Rimadyl is a commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory. The hospital i work for gives it regularly to our patients and very rarely do they have a problem. The side effects that do occur are usually lethargy or vomiting. There are long term side effects that have to do with the liver i believe, which is why, if your dog is going to be put on it for arthritis at a maintenance dose, he/she should have a blood test done before put on the medication and every 6 months afterwards to monitor levels. And just like any medication, these side effects only occur in a small percentage of patients.
just like someone said before, when i'm discharging patients and going over medications i remind them that just like any medication for people and dogs, each medication can cause upset stomach and should be given with food. Also if this is the first time your dog is getting these specific medications, please monitor his/her actions/bathroom habits/eating/drinking for a few hours after given the medication, as this is when most side effects will occur.
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