12 Best Anti-Inflammatories for Dogs: Everything Vets Wish You Knew
📋 Key Takeaways at a Glance
| 🔑 Critical Question | 💬 Quick Expert Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I give my dog ibuprofen or Advil? | NEVER—Ibuprofen is felt to be too toxic for safe use in pets at any dose |
| Best prescription NSAID for dogs? | Carprofen, meloxicam, firocoxib, deracoxib, or grapiprant—vet’s choice based on your dog |
| Are there FDA-approved options? | Yes—FDA has approved several NSAIDs for dogs to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis |
| What about natural options? | Fish oil, glucosamine, turmeric can help but don’t replace veterinary care |
| Newest breakthrough treatment? | Librela (bedinvetmab injection) is the first monoclonal antibody the FDA has approved for use in dogs |
| Most common side effects? | GI upset, liver/kidney concerns—As a group, NSAIDs may affect the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract |
| Can steroids be used? | Yes, but by day 14, 90% of dogs experienced one or more behaviour changes on prednisone |
| NEVER combine which drugs? | NSAIDs and steroids are never prescribed together—can be deadly |
| How long before bloodwork? | Baseline testing before starting, then regular monitoring during treatment |
#1: Carprofen (Rimadyl) — The Veterinary Gold Standard That Changed Everything
Because this drug poses fewer side effects than other NSAIDs, it’s commonly used for dogs with long-term conditions.
When carprofen hit the market, it revolutionized how veterinarians manage chronic pain in dogs. This NSAID remains one of the most widely prescribed anti-inflammatories in veterinary medicine—and for good reason.
📊 Carprofen Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Names | Rimadyl®, Carprieve®, Novox®, Quellin® |
| FDA Approved | Yes—for dogs |
| Forms | Chewable tablets, caplets, injection |
| Primary Uses | Osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain |
| Dosing | 4 mg/kg/day |
| COX Selectivity | COX-2 preferential |
Clinical Study Results: A double-blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre field study was conducted in 218 dogs with osteoarthritis. 92.4 per cent of the dogs treated with carprofen had improved.
The Safety Advantage: In one placebo-controlled endoscopic study comparing 4 weeks of daily meloxicam, carprofen, or ketoprofen at label dosages in dogs, carprofen was associated with the fewest and mildest lesions.
⚠️ Critical Warning: When prescribed as a chewable, many dogs enjoy the taste of carprofen and may try to get into its pill bottle. As a result, carprofen is one of the most common drug overdoses seen at emergency veterinary hospitals.
💡 Expert Insight: Carprofen and meloxicam may be considered chondroneutral or, depending on dose, actually stimulate the production of cartilage matrix—meaning they might actually help protect joints rather than damage them like aspirin can.
#2: Meloxicam (Metacam) — The Liquid Option for Precise Dosing
Meloxicam (brand names Metacam® Loxicom®, OroCAM®, Rheumocam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs and cats. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs.
📊 Meloxicam Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Names | Metacam®, Loxicom®, OroCAM® |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
| Forms | Oral liquid, spray, chewable tablet, injection |
| Primary Uses | Osteoarthritis, post-operative pain |
| Dosing Strategy | Veterinarians often start dogs on a high dose and then taper down for long-term use |
| COX Selectivity | COX-2 preferential |
The Dosing Advantage: The liquid formulation allows precise dosing for dogs of all sizes—critical when you have a 5-pound Chihuahua versus a 150-pound Great Dane.
Side Effects: The most common side effect of meloxicam in dogs is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, soft stools, and lack of appetite.
⚠️ NEVER Combine With: Meloxicam should not be used in pets that are taking other NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, etodolac, firocoxib, and aspirin) or corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone and dexamethasone). It is never a good idea to mix meloxicam with corticosteroids or other NSAID drugs.
#3: Firocoxib (Previcox) — The COX-2 Selective Powerhouse
Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with more than 350-fold selectivity in dogs for the inducible isoform of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase-2.
