Arthritis Medicine For Dogs....Is It Worth The Risk?

Arthritis medicine for dogs is big business and Rimadyl is one of the bestsellers. It has been given to millions of dogs in the U.S. and abroad. Many vets and pet owners praise the drug but it has also stirred some controversy with other pet owners complaining that nobody warned them of its side effects and risks.

Generically called "carprofen", it is an anti-inflammatory arthritis medicine for dogs and cats. Developer Roche Laboratories wanted to market it for people and received FDA approval, but changed their plans as the market for arthritic drugs was too overcrowded at the time. Instead of a human drug, it emerged as a drug for arthritic dogs.

Rimadyl has helped many dogs with arthritic problems, but are the side effects and risks worth it? Some side effects include:

Decrease or increase in appetite

Vomiting

Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black, tarry or bloody stools)

Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)

Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)

Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)

Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching)

Liver or kidney problems

Deciding whether to use Rimadyl or any other arthritis medicine for dogs is ultimately a personal choice and one that you should discuss with your vet. Be sure and do your due diligence and research as much as you can about Rimadyl side effects before making a decision. Another option is to look for natural alternatives that could help relieve your pets symptoms.

Whatever you decide, be sure you have thought it through before giving your dog something that could be potentially harmful to them. After all, they depend on you to make the right decisions for them!

  If you're looking for a safe, natural alternative to an arthritis medicine for dogs without harmful side   effects, you might want to check out Agility For Healthy Joints by HealthyPetNet.