Like humans, dogs can develop several health problems as they age. Arthritis is one of the most prevalent conditions in elderly canines. Sadly, there isn’t a cure for arthritis. It’s a condition your dog will need help with for the rest of their life. However, there is a silver lining. With modern veterinary medicine, there are numerous medications and treatment options to make your pooch’s symptoms more bearable.
While some medications may come with adverse side effects, they are far better than living with joint pain. Novox is an anti-inflammatory medication used to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Novox, and whether it’s the right medication for your pooch.
What Is Novox?
Novox (also known as Rimadyl and carprofen) is a prescription medication given to dogs struggling with arthritis or pain after surgery. It’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug names you may be familiar with are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
The caplets are given orally, and they can help deal with several symptoms of arthritis. Carprofen and other NSAIDs can produce positive results for your dog in a matter of just a few days. As a result, it’s one of the most common medications veterinarians in the United States prescribe canines.
Is Novox Safe for Dogs?
While Rimadyl and NSAIDs affect dogs differently, it’s claimed to be a relatively safe medication for treating joint pain. However, there are a few precautions pet owners should consider before putting their pup on Novox or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Pups that have bleeding issues, stomach pain, ulcers, or Von Willebrand’s disease shouldn’t take carprofen caplets or other NSAIDs. Dogs with hypersensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and liver disease can also experience adverse side effects.
Novox can also interact poorly with other prescribed medications, so always inform your veterinarian of your dog’s current medications beforehand. With that in mind, your veterinarian should thoroughly examine your pet’s liver and kidney health before prescribing them Novox caplets.
