Carprofen: What it is?
Carprofen is not a new drug and has been around since 1996 under brand name Rimadil. It’s a steroid-free narcotic drug which pet owners use for treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. In addition, vets prescribe this medication for pain management for pets after surgeries. You can find Carprofen by other brand names:
Acticarp, Austiofen, Bomazeal, Canidryl, Carporal, Carprieve, Carprocow, Carprodolor, Carprodyl, Carprofelican, Carprofen, Carprofène, Carprofeno, Carprofenum, Carprogesic, Carprosol, Carprotab, Carprox, Comforion, Dolagis, Dolocarp, Dolox, Eurofen, Kelaprofen, Librevia, Norocarp, Norodyl, Novocox, Prolet, Reproval, Rimadyl, Rimifin, Rofeniflex, Rycarfa, Scanodyl, Tergive, Vetprofen, and Xelcor.
How Does It Work?
Carprofen may inhibit special enzymes called COX2, which are part of the inflammation process in the body. In other words, the medication prevents this enzyme from working properly and as a result, prevents inflammation itself.
Depending on the severity of inflammation, the usual dosage is 2 to 4 mg per kg of the pets body weight. It can be taken once daily as a single dose or twice a day.
Side Effects
According to the FDA page, not all side effects can be predicted. Therapy with Carprofen can unmask some hidden health issues such as kidney disease or liver dysfunction. Some of the side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of Appetite
- Increased Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Loss of Coordination
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Skin Changes
- Paralysis
- Change in Behavior
Most of the vets start with a lower dosage to make sure the dog reacts well to the medication.
CBD: What it is?
As we mentioned before in Best CBD Products for Pets and How to Choose Them, “Isolate is the purest form CBD which has no other ingredients from the hemp plant. Isolate contains 99% pure CBD in it which is considered the most healing component for the body.
There is no risk of getting intoxicated or “high” and is safe for all types of CBD users. It’s odourless and has no flavour so it can be perfect for you and a pet.”
How Does it Work?
It’s very interesting that scientists didn’t know much about CBD and how it interacts with our body until recently. They discovered that humans and animals have an endocannabinoid system. This system is a chain of special receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are spread all over the living body. You can find them in the lungs, skin, abdomen, bones, in the neuro system, reproductive system and also vascular system.
CBD as a natural component can interact with these receptors and help the endocannabinoid system work better and more efficiently. In simple words, CBD has a natural power to help our body and mind live in balance and health.
Side Effects
After numerous CBD benefits, scientists started to research the side effects of CBD oil as well. They found no evidence of CBD being addictive and or unsafe for people or animals to use. What they found is that an unregulated dosage of CBD can provoke sleepiness and an upset stomach. But once you know the right dosage for your pet, there is no problem at all.
Carprofen and CBD Interaction
We always recommend consulting with your vet before introducing CBD and other medications to your pet.
Even though CBD remains one of the most effective alternative therapies, the combination of CBD and other medications can be beneficial as well. Let us explain.
CBD can act as a natural inhibitor or inducer in cases of interaction with other medications. It means, it can increase or decrease its medical effectiveness and medication side effects as well.
If you have prescribed Carprofen as a main anti-inflammation medication, there is a good chance CBD can replace it. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be a great natural solution for pets even with strong inflammation and pain. Without harmful side effects, your pet might recover faster and be back in its daily happy life.
However, if that is not the case, you might want to ask your vet if you can complement Carprofen with CBD therapy. If CBD will act as an inducer, then you might be prescribed to take less Carprofen and more of natural pet CBD oil.
In all, the harmful side effects of many medications are the main thing that shifts our attention to natural solutions, such a CBD. If you proceed with a safe dosage and under vet supervision, a Carprofen and CBD combination can be possible. However, we recommend that you always consult with your vet first.
If you have any questions we will be happy to answer them by email, info@pawt4paws.com, phone 1-888-898-9080, Facebook or Instagram or our contact us page!
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