Galliprant for Dogs and Arthritis Pain Management: An Ultimate Guide

Galliprant (active ingredient grapiprant) is one of the common dog prescriptions. It is one of the NSAIDs used to manage inflammation and pain in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

Dogs with osteoarthritis suffer from the wearing down of cartilage on the joint surface, leading to the joint’s nerve endings and bones rubbing together painfully.

If your vet suspects osteoarthritis in your dog, they may prescribe Galliprant to help your dog feel comfortable and improve mobility.

Dogs with this gene mutation (ABCB1-1delta) often have difficulty breaking down specific medications, including Galliprant.

Benefits and Uses of Galliprant

Galliprant comes with many benefits. These include:

• It’s approved by the FDA for dogs.
• It works fast; thus, your dog could see relief in one to two hours.
• It is not very likely to harm your dog’s intestines, stomach, kidneys, and liver compared to other NSAIDs.
• It usually comes in a chewable tablet, which is easy to give to your dog.

Galliprant for Dogs Without Vet Prescription: Is It Safe?

Finding Galliprant without a vet prescription may be possible, but it is not at all safe to give it to your pup. It is always recommended to consult a vet before administering any medication to your pet. Your vet will give you the right answer as to whether your dog is suitable for the medication or not.

Galliprant requires a vet’s prescription, and getting it from any unauthorized sources could be a risk as the medication could be counterfeited.

Although Galliprant is a pet-specific medication, which the WiseRX^® card will not discount, some alternatives will receive a discount.

Possible Side Effects of Galliprant in Dogs

Every medication comes with common and possible side effects. In the case of Galliprant, the side effects may include:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Soft stool with mucus
• Bloody or watery stools

Alternative Arthritis Medications for Dogs

Even though Galliprant could be a good option for your pup, there are other arthritis medications that you may consider for your dogs:

• NSAIDs: Apart from Galliprant, other NSAIDs like Previcox or Rimadyl are common medications for dog arthritis pain. Some of these may be eligible for discounts with the WiseRX^® card.
• Arthritis chews for dogs: Joint supplements in chews could effectively manage arthritis for dogs. You can look for chews that contain chondroitin and glucosamine.
• CBD Oil for dogs: Some pet owners have found it effective in relieving their pet’s arthritis symptoms.

Right Dosage of Galliprant for Dogs

The dosage of Galliprant for dogs is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours. The medication comes as a tablet. You can calculate the dose to the nearest half a tablet.

As per the prescribing information approved by the FDA, there is no accurate dose for dogs under 8 lbs.

If your dog misses a dose of Galliprant, you must speak to your vet about what to do. They may instruct you to give it when you remember or if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose. This will skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. You should never give an extra or double dose to your pet.

Serious Risks of Galliprant for Dogs

The most serious risk of administering Galliprant in dogs would be MDR1 gene mutation. Dogs with two copies of the MDR1 gene mutation (often collies) might have a higher risk of side effects with Galliprant, especially vomiting.

Fatal overdose cases are rare in dogs. However, an overdose typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms like bloody, mucus-filled, or watery diarrhea and vomiting.

Interaction of Galliprant with Other Medications

Galliprant may interact with many dog medications. These include:

• Diuretics like furosemide
• Steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
• Bisphosphonates like alendronate or zoledronate
• Aspirin
• Blood pressure medications like amlodipine
• Telmisartan
• ACE inhibitors like benazepril or enalapril
• Other NSAIDs like meloxicam or carprofen

If your dog is on another NSAID, it must be off for 5 to 7 days before switching to Galliprant. You should not give Galliprant with steroids.

Conclusion

Galliprant for pups is a powerful and effective medicine to improve your dog’s mobility and manage arthritis pain. If you use it properly, with the right dosage, and with your vet’s help, you can relieve your dog from the discomfort of arthritis.

Although Galliprant is not eligible for a discount with the WiseRX^® card, other medications such as Previcox or Rimadyl may qualify. Always check with your pharmacist to explore cost-saving options for your pet’s arthritis treatment.

FAQ’s

1. What is Galliprant used for?

Galliprant (grapiprant) is a prescription NSAID used to manage pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis.

2. Does Galliprant require a vet prescription?

Yes, Galliprant requires a veterinary prescription. It is not safe to give without consulting a vet.

3. What are the common side effects of Galliprant?

Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

4. Can Galliprant be given with other medications?

Galliprant should not be combined with steroids, other NSAIDs, or certain blood pressure medications. Always consult your vet before mixing medications.

5. Are there alternatives to Galliprant for arthritis pain?

Yes, alternatives include other NSAIDs (like Rimadyl or Previcox), joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin), and CBD oil.