This high COX-2 selectivity translates to one major advantage: potentially fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
📊 Firocoxib Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Previcox® |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
| Forms | Chewable tablets |
| Primary Uses | Osteoarthritis, post-operative orthopedic pain |
| Dosing | 5 mg/kg/day |
| COX-2 Selectivity | More than 350-fold |
Head-to-Head Comparison: The reduction in lameness in the dogs treated with firocoxib was significantly greater than in the dogs treated with carprofen. The owners’ evaluations were that 96.2 per cent of the dogs treated with firocoxib and 92.4 per cent of the dogs treated with carprofen had improved, and this difference was statistically significant.
💡 Expert Insight: COX-2 selective coxibs do not affect buccal mucosal bleeding time in dogs, and coxibs are probably the safest NSAIDs in dogs with preexisting coagulopathies (e.g., von Willebrand’s disease).
#4: Deracoxib (Deramaxx) — The Post-Surgery Specialist
Deracoxib was first released in 2002 after gaining FDA approval. Deramaxx is part of a more recent category of NSAIDs known as Coxibs.
📊 Deracoxib Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Deramaxx® |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
| Forms | Beefy chewable tablets |
| Minimum Age | Four-month-old pups can be safely prescribed this medication |
| Palatability | 94% of dogs will eat on their first try |
| Primary Uses | Post-operative pain, arthritis, fever |
Comparative Effectiveness: A 2002 study compared the efficacy of a placebo, carprofen, and deracoxib on 24 dogs with joint inflammation and pain. It found that medium-high doses of deracoxib were the most effective in relieving pain.
The COX Selectivity Advantage: While carprofen is COX-2 preferential, deracoxib is COX-2 selective, with a superior preference for this pathway.
#5: Grapiprant (Galliprant) — The Newer, Gentler Option
Galliprant is FDA approved to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation in dogs. Unlike other pain relievers, it doesn’t affect the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, or blood-clotting pathways in the body.
This is a game-changer for dogs who can’t tolerate traditional NSAIDs.
📊 Grapiprant Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Galliprant® |
| FDA Approved | Yes |
| Mechanism | EP4 receptor antagonist (not a traditional NSAID) |
| Key Advantage | Galliprant works by blocking a specific prostaglandin receptor that’s only associated with pain and inflammation |
| Side Effects | Possible side effects are generally mild |
| Best For | Dogs who have reacted poorly to NSAIDs in the past or cannot take them due to health problems |
Why Vets Love It: Galliprant is an easy-to-give daily medication that can be used at the earliest signs of osteoarthritis in dogs.
💡 Expert Insight: Because grapiprant works differently than traditional NSAIDs, it may be safer for dogs with mild kidney concerns—but always consult your vet first.
#6: Librela (Bedinvetmab) — The Groundbreaking Monthly Injection
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Librela (bedinvetmab injection) for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Librela is the first monoclonal antibody the FDA has approved for use in dogs.
This represents a completely new approach to canine pain management.
📊 Librela Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Librela® |
| FDA Approved | May 2023 in the United States |
| Type | Monoclonal antibody |
| Administration | Monthly subcutaneous injection by veterinarian |
| Mechanism | Targets Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key component of OA pain |
| Effectiveness | Dogs administered Librela demonstrated a reduction in OA pain compared to placebo |
| Onset | Some dogs may experience a reduction in pain as early as seven days after the first dose |
The Major Advancement: Librela represents a new era in pain management as the first monoclonal antibody approved in the U.S to control OA pain in dogs.
⚠️ FDA Safety Alert: The FDA has identified and analyzed adverse events in dogs treated with Librela including: ataxia, seizures, other neurologic signs, including paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence; polyuria, and polydipsia. In some cases, death (including euthanasia) was reported as an outcome.
The Numbers: As of April 18, 2024, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s database included 3,674 reports associated with Librela. Two-thirds of the adverse event reports indicated clinical signs occurring within the first week after administration.
💡 Critical Balance: A global pharmacovigilance reporting in April 2025 found that the most common reported adverse events following the distribution of over 18 million doses of bedinvetmab are considered rare or very rare.
#7: Prednisone/Prednisolone — The Powerful Corticosteroid
Prednisone/prednisolone is a glucocorticoid used to treat many conditions in many species. Broad uses include replacement therapy for Addison’s disease, an anti-inflammatory, an immune suppressant, and an antineoplastic (cancer treatment).
