Novox for Dogs: Usage, Dosage & Side Effects

Unfortunately, our dogs will grow old. What’s even worse, they grow old a lot faster than we do. With age, dogs can develop health issues, just like we can. One of those potential issues is arthritis. This is an incurable condition, but with a good approach, it can be managed with drugs. One of those drugs is Novox. If your vet prescribed your dog Novox, it is natural you’d like to know more about it. Here’s what you should know about Novox for dogs, its usage, dosage, and potential side effects.

What is Novox?

Novox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. It is used for treating inflammation and pain in different animals. This is a prescription medicine, so you cannot get it unless your vet prescribes it to you. This drug has the active ingredient called carprofen. It is a potent painkiller that is safe for animals to use. As we already mentioned, the most common use of Novox is for canine arthritis, but it is also used for post-operative pain control.

Is Novox safe for dogs?

One of the first questions dog owners ask their vets is, “Is Novox safe for my dog?” Naturally, we all want to know if a specific medication is safe for our dog. Of course, the amount of risk we are willing to accept is directly connected to the severity of the condition it is supposed to treat. For example, you might accept your dog might get diarrhea if the medication is curing a dangerous bacterial infection. However, Novox is supposed to help our dogs deal with arthritis, so we might not be willing to accept too much risk. The good news is that Novox is considered reasonably safe for dogs. However, it is crucial dog owners stick to the recommended dosages.

old chocolate labrador

Novox side effects

Novox might be considered safe, but like any other NSAID, it can cause specific side effects. In fact, dogs can overdose on it, so dog owners need to be very careful when they’re giving Novox to their dogs. The most common Novox side effects in dogs are;

Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Polyuria and polydipsia
Jaundice
Seizures
Incoordination
Aggression
Skin reactions (redness, itching, etc.)
Blood clotting issues

These side effects are considered mild. In rare cases, dogs can develop severe side effects that include liver issues and death. Not all dogs can withstand Novox the same, and if you notice any side effects, you should immediately call your vet. If you notice severe, long-lasting side effects, stop giving this drug to your dog and call your vet. There might be better and safer options for your dog.

Is Novox effective?

Another thing dog owners will want to know is, “Is Novox effective?” Again, we all would like to know whether a drug will actually help our dogs and how fast. If we have to accept the risks and side effects, the drug’s effectiveness should not be in question. Again, the good news is that Novox is considered effective. Its effectiveness was proven in 5 placebo-controlled, masked studies. Dogs treated with Novox showed significant improvements in pain levels and mobility.

senior great dane

How is Novox given?

Novox comes in the form of liver-flavored tablets. Dog owners can give this drug once or twice a day, depending on their vet’s instructions. It can be given with or without food, but some dogs prefer taking it with food because they can get an upset stomach if they take the pill without any food.

Novox dosage for dogs

As we mentioned earlier, Novox is safe, but dog owners should be cautious about the correct dosage. The exact dosage of Novox their dogs have to take will be determined by their vets. They know the dog’s injuries, conditions, and allergies, so they’ll know what dosage is the best choice for each individual dog. However, there is a chance they make the wrong decision, which means they might adjust the dosage. The most common dosages of Novox for dogs are;

1 milligram per pound of body weight if taken 2X a day
2 milligram per pound of body weight if taken 1X a day

senior dog walking

Where can I get Novox?

The first step you will have to take is to visit your vet. Novox is a controlled substance, which means you cannot get it without a valid veterinary prescription. Once your vet decides Novox is the right treatment option for your dog, you will get the prescription, and you can pick it up in veterinary pharmacies. If you prefer ordering medications online, you can visit Chewy’s online pharmacy. However, you will still need to upload a valid prescription. Mind you, Chewy only sells a generic version of carprofen medication. You cannot actually get the branded Novox there.

World Dog Finder team

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