Rimadyl for Dogs
Rimadyl is the original brand-name carprofen product, introduced in the 1990s and still one of the most widely recognized NSAIDs in veterinary medicine — the "dog medicine Rimadyl" a lot of owners first hear about at a checkup. This guide covers what Rimadyl treats, its available strengths, typical cost, whether it's sold over the counter, and how it relates to generic carprofen.
What Is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl (carprofen) is an NSAID approved by the FDA for managing pain and inflammation in dogs, most commonly for osteoarthritis and post-surgical recovery. It's manufactured by Zoetis and available as a chewable tablet (flavored) and a caplet, in 25mg, 75mg, and 100mg strengths (with 50mg available in some related product lines). Vets prescribe Rimadyl for the same core uses as any carprofen product: long-term arthritis pain management and short-course post-surgical pain and inflammation control. See our complete carprofen for dogs guide for the underlying mechanism.
(click to load video — search YouTube for a reputable veterinarian-hosted explainer on canine NSAID use and replace this ID)
Rimadyl Strengths & Chewables
| Strength | Form | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | Chewable / Caplet | Small dogs |
| 50 mg | Chewable (select lines) | Small-to-medium dogs |
| 75 mg | Chewable / Caplet | Small-to-medium dogs |
| 100 mg | Chewable / Caplet | Medium-to-large dogs |
Rimadyl chewable tablets are flavored and scored for splitting, the same as generic carprofen chewables. See our full Rimadyl dosage guide for typical published reference ranges by weight.
Is Rimadyl Available Over the Counter?
No. Despite being one of the most recognized names in veterinary pain medication, Rimadyl for dogs is not available over the counter under any circumstance in the U.S. — it requires a valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian, the same as every generic carprofen product. If you've seen "Rimadyl for dogs without vet prescription" in search results, treat that as a red flag rather than a shortcut; see our full explanation on why a prescription is required.
Rimadyl Cost
Because Rimadyl is the branded product, it's generally priced higher than generic carprofen equivalents like Novox or Vetprofen. Many pet owners ask their vet whether a generic substitution is appropriate to reduce the cost of long-term arthritis management, especially since Rimadyl and generic carprofen are considered therapeutically equivalent (see our full brand vs generic comparison). Compare current pricing on our where to buy carprofen page, and see our cost and insurance guide for ways pet insurance may offset the expense.
Like all carprofen products, Rimadyl is prescription-only. See our guide on why a prescription is required if you're trying to understand the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rimadyl safe for long-term use in dogs?
Many dogs use Rimadyl safely for extended periods under veterinary supervision, typically with periodic bloodwork to monitor liver and kidney function.
What is the generic version of Rimadyl called?
The generic drug name is carprofen. FDA-approved generic brands include Novox, Vetprofen, Carprovet, and Carprieve — see our full comparison.
How much does Rimadyl cost for dogs?
Cost varies by strength, quantity, and retailer. Brand-name Rimadyl is typically more expensive than generic carprofen; compare current prices on our buying guide.
Is Rimadyl for dogs available over the counter?
No. Rimadyl requires a valid veterinary prescription in the U.S. under all circumstances and strengths.
What is Rimadyl actually used for in dogs?
Rimadyl is most commonly prescribed for chronic osteoarthritis pain management and for short-term pain and inflammation control after surgery, such as spay/neuter or orthopedic procedures.