📊 Prednisone Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Names | Prednis-Tab®, Deltasone®, Rayos® |
| Type | Corticosteroid (NOT an NSAID) |
| Forms | Tablet, liquid, injection |
| Onset | This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours |
| Primary Uses | Allergies, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, cancer |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
The Side Effect Reality Check: On day 5, 74% (23/31) reported at least 1 change in their dog’s behavior including polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, polypnea and/or increased vocalization. By day 14, 90% of dogs experienced one or more behaviour changes.
Long-Term Concerns: The most commonly seen long-term side effects include: urinary tract infections (UTIs), which occur in up to 30% of patients.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Do not stop this medication abruptly; taper it slowly to avoid complications.
Owner Preference Data: Although most pet owners expressed satisfaction with steroid treatment due to its high efficacy, 70% would select a more costly treatment if that treatment had fewer side effects.
#8: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) — The Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foundation
Omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil, should generally be given as a separate product to get the optimal dose for joint health.
📊 Omega-3 Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Sources | Fish oil (salmon, krill), green-lipped mussel |
| Active Components | EPA and DHA |
| Recommended Dose | Approximately 20mg of combined EPA and DHA per pound of body weight daily for dogs |
| Time to Effect | Consistent supplementation for 4-6 weeks is usually necessary before you’ll notice significant improvement |
| Key Benefit | Reduces inflammatory prostaglandin production |
What Cornell Veterinary College Says: The problem with joint supplements is that few other than fish oil have been definitively proven to help slow the degeneration.
⚠️ Weight Consideration: I never recommend this supplement in overweight dogs or for patients on the verge of being overweight, since oil is high in calories.
#9: Glucosamine & Chondroitin — The Joint Support Duo
Glucosamine and chondroitin have long been staples in joint supplements for pets. These compounds help maintain and repair joint cartilage while reducing inflammation associated with arthritis.
📊 Glucosamine/Chondroitin Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Classification | Nutraceutical supplement |
| Primary Function | Cartilage support and repair |
| Time to Effect | Most pets need 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation before showing noticeable improvement |
| Best Use | Glucosamine and chondroitin work best as preventative measures or for managing mild to moderate joint inflammation |
Clinical Evidence: One study showed that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate reduced pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis.
💡 Expert Tip: Discuss with your veterinarian at what age to begin giving joint supplements. Some evidence points to these products being more preventative than curative.
#10: Green-Lipped Mussel — The Unique Omega Source
The extracts from green-lipped mussels from New Zealand are the only mussels that work in similar ways to omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin to support cartilage and reduce inflammation.
📊 Green-Lipped Mussel Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Perna canniculus |
| Contains | Omega-3s plus glycosaminoglycans |
| Evidence | Multiple studies have verified that this substance helps dogs with arthritis |
| Effective Dose | 77 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day |
Why It’s Special: Unlike fish oils, green-lipped mussel oil contains not only EPA and DHA but also ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid)—which goes one step further to work at the gene level to lower the production of cyclooxygenase.
#11: Turmeric/Curcumin — The Ancient Anti-Inflammatory
Perhaps the best-known and most widely used medicinal herb to treat joint pain and inflammation is turmeric. Studies in both humans and animals seem to confirm the many benefits of curcumin, one of the active ingredients in turmeric.
📊 Turmeric Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Active Compound | Curcumin |
| Mechanism | Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which cause the painful inflammation and damage to joints affected by arthritis. |
| Dog Dosage | Approximately 15 to 20 mg per pound of body weight in dogs |
| Absorption Tip | To make turmeric more effective for your dog, it can be combined with black pepper, which enhances absorption |
⚠️ Important Caution: High doses of turmeric can act as a blood thinner and cause stomach upset, so it’s important to work with a veterinarian before administering turmeric to your dog.
#12: CBD Oil — The Emerging Option Under Research
Research on CBD for pets is still emerging, but a study from Cornell University found that dogs with osteoarthritis receiving CBD oil showed significant improvements in pain scores and increased activity levels without observable side effects.
