NSAIDs are a group of drugs with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation or injury and results in redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the inflamed area. NSAIDs reduce these signs by affecting the production or function of certain substances, mainly prostaglandins, that are made by the body and involved in inflammation.

Veterinarians often prescribe NSAIDs for dogs with osteoarthritis, a condition where cartilage—the protective material that cushions a joint between two bones—breaks down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. This rubbing can permanently damage the joint and cause pain, inflammation, and lameness. Veterinarians also often use NSAIDs to manage pain after surgery in dogs. 

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 and to monitor his or her health while taking the drug.

In the United States, currently marketed NSAIDs approved for dogs include:

*Indicates an FDA-approved generic animal drug.

Before giving an NSAID to your dog, you should first talk to your veterinarian about:

• what the NSAID is being prescribed for
• how much to give
• how long to give it
• possible side effects
• any drugs or diet changes that should be avoided while your dog is taking the NSAID
• what tests are needed before giving the NSAID to your dog
• how often your dog should be re-examined
• your dog’s medical history, including any previous side effects from a drug
• all drugs and other products (such as a flea and tick product or a joint supplement) your dog currently receives

NSAIDs approved for dogs often contain the following information on their labels:

• 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.
• Always provide “Information for Dog Owners” (Client Information) Sheet with prescription.

This means that your veterinarian should examine your dog and may recommend blood and urine tests before your dog starts taking the drug. Every time your veterinarian prescribes an NSAID for your dog, you should receive a Client Information Sheet (also known as the Information for Dog Owner Sheet). You should ask for this sheet if you aren’t given one. The Client Information Sheet provides you with important safety information in a user-friendly way, letting you know about possible side effects and when to call your veterinarian if problems occur.

As a group, NSAIDs affect the kidneys, liver, and digestive tract and common side effects in dogs include:

• Not eating or eating less
• Being less active or showing other changes in behavior, such as acting withdrawn or generally “off”
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody or tarry (black)
• Yellowing of gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes (called jaundice)
• Change in drinking (can be either increased or decreased thirst)
• Skin changes, such as scabs, redness, or scratching

Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious and require medical care. Serious side effects include bleeding ulcers and perforations (holes) in the stomach or intestines, kidney and liver problems, and even death in rare cases.

If you think your dog is having a side effect to an NSAID, STOP giving the drug and call your veterinarian immediately! What starts out as a minor problem can change to an emergency over time. You may sometimes need to get a second opinion. You can even call the drug company about your concerns. The Client Information Sheet includes the drug company’s contact information. Many drug companies offer customer service and technical support if you have questions about or problems with the drug. If your dog has a side effect from an NSAID, the drug company may talk with your veterinarian and recommend specific tests and treatments.

• Never give aspirin or corticosteroids (such as prednisone) along with an NSAID to your dog.
• NSAIDs should be used cautiously in dogs with kidney, liver, heart, and digestive problems.
• Don’t assume an NSAID for one dog is safe to give to another dog. Always talk to your veterinarian before giving any drug to your dog.
• Never give your dog an NSAID unless your veterinarian says to do so and always follow your veterinarian’s directions. Do not give a higher dose, give it more often, or give it for longer unless you first discuss this with your veterinarian.

When Giving Your Best Friend an NSAID, Remember These Signs:

Behavior Changes

Eating Less

Skin Redness and Scabs

Tarry (Black) Stool/Diarrhea/Vomiting

FRIEND

STOP the Drug & Call Your Veterinarian!

When your veterinarian prescribes medication for your pet, it’s sometimes hard to remember all the information discussed during the visit. Fortunately, you can receive a Client Information Sheet from your veterinarian to answer questions and explain the medication.

What is a Client Information Sheet?

A Client Information Sheet (CIS) is written specifically for pet owners, in a user-friendly, question-and-answer format. The handout gives you detailed information about your pet’s medication and the side effects it can cause, helping you use the medication as safely and effectively as possible for your pet. A Client Information Sheet tells you:

• what the drug’s name is and what type of drug it is,
• what you can expect the drug to do for your pet,
• what the drug’s potential side effects are, and
• what you should do if you see side effects in your pet.

A Client Information Sheet is different from the medication’s package insert. Although the package insert also explains how the drug works and what the potential side effects are, it’s written for a veterinarian.

Where can I get a Client Information Sheet?

You can get a Client Information Sheet from your veterinarian. Not all veterinary medications, however, have Client Information Sheets available. Generally, they’re written for medications where owner involvement is important for safe and effective use. Some FDA-approved veterinary medications that have Client Information Sheets include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for companion animals
• Vetoryl (trilostane)
• Felimazole (methimazole)
• Palladia (toceranib phosphate)
• Comfortis (spinosad)
• Trifexis (spinosad and milbemycin)
• ProZinc (protamine zinc human recombinant insulin)
• Recuvyra (fentanyl)

You should receive a Client Information Sheet every time you receive a prescription for any of the medications listed above; whether it’s the first time your pet is receiving it or the 15th refill. In fact, the package inserts for these medications inform the veterinarian to “Always provide a client information sheet with prescription.”

Why is a Client Information Sheet important?

A Client Information Sheet is an important, helpful reminder about your pet’s medication. If you think your pet is having a problem with the medication, you can refer to the Client Information Sheet for advice. By helping you recognize possible side effects, the handout can increase your pet’s chance for a good recovery.

What should I do if I think my pet is having side effects from a medication?

The most important thing you should do if you think your pet is having side effects from a medication is call your veterinarian immediately! Your veterinarian can determine whether your pet should be seen and whether you should stop giving your pet its medication.

My pet had a side effect from a medication. Where can I report it?

If your pet had a side effect from a medication, report the incident! Side effects, also called adverse drug experiences, should first be reported to the drug company by calling the phone number on the Client Information Sheet or on the medication’s label. Drug companies are required by law to send all reports of side effects they receive to the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) within certain time frames. If you tell the drug company about your pet’s side effect, the report will reach FDA.

What does CVM do with reports of side effects?

When CVM receives reports of side effects from drug companies, veterinarians, or pet owners, the center’s scientists enter the information into an online database of adverse drug experiences. CVM scientists use the ADE database to make decisions about product safety which may include changes to the label or other regulatory actions. Updated labels help veterinarians use medications more safely and effectively in their patients.

Veterinarians and pet owners aren’t required to report side effects to the drug company or CVM. However, the more complete the database, the better informed our scientists are when making product safety decisions. So please report medication side effects in your pet!

Communication is Key

All medications have risks and benefits. While your veterinarian is the most qualified source of information about your pet’s medications and care, Client Information Sheets put helpful information right in your hand. When your veterinarian prescribes medication for your pet, ask if a Client Information Sheet is available.

Remember: Being an informed owner is your pet’s best defense against serious side effects from any medication!