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PetDosageChart

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.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator

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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

Related Medications for Dogs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Metacam

Meloxicam

For osteoarthritis

View dosage chart
NSAID / Antiplatelet

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic Acid

For mild pain relief

View dosage chart
COX-2 selective NSAID

Previcox

Firocoxib

For Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

View dosage chart
COX-2 selective NSAID

Deramaxx

Deracoxib

For Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Carprofen.

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.

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