Rimadyl for Dogs
Has several very strong benefits but it can also have equally as strong negatives



Rimadyl for dogs can be extremely effective and work very quickly in most dogs if you follow the directions.

However, it can also be toxic to your dog and have dramatic impacts on their liver, kidneys, as well as their gastrointestinal tract.

The most troubling aspect about these potential toxic reactions is that they can occur within days of the toxicity, or in some cases, may take several months.

In the most severe cases of toxicity, it may even cause the death of your dog.

To fully understand all of the benefits as well as the potential dangers, you will need to ask your veterinarian as many questions as you can.

There are also several potential side effects from this drug that can range from mild to severe.

There will always be controversy surrounding this drug, but despite the potential problems, most owners are extremely pleased with the results.

However, it is still very helpful to understand some of the potential dangers.

WHAT IS RIMADYL ?

Canaan dogsRimadyl for dogs has several potential side affects

Rimadyl for dogs is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug that has been used by over 2.5 million dogs in the last several years.

It is used almost exclusively to reduce both the pain as well as the inflammation that is caused by osteoarthritis, especially in larger dog breeds.

It comes in a caplet form or as a chewable tablet and is given orally to dogs.

In most all cases it will be recommend to give with food to help reduce gastric reactions.

Lameness or limping in dogs that is caused by osteoarthritis is the result of both wearing and tearing down of your dog’s cartilages as well as their joints.

Rimadyl for dogs can not only help this condition, it can also help with stiffness that will result in a decreased movement of your dog’s joints.

This drug can also help to improve your dog’s ability to stand up, climb stairs, as well as run and jump again.

Rimadyl for dogs is by no means a cure for this crippling condition, but it has shown some dramatic results in a very large number of dogs.

The actual results will not be the same in all dogs, but in most cases where it is effective, results are usually seen within just a few days.

It is also very important to understand that it must be taken exactly as directed or it may not be effective; or the inverse may occur, which is toxicity.

Rimadyl for dogs cannot be purchased OTC, or over the counter, as it must be prescribed by a licensed practicing professional veterinarian.

If you see any product claiming to be available without a prescription, you should totally ignore it as it can be extremely dangerous to your dog.

When discussing this drug with your veterinarian, it is also a very good idea to request to start them on as low as dosage as possible just in case there is side effects.

POTENTIAL SIDE AFFECTS OF RIMADYL FOR DOGS

Rimadyl for dogs is not without controversy, and in some countries, a lot of controversy.

Any drug can be dangerous if not given properly, the dosage is too high, or in a small percentage of dogs, they cause allergic reactions.

There are several owners that will also refuse to use any type of a steroid as a treatment, which is what has made this drug so popular, as it is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug.

However, once you do make the decision for your dog to take this drug, from the very first dosage, there are several things that you should watch for.

Some of the symptoms may first appear as quite harmless, but if you do not watch for them or ignore them, they could very easily take your dog’s life.

The first potential side effect will be a very sudden loss of appetite or a complete change in your dog’s drinking habits.

This could include a complete refusal to drink at all, or it may be just the opposite; they will start to drink excessively.

The next set of side effects will all include your dog’s pattern of urination and they may start to show very unusual patterns of urination that will begin with accidents.

This is real warning sign, especially if your dog has never had an accident, but it will not end there. You may also start to see blood in the urine as well as an odor developing.

This will be very easy to identify as it will not be a urine odor at all, but rather a sweet smelling odor.

The next set of side effects may include vomiting or diarrhea.

What you will need to watch for here will be any signs of black tarry substances or small flecks of blood.

The final set of symptoms of Rimadyl for dogs will include jaundice of the skin, the membranes in or around their mouth and lips, or in the whites of their eyes.

However, the most frightening side effect will stop you dead in your tracks; staggering and stumbling.

If this does occur, it can very quickly lead to partial or even complete paralysis in your dog.

These side effects can be very challenging, and in most all cases they will appear within days of the first dosage.

However, in other cases, they may take weeks or months to appear.

But if you do see any of them, stop giving this drug immediately. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible as they may become serious very quickly.

You can also call the Pfizer hot line, which is the manufacture of this drug, which is 1-800-366-5288. The FDA hot line number in the United States for pets is 1-888-3328387 or 1-888-FDA-VETS

WHEN IS IT COMPLETELY UNSAFE ?

Rimadyl should never be given to any dog that has had an allergic reaction to carprofen, which is the main active ingredient.

Rimadyl should also not be given if your dog has had any type of a reaction to aspirin or any other non-steroid drug that has caused any form of hives, facial swelling, or red and itchy skin.

If you have a cat, and they accidentally ingest this drug, get them to the veterinarian as quickly as possible as it can be lethal to cats.

Summary

Rimadyl for dogs has helped literally thousands of dogs return to a very normal lifestyle and as some owners will attest to, has even extended their life.

But it can be toxic to your dog if it is given in higher dosages than is recommended or if they are in the minority that has an allergic reaction.

Bee stings, plastic, and several house plants also cause allergic reactions, but they do not help with osteoarthritis and the crippling side effects.

If you follow your veterinarians directions precisely, request the minimum amounts to begin with, and watch for the potential side effects, you will have your old dog back.

And in most cases, it will only take a few weeks.

Sources of Rimadyl for Dogs

Dog Vitamin Store

Poisoning in Dogs