Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects – Top Dog Tips

As dogs get older, they tend to develop health problems like arthritis. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for arthritis.

And some dog owners are giving anti-inflammatory medicine like Novox for dogs. However, is it safe for dogs?

In this article, we’ll tackle everything you’ll need to learn about Novox for dogs.

Does it work? Is it safe? How many dosages can I give to my pet? Scroll down to learn more!

Novox is a medication used to help ease symptoms of arthritis and bone-joint-affiliated diseases.

Learn more about Novox from its uses to its alternative here. 

But before anything else, let’s dive in and discuss what is Novox.

What is Novox for Dogs?

Novox, a generic brand of Carprofen or Rimadyl,  is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It is an orally administered medication that relieves pain and inflammation in small animals, cats, and dogs. 

Novox is given to dogs with conditions such as arthritis, dysplasia, and other affiliated conditions. It is also given to patients that have undergone surgery. 

Novox is an FDA-approved short-term NSAID in the USA. In comparison, it is said to be a single-dosage medication for cats in Europe due to recurring side effects. 

There are similar Caprofen medications like Novox: Aventicarp®, Canidryl®, Carpox®, Carprieve®, Carprofen, Carprodyl®, Levafen®, Norocarp®, Rimifin®, Rimadyl®, Rovera®, Rycarfa®, Tergive®, Vetprofen®, Zinecarp®.

Novox is stored at room temperature and must be kept away from sun exposure. 

Dosage of Novox

The dosage for Novox will depend on the dog’s diagnosed condition, severity, weight, and age.

Along with this, the veterinarian will give a prescription on the dosage, duration, and requisite conditions the dog may take Novox.

Veterinarians will first evaluate the dog’s condition if they will need Novox as a supporting medication in treatment and what medication may be paired along following the condition. 

Novox should be given after meals to reduce ulceration side effects. It’s best to provide accessible water at all times as well.

Remember to follow the veterinarian’s prescribed dosage. 

If there are any missed medications, it’s best to skip the missed medication and take it at the next scheduled time instead. Remember not to double-administer any medication as it may cause harmful side effects. 

Novox may come in as oral administration such as chewable tablets or caplets and some injectables. 

Novox usually comes in 25 mg 75 mg, and 100 mg. The recommended dosage is:

• PO: 1mg/lb twice a day
• PO: 2mg/lb once a day

It’s important to refer to the veterinarian first rather than administering it to the dog without proper consultation.

Novox is an NSAID that is used for short-term to requisite use only. Misuse of Novox may result in adverse side effects.

Potential Side Effects and Overdose

Novox may still change a dog’s condition with some mild side effects. Although not all dogs may experience the side effects, some dogs are more intolerable of Novox. 

Some side effects the dog may experience include behavioral changes such as lethargy-weakness, sudden aggression, and visible discomfort. 

There are also gastrointestinal and urinary changes such as diarrhea or constipation, changes in urination habits, inappetence, and vomiting.

Some physical changes may also occur such as jaundice, skin inflammation, and scabies.

There are more inimical side effects in some rare cases. Ulceration may also take place.

Renal Disease Novox has reported cases of generating preexisting renal insufficiency due to dehydration and sodium reduction. 

Formulation of hepatopathy was also reported in since cases. Hepatoxicity was also hypothesized to take place due to the reaction of metabolites to Novox. 

Inimical changes in neurological behavior are also seen. Restlessness, disorientation, seizures, and paralysis were seen. 

Contact and consult with your veterinarian immediately once you notice any of the symptoms mentioned.

NSAIDs commonly have side effects that may harm one’s health when taken over long periods. Same with Novox, it is prescribed as a short-term medication. 

Novox is best avoided taken by dogs of old age, dogs diagnosed with a blood-related disease, or other preexisting chronic diseases.

Usually, medications that are associated with and taken with these conditions are not compatible with Novox and may result in negative side effects.

Overdose of Novox

Overdosage of Novox may result in gastrointestinal and renal complications.

Overdosed patients may experience anorexia, azotemia, diarrhea,  elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated alkaline phosphate, elevated creatine, and increased and bloody vomiting, 

Patients who have overdosed have displayed hypoalbuminemia, melena, increase in alanine transaminase. 

If your pet is experiencing a Carprofen overdose, call the veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately. 

Cautionary Drug Interactions

Although not all manufacturers list cautionary drug interactions, it’s best to consult with the veterinarian about what medication the dog is currently taking.

This can help the veterinarian decipher what medication can be modified to take along with Novox.

Here is some medication to watch out for when taking Novox:

• Ace Inhibitors (Benazepril, Enalapril, Imidarpil, and Ramipril)
• Anticoagulants 
• Aspirin
• Corticosteroids
• Dacarbazine
• Dactinomycin
• Desmopressin
• Digoxin
• Dinoprost
• Diuretics
• Furosemide
• Hepatic Enzyme Probenecid 
• Insulin
• Methotrexate
• Nephrotoxic medications
• Tricyclic Antidepressants

Novox for Dogs Alternatives

Novox may not be the best medication for the dog once it’s already taking other medication for its other conditions.

It’s best not to overlap medication as it may obstruct the organ’s function, or worse their overall health. 

In some cases, Novox may also not be tolerable for the dog and some cause a bad allergic reaction as well. 

Some alternatives may be an option for owners in case Novox may not available.

Of course, one must consult with the veterinarian if there is any medication as an alternative but here are some options to be considered:

Cannabidiol (CBD) 

Although it’s a relatively new method. CBD has made its way to animal medication as a natural alternative to relieve pain and inflammation symptoms. 

Joint Supplements

Owners may ask their veterinarians or are prescribed joint/bone supplements that may help their dog’s condition in case Novox may not be good for them.

It may not be a medication but it may help improve the condition gradually. 

Physical Therapy

Dogs who are diagnosed with joint and bone-affiliated diseases will find it hard to be mobile. Physical therapy may help maintain their strength and mobile functions.

For a more undemanding therapy, water or swimming therapy may be an example as it does not stress the joints. 

Weight Control

Unfortunately, dogs who are diagnosed with arthritis and dysplasia will find it hard to be mobile. Thus, an increase in weight is inevitable.

Owners can help manage weight by changing their diet and promoting weight management that can help their condition as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Novox for Dogs

Can a pregnant dog take Novox?

Novox should be taken with great precaution for puppies less than 6 weeks of age, lactating dogs, and especially pregnant dogs.

Carprofen may cause labor delay and fetal injury. 

Is Novox an over-the-counter drug?

No, Novox is not an over-the-counter drug, it requires a prescription from the veterinarian.

Carprofen is a short-term medication and may need a proper prescription before administering it.

How long can my dog take Novox?

Novox is given as a short-term medication for cases like arthritis, dysplasia, and after-surgery cases.

It may be prescribed to be taken for two weeks or less. It will depend on the veterinarian’s diagnosis.

For cases like osteoarthritis, it may be taken for much longer but alongside it is frequent check on their kidney and liver function to check any unpleasant side effects.

Novox For Dogs: Summary

As our dog’s age, they tend to develop numerous health problems. One common health condition is arthritis.

Since there is still no cure for this condition, there are medications out there that can ease the pain. One of these is Novox for dogs.

If the dog is taking Novox, it’s best to monitor its condition before, during, and after the medication.

This can help evaluate if any side effects can be discussed with the veterinarian.

Unfortunately, some dogs are intolerable of NSAIDs which causes them unpleasant side effects that may take time to recover.

It’s best to look closely when your pet is under medication. 

RELATED: 15 SAFE HUMAN MEDICATIONS FOR DOGS

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