What is Rimadyl?
Pain medications that help manage arthritis pain in people similarly RIMADYL is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
Drug approved by the FDA for once- or twice-daily dosing to relieve the pain and inflammation in dogs’ joints with arthritis. It is available as a caplet and chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth. These drugs reduce inflammation with fewer negative side effects than steroids, making them more suitable than steroids for long-term use.
- Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA.
- From 1997 to 2000, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of 1,000 dogs that died or were euthanized after taking Rimadyl, according to an article by Chris Adams of The Wall Street Journal.
- It was Pfizer’s most successful advertising campaign until the launch of Viagra in 1998.
- Rimadyl has a long history of success and is backed by more than 20 years of research.
- Safe and effective dose of RIMADYL is 2.0 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) once daily or 1.0 mg/lb (2.2mg/kg) twice daily
- More than 24 million dogs have been safely treated with Rimadyl.
- There are 52.9 million dogs in America; about half might one day be a candidate for Rimadyl.
- Since the program began in 2012, RIMADYL Rewards members have earned over $7.1MM in rewards and have redeemed over $6.2MM at clinics for RIMADYL refills and checkups and other clinical services.
What Is Rimadyl Used For?
If you’re wondering if Rimadyl is safe for dogs, most likely, your veterinarian prescribed it to your dog for a medical reason. There are two main reasons why vets prescribe Rimadyl for dogs.
As a post-operative medication to treat pain and inflammation in dogs after surgery
As part of a chronic pain management strategy for dogs with osteoarthritis
Benefits of Rimadyl
Rimadyl has saved lives and benefited millions of dogs. Today, most veterinarians will warn owners about the possible side effects of any drug, including Rimadyl.
- Rimadyl can control inflammation and reduce pain in dogs.
- Easy to administer available as a chewable tablet or caplet
- It can be given as a single daily dose
- Effective
- Well tolerated by dogs
- Liver flavored chewable or scored tablets are easy to administer
What are the side effects of Rimadyl for dogs?
Rimadyl, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. The most common NSAID-related side effects generally.
Involve the stomach and liver or kidney problems. If you know your dog needs medication for arthritis, talk to your veterinarian about your concerns. Insist on the testing liver and kidney enzymes before treatment and request the lowest possible dose for success.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Black, tarry stool or flecks of blood in vomit
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Loss of balance, dizziness or weakness
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Jaundice
- Hyperactivity
If you recognize any of these symptoms, immediately stop use and consult your veterinarian.
Advantages and disadvantages Rimadyl for Dogs
- Safe and effective pain relief Rx for dogs
- Number 1 treatment for arthritis pain
- Improvement often seen within a few days
- The most widely used NSAID in dog in the United States
- Rimadyl should help decrease your dogs pain and inflammation due to arthritis, joint injury, or defects.
Alternatives to Rimadyl for Dogs
Rimadyl is one of the safest NSAIDs offered for dogs. However, there are alternatives if your dog has an adverse reaction. Ask your vet regarding prescribing different anodyne or concerning alternative pain management methods for your dog’s arthritis.
Your veterinarian is your best supply of data concerning Rimadyl for dogs. Don’t be afraid to raise any queries you would possibly have and make certain you offer your dog the prescribed indefinite quantity, and follow your veterinarian’s directions.
Is Rimadyl Safe for Dogs?
It appears that Rimadyl remains and will remain a drug of controversy. Some compare it to the human medication Vioxx, only that Rimadyl is still on the market and is aggressively marketed and remains one of the most popular dog medications prescribed.
Rimadyl comes with risks. Veterinarians should make owners aware of them and always provide an accompanying Client Information Sheet.
Rimadyl prices
Rimadyl is available as 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg pork liver flavored chewable, scored tablets. It’s also available as 25 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg capsule-shaped scored non-chewable tablets.
The average price starts at $34.19
How to Works Rimadyl for Dogs
Rimadyl is only available with a prescription, so the first step is to visit the veterinarian to describe your dog’s symptoms and provide a complete medical history.
How does Rimadyl work?
Rimadyl works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation in your dog’s body. These types of drugs inhibit the cell’s production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals made by the cells to perform specific functions, such as triggering inflammation.
How to give Rimadyl to your dog.
Rimadyl is given by mouth. It may be given with food to reduce the chance of stomach/intestinal side effects. Rimadyl should be given according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
Who should not take RIMADYL?
- Cats should not take RIMADYL.
- People should not take RIMADYL. Keep RIMADYL and all medicines out of reach of children
- RIMADYL should not be given with other NSAIDs or steroids
Discuss with my veterinarian before giving RIMADYL to my dog?
- The risks and benefits of using RIMADYL
- If your dog has suffered from liver or kidney disease or has had a bleeding disorder
- If your dog is pregnant, nursing or if you have plans to breed your dog
- Side effects from RIMADYL or other NSAIDs that your dog has experienced
- If your dog has had any other medical problems or allergies
- The importance of weight control and exercise in the management of osteoarthritis
Rimadyl dosage for dogs
In this chart, you can see here different Rimadyl dosages for dogs. Always provide Client Information Sheet with prescription.
The recommended dosage for oral administration to dogs is 2 mg/lb of body weight daily. The total daily dose may be administered as 2 mg/lb of body weight once daily or divided and administered as 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) twice daily.
Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human use. Consult a physician in cases of accidental ingestion by humans. For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinary or medical professional. I have tried to provide useful information to help inform decisions about administering Rimadyl to your dog. Consult with your veterinarian before trying any supplements. By reading this article, you accept this disclaimer.