My dog just started Rimadyl? Side Effects Question?
My 12-year-old dog recently started Rimadyl for arthritis pain (due to old age) in his hips. He started two days ago. Yesterday, he vomited once, which I assumed was normal as a mild side effect. However, today, he has had an upset stomach all day, was hesitant to eat lunch today (he at really slowly and stood there for 2 minutes before he started eating), and he vomited 3 times. My dog, usually, will go crazy when you feed him, even if he is already fed. He never hesitates to eat. The third time he vomited, it was mostly liquid. He doesn’t have an appetite anymore, really. Food doesn’t even interest him, and usually he is mooching like crazy. But today, nothing, not even a hint of appetite. I know “Your pet may experience some mild stomach upset, vomiting…”, but I’m not sure if this is considered just mild. I don’t think it is (considering he can barely eat), but my mom just wants to see how he does tomorrow. Should we call the vet tomorrow? Please, I’m really worried about him. He will barely eat or drink. I love him so much and I’m so worried about him.
I have used that med with my dogs numerous times, never a problem, but yes a call tomorrow is warranted.
Maybe the dosage needs to be reduced a little. Its a great med.
STOP USING IT! My dog died four days ago because of this drug. I miss him so much. My vet never warned me of side effects from this drug, but he experienced the same thing as your dog. (The vet is actually supposed to perform blood tests before, during, and after using this drug. Mine never did) It progressed to where he became lethargic and could not even get up. Stop the drug NOW! My dog was a nine-year-old golden who was given the drug for the arthritis as well. My dog experienced all of the following before he had to be put down:
loss of appetite
unusual pattern of urination, sweet-smelling urine,
vomiting
diarrhea
lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness,
staggering, stumbling, weakness, partial paralysis, loss of balance
Take your dog to a vet as soon as possible, he will need an iv. I was unlucky and could not save my dog, I had to put him down. The heartbreak is too much. Please let me know how your dog is after you take him to a vet.
Take him to your vet… you’ll get your best answer there. It might be something else that the vet will be able to pick up on that you aren’t noticing. It’s impossible to know anything for sure ever until we’ve seen the dog (which is why we don’t diagnose over the phone).
Make sure you are giving the meds either with food or right after meals so it isn’t sitting in an empty stomach. Check with your vet, but you may want to give pepcid daily to help with stomach issues. If he still can’t handle it, talk to your vet about either cutting back on the Rimadyl and adding Tramadol or trying a different NSAID like Derammaxx. I personally use a combination of Rimadyl and Tramadol for my 13 year old GSD. She also gets pepcid every morning and milk thistle for healthy liver function since all NSAIDS are hard on the liver.
you need to call the vet and let them know that your dog has been vomiting and lethargic. they both are side effects of the rimadyl and should be addressed asap to make proper changes. the vet will more then likely want him to come back in just to check him over again and make sure there is nothing else going on. Good luck and make sure to call asap!!