Today we are going to talk about whether is it safe or not to give dogs carprofen without a vet prescription. There are a number of medications you can purchase for your pets without the approval of a veterinarian.
But that begs the question; just because you can, does that mean you should? Carprofen is mainly used to treat inflammation and pain in dogs. You might be considering using the medication to treat either of the two symptoms.
Yes, it is safe to give your dog Carprofen over the counter. Do NOT use the drug if your dog has any history of bleeding disorders, is currently taking aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
Before you scroll down this guide, “Carprofen Without Vet Prescription – Is it Safe for Dogs,” you can check out these other dog-related questions answered by our vet team: How Much Robitussin For Dogs and How Much Pepto Bismol for Dogs?.
Recommended Carprofen Dosage for Dogs
The dosage for Carprofen will vary depending on the weight of your dog. The heavier he is, the bigger pill you’re going to have to feed him.
The conventional amount is 2 milligrams per pound of body weight, given every 12 hours. The available tablets come in three different sizes: 25, 75 and 100 mg.
Note: Start with a lower dose, and increase it to the recommended amount over several days to observe if your dog doesn’t have any adverse side effects.
| Weight (lb) | Carprofen Dosage (mg) |
| 10 | 20 |
| 20 | 40 |
| 30 | 60 |
| 40 | 80 |
| 50 | 100 |
| 60 | 120 |
| 70 | 140 |
| 80 | 160 |
| 90 | 180 |
| 100 | 200 |
Carprofen Side Effects for Dogs
Side effects for Carprofen are gastrointestinal which can range from mild to severe. In case the drug isn’t compatible with your dog, it can cause death as well. Therefore, if you’re unsure about giving it to your dog, it’s best to go to a veterinarian.
Carprofen’s side effects for dogs include constipation (0.3%), diarrhea (4%), a loss of appetite (3%), tiredness (1.4%), and mild vomiting (4%).
You will need to increase your dog’s dosage to the recommended amount gradually (If you’re giving it on your own, or if it’s recommended by the vet), to observe the side effects. If you encounter the following side effects, stop giving your dog the drug:
- Vomiting
- Behavioral changes
- Bowel movement changes
- Jaundice
- A change in urination habits
- A change in drinking habits
- Skin difference (scratching or redness)
- A change in eating behavior (Increase or decrease in appetite)
Effects of Overdosage from Carprofen
If you’re going above and beyond with the carprofen dosage with the recommended amount, then this can cause deadly effects on your dog which include tremors, GI perforation, kidney failure, and even seizures.
Keep the medicine stored away in a high place, away from your dog’s sight. Should it happen to eat the whole thing, make sure to rush the dog to the vet for an emergency visit with the remaining amount of pills in the bottle as well.
When to not Give your Dog Carprofen
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug should not be given to your dog if it has any history of bleeding disorders, Von Willebrand’s disease, and/or osteoarthritis. Consult a veterinarian regarding any alternatives, or patterns you should follow with Carprofen if you think there’s a risk in giving the drug yourself.
Tell your veterinarian regarding a detailed history of your dog, and any medications that may have been administered previously to reach the best decision.
Use carprofen with caution if you have been using the following medications prior: ACE inhibitors, aspirin, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, nephrotoxic medications, dactinomycin, desmopressin, anticoagulants, digoxin, dinoprost, dacarbazine, highly protein bound medications, insulin, loop diuretics, methotrexate, or tricyclic antidepressants.
Conclusion For “Carprofen Without Vet Prescription”
Carprofen for dogs provides a lot of benefits in contrast with its side effects. If given in the right dosage, it can provide your pet a sigh of relief from any pain it is currently suffering. Carprofen without vet prescription is a possibility if you’re a pet owner, but we do recommend that you seek professional guidance before administering it to your dog.
If you find this guide, “Carprofen Without Vet Prescription,” helpful, you can check out these other dog-related questions answered by our team:
- Cerenia for Dogs Guide: Dosage by Weight
- How To Trick Your Dog Into Taking Liquid Medicine
- How Much Tramadol For Dogs
You can learn more about giving your dog medicine by watching “5 Different ways to give pill 💊or capsule to your dog🐶” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.