Rimadyl (Carprofen) Dosage for Dogs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
⏱ Onset: 1-3 hours
⏳ Duration: 12-24 hours
This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.
Dosage Calculator
Enter your dog's weight to calculate the recommended dose.
Recommended Dosage
Low Dose
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mg
Standard Dose
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mg
Max Dose
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mg
Frequency
every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
These calculations are estimates based on standard veterinary dosing guidelines. Always confirm with your veterinarian before administering medication.
Rimadyl Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight
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| Weight | Low Dose | Standard Dose | Max Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 4.5mg | 5mg | 10mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 9mg | 10mg | 20mg (25mg tablet) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 13.5mg | 15mg | 30mg (25mg tablet) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 20 lbs (9.1 kg) | 18mg | 20mg (25mg tablet) | 40mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 25 lbs (11.3 kg) | 22.5mg (25mg tablet) | 25mg (25mg tablet) | 49.5mg (2 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 30 lbs (13.6 kg) | 27mg (25mg tablet) | 30mg (25mg tablet) | 60mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 40 lbs (18.1 kg) | 36mg | 40mg | 79.5mg (3 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 50 lbs (22.7 kg) | 45.5mg (2 × 25mg) | 50mg (2 × 25mg) | 100mg (4 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 60 lbs (27.2 kg) | 54.5mg (2 × 25mg) | 60mg | 119.5mg (5 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 70 lbs (31.7 kg) | 63.5mg | 69.5mg (3 × 25mg) | 139.5mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 80 lbs (36.3 kg) | 72.5mg (3 × 25mg) | 80mg (3 × 25mg) | 159.5mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 90 lbs (40.8 kg) | 81.5mg | 90mg | 179.5mg (7 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 100 lbs (45.4 kg) | 91mg | 100mg (4 × 25mg) | 200mg (8 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 120 lbs (54.4 kg) | 109mg | 119.5mg (5 × 25mg) | 239.5mg | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
| 150 lbs (68 kg) | 136mg | 149.5mg (6 × 25mg) | 299mg (12 × 25mg) | every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) |
What is Rimadyl (Carprofen) used for in dogs?
osteoarthritis post-surgical pain inflammation joint pain
How to give Rimadyl to your dog
Give carprofen with food to minimize stomach upset. It comes as a flavored chewable tablet that most dogs take willingly. Do not combine with other NSAIDs (like aspirin or meloxicam) or corticosteroids. Regular blood work is recommended for dogs on long-term carprofen therapy.
Available Forms
chewable tablet, caplet, injectable
Give with Food?
Yes — give with food
Side effects of Rimadyl in dogs
Common side effects
decreased appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
lethargy
Serious side effects
- gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- liver toxicity
- kidney damage
- jaundice
When to call the vet
Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Dark or tarry stools
- Vomiting blood
- Yellowing of gums or eyes (jaundice)
- Increased thirst or urination
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How much carprofen can I give my dog?
The standard dose of carprofen for dogs is 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, given either as a single daily dose or split into two doses of 2.2 mg/kg every 12 hours. Carprofen is a prescription medication — your vet will determine the correct dose for your dog.
Can I give my dog carprofen and gabapentin together?
Yes, carprofen and gabapentin are frequently prescribed together for dogs with chronic pain, especially osteoarthritis. They work through different mechanisms (anti-inflammatory vs. nerve pain), making them complementary. Your vet can determine the appropriate doses for combination therapy.
What are the side effects of carprofen in dogs?
Common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. More serious but less common side effects include gastrointestinal ulceration, liver toxicity (indicated by jaundice), and kidney damage. Regular blood work helps detect organ problems early in dogs on long-term therapy.
Can I give my dog carprofen every day?
Yes, carprofen is commonly prescribed for daily long-term use in dogs with osteoarthritis. However, dogs on daily carprofen should have regular veterinary checkups and blood work (typically every 6-12 months) to monitor liver and kidney function.
Is carprofen the same as ibuprofen?
No. While both are NSAIDs, carprofen is specifically formulated and approved for use in dogs, whereas ibuprofen is toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Even small doses of ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney failure in dogs.