDs work by blocking production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that play many roles in the body. Some prostaglandins initiate inflammation and pain responses, and these are what we want to block when we give a dog an NSAID.
However, there are other prostaglandins doing important jobs that shouldn’t be interfered with. These prostaglandins help protect the stomach’s lining, regulate gastric acid, support normal blood clotting, and maintain blood flow through the kidneys.
Dogs are more sensitive to adverse effects of NSAIDs than people are. So, while nonselective over-the-counter NSAIDs that block both types of prostaglandins can be safe for humans, they can cause severe side effects and toxicity for our pups. Never give a dog OTC human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically directs you to do so.
In contrast, most NSAIDs designed for dogs (called COX-2-selective NSAIDs) selectively block production of the “pain and inflammation” prostaglandin, while still allowing beneficial types to do important work.
These medications are available by prescription so you veterinarian can:
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Determine if your dog is a good candidate for a NSAID
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Monitor the NSAID’s effect on your dog
Never give a dog OTC human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically directs you to do so.
What NSAIDs Are Safe for Dogs?
There are many available NSAIDs for dogs. Always work with your veterinarian to find the right anti-inflammatory for your dog.
Galliprant® (Gapiprant)
Galliprant® is labeled for the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs, although its use in other chronically painful conditions is being studied. This anti-inflammatory for dogs works by blocking a specific prostaglandin receptor that’s only associated with pain and inflammation.
Possible side effects are generally mild and include vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite. Galliprant® may be a good option for dogs that have reacted poorly to NSAIDs in the past or cannot take them due to health problems.
Rimadyl® (Carprofen)
This NSAID for dogs is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat arthritis and other causes of inflammation. Rimadyl® is typically well-tolerated by dogs. The active ingredient, carprofen, is also available in other medications including Captieve®, Novox®, and Quellin™.
Deramaxx™ (Deracoxib)
Deramaxx™ is typically prescribed for treating post-operative pain, inflammation caused by arthritis, and fevers and inflammation caused by other conditions. It’s sometimes used off-label (meaning in a way that isn’t specified on the medication label) in some types of cancer treatment.
Previcox® (Firocoxib)
Like other NSAIDs for dogs, Previcox® is used to treat inflammation caused by various conditions (such as arthritis) and post-op pain.
Metacam® (Meloxicam)
Metacam® helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fevers in dogs, and it’s another popular pain medication for dogs with arthritis.
Galliprant®, Rimadyl®, Deramaxx™, Previcox®, Metacam®, and other brand-name and generic COX-2 selective NSAIDs are available by prescription only. Each of these can be used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation or over longer periods for chronically painful conditions.
Except in the case of some rare liver reactions, most serious side effects of NSAIDs for dogs are seen with overdoses. Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if your dog ingests more of these medications than they should.
Potential Side Effects of NSAIDs for Dogs
All drugs have potential side effects. NSAIDs designed for dogs are quite safe but can damage the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and the ability of blood to clot normally, particularly when given to high-risk dogs or if used at the wrong dose.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has:
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Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Stop giving your dog their NSAID and call your veterinarian if your dog develops:
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Occasional vomiting
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Mild diarrhea
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Poor appetite
In most cases, dogs quickly return to normal with veterinary care.
Which Dogs Should Not Take NSAIDs?
Most healthy dogs tolerate COX-2-selective NSAIDs well, especially if they are only going to be on them for a short period of time. However, some dogs are at an increased risk for side effects, including those affected by:
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Gastrointestinal problems
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Blood clotting or bleeding disorders
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Low blood pressure
Because of this, most veterinarians recommend running a panel of blood work before a dog starts a long course of NSAIDs. Dogs that are continually on NSAIDs should be seen by a veterinarian every six to 12 months for lab work to monitor for side effects.
Can Dogs Take NSAIDs With Other Meds?
Dogs given NSAIDs with some other medications are at increased risk for side effects. Most importantly, dogs shouldn’t be given more than one type of NSAID at a time or be given an NSAID along with a corticosteroid like prednisone. Many veterinarians even recommend a pause between administering these drugs.
For example, if your dog has been on Rimadyl® for a couple of weeks but it hasn’t been working very well, your veterinarian may recommend stopping the Rimadyl® and then waiting five to seven days before trying Deramaxx™. If necessary, a pain reliever that isn’t an NSAID can be used during this time.
Possible drug interactions with NSAIDs include:
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Taking more than one type of NSAID at a time
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Corticosteroids (prednisone, for example)
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Diuretics including furosemide (Lasix® or Salix®)
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Some types of antibiotics (aminoglycosides and sulfonamides, for example)
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Anticoagulants
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Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac® or Reconcile®)
This is not a complete list of drugs that can potentially interact with NSAIDs. Your veterinarian can determine whether it is safe for your dog to take an NSAID.
Can My Dog Take Supplements While on NSAIDs?
Yes, veterinarians often incorporate nutritional supplements in combination with NSAIDs for dogs, including:
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Glucosamine
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Chondroitin sulfate
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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
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Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
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Maganese
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Methionine
Dogs should not take more medication than is necessary. Once a dog’s pain is well-controlled, it’s often possible to lower the dose of an NSAID or give it less frequently, particularly when NSAIDs are combined with other appropriate therapies. Your veterinarian can put together a plan for treatment and monitoring that is best suited to your dog’s needs.
Are There Any Over-the-Counter NSAIDs for Dogs?
No, there are no over-the-counter NSAIDs that are FDA-approved for use in dogs. Never give your dog a human OTC pain medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian, as these drugs can have serious side effects or toxicity in dogs.
If your pet gains access to your medications, please call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately to determine if they need to be seen at the local ER.