Can I give my dog diclofenac?

If your dog is dealing with arthritis, you may be considering Diclofenac as a way to relieve their swelling and pain.

Diclofenac can only be taken with a prescription. Giving dogs medicine specifically prescribed for a person is usually not a good idea. That said, you may confirm it with your vet before administering it. Don’t chance making your dog exceptionally ill, even if it’s possible they may not experience negative side effects.

According to the FDA, Diclofenac is for human consumption only. On occasion you will find veterinarians who prescribe this medication for dogs with eye inflammation under strict dosages and directions.

Can I Give My Dog Diclofenac? Answer: No

Diclofenac is known to cause mild or sometimes severe side effects in humans. You can imagine it could be much worse for a dog.

Arthritis is very common in canines especially as they get into their older years. But Diclofenac is usually not safe for dogs. If your dog were to ingest a human dose of this medication it could be potentially fatal.

Side Effects of Diclofenac

Diclofenac can cause mild to severe side effects in dogs. The common issues are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. You may also notice that your dog has a decreased appetite or a degree of drowsiness.

There are several more serious problems associated with Diclofenac. Liver toxicity and liver damage have been attributed to dogs that have taken this medication. Harm to the kidneys is possible if a dog is improperly taking the drug.

Finally, it’s possible that Diclofenac could cause stomach ulcers and renal damage. Even if your dog accidentally ingests a relatively small amount, you should have them checked by a vet for stomach ulcers. An antacid may be in order to reduce the side effects.

When a vet has no choice but to prescribe this medication for dogs, it is under close supervision. Be sure that your vet gives you detailed directions for proper use including how often to administer Diclofenac.

Symptoms of Overdose

A dog that ingests a human dose of this medication should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of a dog having overdosed on Diclofenac include black or bloody stools and severe behavioral changes.

This medication is a serious NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory which is used only on rare occasions for dogs with eye inflammation. Normally it is only to be used for humans according to the FDA. This is why you shouldn’t take it upon yourself to administer it to your dog.

Other Options for Arthritis

If your dog is suffering from severe arthritic pain or pain for another reason, try giving them a small dose of baby aspirin. This is ideal and generally if you can’t contact your vet and need to give them something straight away for the pain.

If possible please confirm with your vet before administering baby aspirin as well, though it is often used to relieve pain in dogs.

Whenever your dog is on any medication close monitoring is advisable. If you monitor your dog closely you will notice any immediate behavioral changes and you will be able to contact the vet soonest for advice.

Dosage, Directions & Monitoring

On the rare occasion when a vet makes the informed decision that Diclofenac is the only solution to treat a dog with eye inflammation it’s imperative that you follow the dosage to the letter. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe a safe dosage based on their size. If you offer the dog slightly more than they are able to handle, you stand the chance of overdosing your pet.

Follow your vet’s instructions closely- never be tempted to give more than you have been advised to give. Always monitor your dog closely while it’s on any medication to see if there are any behavioral changes or decrease in appetite. Inform your vet immediately of any changes you notice.

If your dog develops diarrhea or vomiting after taking this medication, contact the vet. He may decide that you need to stop the medication immediately before it does any serious damage to your pet.

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