# Carprofen for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Carprofen is an NSAID for dogs, given at 4.4 mg/kg (2 mg/lb) once daily or 2.2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) twice daily for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/carprofen/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Carprofen is an NSAID for dogs, given at 4.4 mg/kg (2 mg/lb) once daily or 2.2 mg/kg (1 mg/lb) twice daily for osteoarthritis and post-operative pain [1].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Brands: Carodyl, Furpain, Jump Buddy, Novox, Rimadyl

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Osteoarthritis / post-operative pain — once daily (Label: 2 mg/lb. For surgery give about 2 hours before the procedure.) | 4.4 mg/kg [1] | PO | Once daily | Label |
| Dogs | Osteoarthritis / post-operative pain — divided (Label: 1 mg/lb twice daily.) | 2.2 mg/kg [1] | PO | Twice daily | Label |

## Uses

- Dogs: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, and post-operative pain after soft-tissue and orthopaedic surgery [1].

## Mechanism of action

Its effect is believed to be linked to inhibition of cyclooxygenase: COX-1 makes prostaglandins needed for normal gastrointestinal and renal function, and COX-2 makes prostaglandins involved in inflammation [1].

## Safety

- Do not use in cats [1].
- Not recommended for dogs with bleeding disorders; avoid using with other anti-inflammatory drugs [1].
- Do not use in dogs with previous hypersensitivity to carprofen [1].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the carprofen dose for dogs?

2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) once daily, or 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) twice daily [1].

### Can carprofen be used in cats?

No — the label says not to use it in cats [1].

## References

[1] RIMADYL (carprofen) chewable — label — DailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Zoetis (2026). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dbc05493-d1cc-4c00-be6b-d1e3352273fd

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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