Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) · For Dogs

Rimadyl dosage reference for dogs (Carprofen)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 2.2 mg per kg (1.00 mg per lb), with every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily) recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

Onset: 1-3 hours
Duration: 12-24 hours
Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Carprofen (often known by brand names such as Rimadyl, Novox, and Vetprofen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used in veterinary medicine for osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, inflammation, and joint pain. Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Carprofen is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Carprofen dose for dogs is around 2.2 mg/kg every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily), within a usual range of 2-4.4 mg/kg. Available forms include chewable tablet, caplet, and injectable.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Carprofen Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Carprofen dose from the 2.2 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Carprofen amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Rimadyl weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight	Lower Reference	Standard Reference	Upper Reference	Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	4.6 mg	5.1 mg	10.1 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	9.0 mg	9.9 mg	19.8 mg (25mg tablet)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
15 lbs (6.8 kg)	13.6 mg	15.0 mg	29.9 mg (25mg tablet)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
20 lbs (9.1 kg)	18.2 mg	20.0 mg (25mg tablet)	40.0 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
25 lbs (11.3 kg)	22.6 mg (25mg tablet)	24.9 mg (25mg tablet)	49.7 mg (2 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
30 lbs (13.6 kg)	27.2 mg (25mg tablet)	29.9 mg (25mg tablet)	59.8 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
40 lbs (18.1 kg)	36.2 mg	39.8 mg	79.6 mg (3 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
50 lbs (22.7 kg)	45.4 mg (2 × 25mg)	49.9 mg (2 × 25mg)	99.9 mg (4 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
60 lbs (27.2 kg)	54.4 mg (2 × 25mg)	59.8 mg	119.7 mg (5 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
70 lbs (31.7 kg)	63.4 mg	69.7 mg (3 × 25mg)	139.5 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
80 lbs (36.3 kg)	72.6 mg (3 × 25mg)	79.9 mg (3 × 25mg)	159.7 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
90 lbs (40.8 kg)	81.6 mg	89.8 mg	179.5 mg (7 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
100 lbs (45.4 kg)	90.8 mg	99.9 mg (4 × 25mg)	199.8 mg (8 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
120 lbs (54.4 kg)	108.8 mg	119.7 mg (5 × 25mg)	239.4 mg	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)
150 lbs (68 kg)	136.0 mg	149.6 mg (6 × 25mg)	299.2 mg (12 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily)

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Rimadyl reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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How to Give Carprofen 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.

It is generally recommended to give Carprofen with food to help reduce stomach upset. It may interact with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, and ACE inhibitors.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. More serious side effects can occur, such as gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, liver toxicity, kidney damage, and jaundice.

Cautions · 12

When Rimadyl should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Rimadyl, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Rimadyl.

cats
dogs with liver or kidney disease
dehydrated animals
use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids

Interactions · 13

Rimadyl drug interactions

Rimadyl can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

other NSAIDs

corticosteroids

aspirin

anticoagulants

ACE inhibitors

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
For pregnant or nursing pets
For very young or very old dogs
For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
For pets taking several medications at once
When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Rimadyl, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

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

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

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.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Rimadyl. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses: osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, inflammation, joint pain
Recorded forms: chewable tablet, caplet, injectable
Reference timing: every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily); onset 1-3 hours; duration 12-24 hours

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

cats; dogs with liver or kidney disease; dehydrated animals; use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

Recorded interactions

other NSAIDs; corticosteroids; aspirin; anticoagulants; ACE inhibitors.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — listed in this medication's source record.
Merck Veterinary Manual — listed in this medication's source record.
DailyMed label search for Carprofen — check current product and formulation labels; some veterinary uses may be off-label.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula: Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 2.2 mg per kg (1.00 mg per lb) of body weight, given every 12-24 hours (4.4mg/kg once daily or 2.2mg/kg twice daily). The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner: Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status: Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Safety · 10

More resources

Pet Medication Safety Hub — What's safe, what's dangerous, and emergency signs
How we calculate dosages — Our sources, math, and review process
Printable emergency checklist — One-page reference for your fridge or first aid kit