📊 CBD Oil Profile
| 🔬 Factor | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Classification | Cannabinoid from hemp |
| Legal Status | Varies by location |
| Evidence Level | Emerging—more research needed |
| Time to Effect | Most pets begin showing improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent use |
⚠️ Important: While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications, so always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, especially if your pet is on other treatments.
🚨 THE CRITICAL WARNING: Human NSAIDs Can KILL Your Dog
This cannot be emphasized strongly enough:
Toxicoses due to the ingestion of aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen are the most frequently encountered human NSAID toxicoses in animals.
📊 Human NSAIDs: The Danger Chart
| ❌ Drug | 🚨 Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins involved in the blood supply to the stomach as well as the kidneys. In dogs or cats, these issues are life-threatening. |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | A 10-pound dog is in danger if it swallows roughly 25 milligrams of Naproxen |
| Aspirin | Aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are considered chondrotoxic, because they inhibit the synthesis of cartilage proteoglycans |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Can cause liver failure and methemoglobinemia |
How Quickly Can Problems Start? Toxic effects can begin within 1-2 hours after a dog ingests human pain medication. Stomach damage can happen first, followed by kidney or liver problems within 24 hours.
If Your Dog Eats Human Pain Medication: If you believe your pet ingested ibuprofen, it is important to immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 to have the risk of poisoning assessed.
📊 Complete Comparison: FDA-Approved Dog NSAIDs
| 💊 Drug | 📋 Brand | 🎯 COX Selectivity | ⏰ Dosing | 🔬 Forms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carprofen | Rimadyl | COX-2 preferential | Twice daily | Chewables, caplets, injection |
| Meloxicam | Metacam | COX-2 preferential | Once daily | Liquid, spray, tablets |
| Firocoxib | Previcox | COX-2 selective (350x) | Once daily | Chewable tablets |
| Deracoxib | Deramaxx | COX-2 selective | Once daily | Chewable tablets |
| Grapiprant | Galliprant | EP4 receptor antagonist | Once daily | Tablets |
| Robenacoxib | Onsior | COX-2 selective | Short-term use | Tablets, injection |
⚠️ The Golden Rules for Canine Anti-Inflammatory Safety
Rule #1: All approved NSAIDs for dogs are only available by prescription. A veterinarian’s expertise is required to determine if an NSAID is appropriate for your dog.
Rule #2: All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish baseline blood values prior to, and periodically during, the use of any NSAID are strongly recommended.
Rule #3: NSAIDs should not be given with other NSAIDs or steroids. Tell your veterinarian about all of the medicines you have given your pet in the past.
Rule #4: The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration depending on the dog’s response.
Rule #5: If you think your dog is having a side effect to an NSAID, STOP giving the drug and call your veterinarian immediately!
🏁 The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice
All drugs have potential side effects. NSAIDs designed for dogs are quite safe but can damage the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and the ability of blood to clot normally, particularly when given to high-risk dogs or if used at the wrong dose.
📊 Your Decision Framework
| 🐕 Your Dog’s Situation | 💊 Consider |
|---|---|
| Mild arthritis, otherwise healthy | Grapiprant, carprofen, or natural supplements |
| Moderate-severe arthritis | Firocoxib, carprofen, or Librela |
| Post-surgical pain | Deracoxib, meloxicam, or carprofen |
| Cannot tolerate traditional NSAIDs | Grapiprant or Librela |
| Prefers injections over daily pills | Librela (monthly) |
| Wants natural approach first | Fish oil + glucosamine + weight management |
| Has kidney/liver concerns | Discuss with vet—grapiprant may be safer |
The Multimodal Approach: Once a dog’s pain is well-controlled, it’s often possible to lower the dose of an NSAID or give it less frequently, particularly when NSAIDs are combined with other appropriate therapies.
Pain is caused through many different biological pathways and at many different physical sites. Using multimodal therapy increases the chance of treating pain at many different levels.
The most important thing? Work with your veterinarian. They know your dog’s complete health picture and can recommend the safest, most effective anti-inflammatory strategy for your specific situation. The wrong choice could cost your dog their health—or their life. The right choice could give them years of comfortable, active living.
