NSAIDs for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for dogs are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to reduce pain and inflammation. When prescribed and monitored appropriately, these medications can help your dog feel more comfortable.

However, not all NSAIDs are safe for dogs. Over-the-counter NSAIDs for humans like ibuprofen (Advil and other brand names), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can cause serious side effects in dogs. Tylenol, which is a non-NSAID pain medication, can also be toxic to dogs. 

Fortunately, there are several NSAIDs specifically approved for dogs, including Galliprant (grapiprant), which are much safer and more effective than those designed for human use. Your veterinarian can determine which option is safest based on your dog’s health and medical history.

What Are NSAIDs for Dogs?

NSAIDs for dogs are used to treat pain, inflammation, fever, and other conditions.   

Most NSAIDs work by blocking production of prostaglandins, which are 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 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 your veterinarian can:  

• Determine if your dog is a good candidate for an NSAID  
• Monitor the NSAID’s effect on your dog  

What NSAIDs Are Safe for Dogs?

Several prescription NSAIDs are available for dogs, including Galliprant, Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, Metacam, and other brand-name and generic options. These may be prescribed for short-term relief of pain and inflammation or over longer periods for chronically painful conditions.  

The safest option depends on your dog's overall health, medical history, other medications, and the reason pain control is needed. Always work with your veterinarian to find the right anti-inflammatory for your dog.  

Galliprant (Grapiprant)  

Galliprant is a pork-flavored chewable tablet that can be used at the earliest signs of osteoarthritis in dogs, although its use in other chronically painful conditions is being studied. Given daily, this prescription anti-inflammatory for dogs works by blocking a specific prostaglandin receptor that’s associated with OA pain and inflammation.  

Possible side effects are generally mild, and it can be used short-term or long-term. Therefore, Galliprant may be a good option for dogs who 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 for arthritis, postoperative pain, and other causes of inflammation. Rimadyl is typically well-tolerated by dogs. The active ingredient, carprofen, is also available in other medications, including Carprieve, Novox, and Quellin.  

Deramaxx (Deracoxib)  

Deramaxx is typically prescribed for postoperative 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 for inflammation caused by various conditions (such as arthritis) and post-op pain. It is sometimes used off-label in some forms of cancer treatment. 

Metacam (Meloxicam)  

Metacam—active ingredient meloxicam—helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fevers in dogs, and it’s another popular pain medication for dogs with arthritis.  

Potential Side Effects of NSAIDs for Dogs

Dog-specific NSAIDs are generally quite safe when appropriately prescribed and monitored, but all drugs have potential side effects.  

NSAIDs can potentially 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:  

• Increased thirst  
• Increased urination  
• A yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes, gums, or skin 
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea  
• Blood in vomit or stools 
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding 

Stop giving your dog their NSAID and call your veterinarian if your dog develops:  

• Occasional vomiting  
• Mild diarrhea  
• Poor appetite  
• Lethargy  

In most cases, dogs quickly return to normal with veterinary care.  

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.  

Which Dogs Should Not Take NSAIDs?

Most healthy dogs tolerate veterinary prescription 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:  

• Dehydration  
• Kidney disease  
• Liver disease 
• Gastrointestinal problems  
• Blood clotting or bleeding disorders  
• 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 who 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?

Some medications may increase the risk of side effects in dogs given NSAIDs. 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 or “washout period” 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.  

Drugs that may interact with NSAIDs include:  

• Other NSAIDs taken concurrently 
• Corticosteroids like prednisone  
• Diuretics including furosemide (Lasix or Salix)  
• Some types of antibiotics, including aminoglycosides and sulfonamides 
• Cimetidine  
• Anticoagulants  
• Insulin  
• Cyclosporine  
• 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:  

• Omega-3 fatty acids  
• Glucosamine  
• Chondroitin sulfate  
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)  
• Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)  
• Manganese  
• 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.