Novox For Dogs

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novox for dogs

Many dog owners want more information about Novox, especially how and when it should be administered to dogs. Novox is a generic alternative to Carprofen (or Rimadyl). It is used in the treatment of pain or inflammation in joints, usually caused by diseases of the joints such as hip dysplasia, and arthritis. It can also be used to treat fever.  It is classified as a NSAID treatment (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug). All of this leads dog owners to wonder about Novox for dogs. Is it completely safe, what are the risks and in what quantities should it be given to your dog?

novox for dogs

Novox For Dogs

Novox is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) meant for dogs only and not for human consumption. It’s recommended that all dogs should get a thorough history and physical examination before administration of Novox or any other NSAID therapy.

Novox is a prescription drug that is used to manage a dog’s inflammation and arthritis pain or given after surgery to reduce pain and discomfort.

Prescription

First and foremost, Novox can only be given to a dog through prescription. Federal law requires a licensed veterinarian to have prescribed the medication before you can use the drug. It is FDA approved and comes in various dosages. Novox contains ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen and works by reducing the hormones that lead to the discomfort or inflammation within the dog’s body.

It can also be prescribed on the back of a soft tissue operation to reduce pain following surgery, or it may be prescribed to help fight the pain and inflammation that your dog may have if they suffer from arthritis. While it does not solve the problem of bad joints, it will ease pain dramatically and within a few days you are likely to see a dramatic improvement in mobility, although obviously this will vary from dog to dog.

Dosage

The drug usually comes in 25 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg non-chewable capsules. For dosage guidance, it is generally accepted that 2 mg for every pound the dog weighs, each day, works well. This can be given all in one go, or some people prefer to split the dosage into two throughout the day. Either works fine. The caplet should be given to the dog with food, and be sure to provide plenty of water to the dog. It is always advisable to follow your veterinarian’s instructions however, as some allowances may be made for the age of the dog and the likely length of treatment. There are occasions when you may see the veterinarian prefer to give the dosage through injection but this rare and usually only confined to times before a surgical operation.

Considerations

There are a few things to be aware of when considering Novox for your dogIt should not be given to a pregnant or lactating dog. It should also not be given to a newborn dog. There is not currently sufficient information to show that it is not dangerous to dogs under the age of six weeks, so to be safe it is not advised.

Novox should not be used with dogs that have any history of hypersensitivity to carprofen or other NSAIDs. Typical examples of a bad reaction include hives, facial swelling and red and itchy skin. Any changes, in appetite (increased or decreased), in behavior, in drinking habits or in the condition of the skin are also reliable signs that something within the drug is causing your dog problems.

When talking to your vet about the possible usage of Novox, it is important to share any information about drugs allergies the dog may have, as well as any history of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach, blood disorders, or any other organ problems that may make Novox a more dangerous proposition. Stomach ulcers can be a potential problem as this medication can reduce the protective mucosal lining in the stomach meaning new ulcers can be formed or older ones can become more irritable. By administering the drug with food, the chances of an upset stomach can be reduced.

With the active ingredients there is always the possibility of causing harm to the gastrointestinal system, the kidneys and/or the liver. For stomach issues, keep a close eye on the stools of the dog. If they become bloody, black or tarry then there is likely to be a problem.

The liver and kidneys are used to break down (metabolize) the drug and then send it off to various parts of the dog, with any excesses to be excreted. Therefore, it is advisable, especially for older dogs to to have a blood panel run to demonstrate that the liver and kidneys are functioning properly.

If it is going to be a long-term aid in the treatment of arthritis, regular checks of renal and hepatic capabilities are likely to be required. If the kidneys are being affected, you will likely see increased thirst, which will in turn lead to increased urination. If the kidneys are functioning well, this increased urination should be very diluted (watery and transparent), but if the urine remains a dark, smelly and thick texture this is a sign that something is not right.

For the liver, the most likely negative impact is jaundice, which presents itself through a yellowing of the eyes, skin or gums. If you notice any of these changes of color, speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Alternatives

There are other options in the market for dogs suffering from these problems, and whether they are a better choice for your dog really depends on what you are hoping to achieve and the dog itself. Other NSAID alternatives (so likely to have all the same risks as mentioned above) include Previcox, Metacam and Deramaxx. At the risk of sounding repetitive, it is your veterinarian who will be able to guide this decision and make sure you are giving your dog the best possible remedy.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis. It is a painful and debilitating disease that can leave your dog unable to move without experiencing high levels of discomfort.

Conclusion

Human medications for dogs are never an advisable step so Novox, prescribed by your veterinarian can be a safe and effective solution. Until a remedy is found, reducing the symptoms (pain) is the next best thing. Novox can relieve the pain and inflammation that a dog may suffer, allowing them to lead a physically active life that may have become an impossibility. With it not being a cure, this means unfortunately that if you stop taking Novox then all the old aliments will reappear.

 

References:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/Products/ApprovedAnimalDrugProducts/DrugLabels/UCM050400.pdf

https://www.petrescuerx.com/index.cfm/product/125/novox-carprofen.cfm

https://www.drugs.com/pro/novox.html

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