My dog accidentally took a double dose of Rimadyl. Is it serious?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  When a dog ingests too much Rimadyl the results can be life threatening. You need to take Rocky into your vet immediately. Depending on the timing, your pet may be given medication to cause it to vomit followed by activated charcoal to absorb any remaining medication in the stomach. The main concern with Rimadyl is damage to the kidneys or liver. Your dog might be placed on IV fluids to flush the liver and kidneys and eliminate the drug from the animal’s body. Multiple blood tests are performed over the length of hospitalization to evaluate the red and white blood cell counts, BUN, and creatinine levels. Each of these values indicates whether the treatment is decreasing the toxicity and if the liver and kidneys are working correctly. I recommend taking Rocky into your vet ASAP.

  

  15Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 18th, 2018

  As long as Briggan doesn't have any underlying kidney disease it shouldn't be a problem. You should skip the morning dose and can start again tomorrow night. If you notice any decrease in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or black tarry stool you should stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.

  

  6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on September 11th, 2022

  While 25mg is generally the daily dosage for a dog Pepper's size, Rimadyl has been tested to be non-toxic if a double dose is given on accident. That said, it is best to watch out for any signs of an issue such as increased thirst or urination, lethargy or behavior changes, a painful abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stool. I would instruct your dad to monitor for these things and if any are noticed, seek veterinary care immediately for treatment.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on October 3rd, 2015

  Since Rimadyl is typically dosed at 2 mg/lb, she has potentially had a very high dose. Toxicity level is generally moderate to severe.
  
  Common signs to watch for:
  
  Vomiting
  
  Bloody vomitus
  
  Diarrhea
  
  Black-tarry stool
  
  Inappetance
  
  Lethargy
  
  Inappropriate urination or thirst
  
  General malaise
  
  Abdominal pain
  
  Seizures
  
  Since you are unsure of the timing, your dog needs to be seen by a vet right away. She will need to be treated with activated charcoal to absorb any remaining medication in the stomach. The main concern with Rimadyl is damage to the kidneys or liver. Your pet will be placed on IV fluids to flush the liver and kidneys and eliminate the drug from the animal’s body. Multiple blood tests are performed over the length of hospitalization to evaluate the red and white blood cell counts, BUN, and creatinine levels. Each of these values indicates whether the treatment is decreasing the toxicity and if the liver and kidneys are working correctly.

  

  10Pet Parents found this answer helpful