Rimadyl® Chewable Tablets for Canine Osteoarthritis

Rimadyl is a veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for dogs. It helps relieve pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis and post-surgical recovery. This page explains what it is, how it is used, and how to order safely.

What Rimadyl Is and How It Works

Rimadyl® contains carprofen, a canine NSAID that reduces prostaglandin production. It helps control joint pain, stiffness, and swelling so dogs can move more comfortably. You can access US delivery from Canada and review options that may help you save without insurance. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Veterinarians prescribe rimadyl for dogs to manage osteoarthritis and to control post-operative pain. The active ingredient blocks cyclooxygenase enzymes, which may lower inflammation in affected joints. This medicine is available as chewable tablets and caplets for oral use.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for dogs with osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation. It is also used for the control of post-operative pain after soft-tissue or orthopedic surgery, as directed by a veterinarian. If your veterinarian decides that carprofen dosage for dogs is appropriate, they will choose a dose based on weight and clinical need. It is not approved for use in cats.

Do not use in dogs with known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Dogs with gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding disorders, severe kidney disease, or significant liver disease may not be good candidates. Puppies under six weeks should not receive this medicine.

For broader context on joint disease in companion animals, see our overview in Arthritis in Pets. If you are researching feline options, review Cat Medicine Uses with your veterinarian.

Dosage and Usage

Label dosing is typically 2 mg per pound of body weight once daily, or divided into two doses of 1 mg per pound twice daily. The exact schedule is determined by your veterinarian. Always use the lowest effective dose and duration consistent with individual response.

Discuss rimadyl dosage with your veterinary team before starting. Give with or without food, following your vet’s advice. If stomach upset occurs, giving with a small meal may help. Provide fresh water. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless your veterinarian directs otherwise.

Monitor appetite, energy, stool, and vomiting after initiation or dose changes. Your veterinarian may recommend periodic bloodwork to assess liver enzymes and kidney function during long-term therapy.

Strengths and Forms

Chewable tablets and caplets are commonly available in 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths. Many products are scored to allow accurate splitting when your veterinarian approves. Talk to your veterinarian about carprofen 25 mg for dogs if small-dose precision is needed.

Chewables are flavored to aid acceptance, while caplets may be preferred for some dogs. Availability may vary by strength. Your pharmacy may source appropriate presentations based on the prescribed regimen.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses of rimadyl caplets to make up for a missed dose.

Consistency helps maintain effect. Try giving doses at the same time each day. Use a medication reminder or calendar to avoid missed doses, especially for chronic osteoarthritis management.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store in the original container with the label intact. Keep at typical room temperature and protect from moisture. Secure all medicines out of reach of children and other pets. When traveling, carry your prescription and a copy of your veterinarian’s instructions.

Pack only what you need for the trip plus a small buffer. Keep tablets dry and avoid leaving them in hot vehicles. Make sure the label with your pet’s name and strength, such as carprofen 100mg for dogs, remains readable for security checks or boarding facilities.

For more background on maintaining joint function during activity, review our resource on Joint Health Tips.

Benefits

This medicine can reduce chronic joint pain and improve mobility in many dogs. Chewable flavors may make dosing easier for pets that refuse plain tablets. Flexible once-daily or twice-daily schedules allow tailoring to your veterinarian’s plan.

Improved comfort can support gentle exercise and weight control, which are important for joint health. For condition-specific guidance and related therapies, explore our category page for Canine Osteoarthritis.

Side Effects and Safety

• Gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea
• Reduced appetite or lethargy
• Increased thirst or urination
• Behavior changes or restlessness
• Elevated liver enzymes on bloodwork

Serious effects can include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, yellowing of the gums or eyes, severe vomiting, black tarry stools, seizures, or collapse. Stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian if you notice these signs. Use with caution in dehydrated dogs or those with renal or hepatic disease. Routine monitoring may be recommended for long-term therapy.

For additional education on anti-inflammatory options and safety, our article on Safe Anti-Inflammatory may be helpful for discussion with your vet.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless directed by your veterinarian. Combining anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney stress. Use caution with highly protein-bound drugs; your veterinarian will assess potential interactions.

Disclose all medicines, supplements, and special diets your dog receives. Dogs with bleeding disorders, pre-existing GI ulcers, significant heart disease, or severe organ impairment require careful evaluation before starting therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Some dogs may show improved comfort over time with consistent dosing. Your veterinarian may adjust the plan based on response and tolerability. Regular check-ins help fine-tune goals such as mobility, activity, and overall quality of life.

Joint support measures, including weight management and controlled exercise, can complement the treatment plan. Use reminders to keep dosing consistent, and track observations in a simple log to share at follow-up visits.

Compare With Alternatives

Other veterinary NSAIDs may be considered if your dog does not tolerate this medicine or needs a different option. Your veterinarian may suggest Previcox for canine osteoarthritis. Another option is Deramaxx, depending on your dog’s health status and response.

Pricing and Access

We list current options so you can compare rimadyl price and formats before ordering. You can review Canadian pricing and arrange US shipping from Canada after submitting a valid prescription. Use the product page to check availability and see potential cash-pay savings.

Cart checkout is straightforward and secure. We use encrypted checkout to protect your information. Your veterinarian must authorize refills according to local regulations.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability may vary by strength and formulation. If a particular presentation is out of stock, your veterinarian may recommend an appropriate alternative, such as generic carprofen. Do not substitute without veterinary approval.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dogs with stable liver and kidney function who need osteoarthritis or post-operative pain control may be candidates. Dogs with active ulcers, bleeding disorders, or known NSAID intolerance generally should not receive this class. Senior dogs often need closer monitoring.

To manage expenses, ask your veterinarian about multi-month fills when appropriate. Set refill reminders so you do not run out before scheduled check-ins. Keep dosing logs to avoid waste from missed or duplicated doses.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Baseline tests: what labs are recommended before starting?
• Dose plan: once daily or divided dosing for my dog?
• Food guidance: should doses be given with meals?
• Monitoring: which side effects need urgent attention?
• Duration: how long before a recheck is needed?
• Alternatives: which other NSAIDs are reasonable options?

Authoritative Sources

For complete prescribing details, consult the manufacturer’s information; see the product label from Zoetis on their official site Rimadyl manufacturer information. The FDA provides veterinary prescribing information and safety summaries; review the current documentation here: FDA carprofen prescribing information. Health Canada also lists veterinary drug data; you can search the Drug Product Database for carprofen here: Health Canada Drug Product Database.

Explore related categories to learn about adjuncts and supplies in Pet Medications.

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.