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As dog owners look at options, Rimadyl looks like a good one, at least at first. We’ve written about the drawbacks associated with Rimadyl; while it’s good at relieving pain and inflammation, it is not without significant risks.
You might have heard of CBD Oil. Many pet parents are looking at CBD oils to see if it can serve as a safer alternative for their pet while retaining the pain and inflammation control.
And importantly, they are asking if the two can be combined, and when. We’ll answer that here.
What is Rimadyl?
Rimadyl is a brand name for the drug Carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It is commonly used for conditions like osteoarthritis, surgical pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. While it is FDA-approved for use in dogs, Rimadyl does come with potential side effects including gastrointestinal issues, liver or kidney dysfunction, and in rare cases, bleeding disorders.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not induce a “high.” In recent years, CBD oil for dogs has gained prominence for its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anxiety reduction. More and more studies supporting these benefits have come out in recent years, which fuels demand, which in turn fuels funding for more research. We at Relievet have heard from hundreds of our customers that they see benefits for their pets – including from veterinarians, vet techs, and researchers that use our products with their animals.
Interactions Between Rimadyl and CBD Oil
Potential for Synergy
Some pet owners report that using Rimadyl and CBD oil together seems to provide enhanced relief from pain and inflammation. The thought is that CBD oil may target different pain pathways, possibly offering synergistic benefits when used in conjunction with Rimadyl. At Relievet, we often suggest that owners discuss the possibility of using our CBD oils with their vet, with the intent to decrease (or even eliminate) their dog’s dose of Rimadyl. This helps them get the best of both worlds and decreases the risk of harm from Rimadyl.
Risk of Side Effects
Both Rimadyl and CBD oil have their individual side effect profiles, although CBD is likely safer!
Rimadyl may cause liver damage, kidney damage, ulcers, sores, bleeding, and even death – while a well-formulated, CBD-only, broad-spectrum oil like the ones we sell normally only leads to tiredness at higher doses. Increasing the dose too fast can also cause tiredness, and sometimes it can lead to soft stools.
Between the two, Rimadyl is more associated with harmful effects. It’s why we think using CBD to help decrease or eliminate the Rimadyl dose is a useful approach.
Veterinary Advice is Crucial
It’s imperative to consult with your veterinarian before administering Rimadyl or CBD oil, or adding one if your dog is already taking the other. Your vet will take into account various factors like your dog’s overall health, age, and existing medications before recommending an appropriate treatment plan. Blood tests may also be advised to monitor liver and kidney function if long-term use is being considered.
Other Considerations
Dosage
If your vet does recommend combining the two, proper dosage is essential. Generally, starting with the lowest effective dose of CBD and gradually increasing it under veterinary supervision is advised. As stated, adding or increasing CBD to reduce the dose or eliminate Rimadyl can be a worthwhile strategy. Long-term use of Rimadyl is not recommended, whereas long-term use of CBD appears to be relatively well tolerated.
Quality of CBD Oil
The CBD oil market is largely unregulated, which means that the quality can vary greatly. Always opt for a high-quality, lab-tested product to ensure you’re getting what’s stated on the label. Relievet is proud of our products, made in an FDA-registered, USDA-inspected facility. Every lot of our organic oils are rigorously tested by a third-party lab, and the Certificates of Analysis we receive are always available.
Monitoring
Close monitoring is necessary when combining Rimadyl and CBD oil to check for any adverse reactions or signs of distress. Look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any unusual behavior. Report anything you see to your vet immediately.
Conclusion
The question of whether a dog can take Rimadyl and CBD oil together is dependent on each individual dog, their owner’s care goals, and their veterinarian’s approval. There is a potential for synergistic benefits in pain and inflammation management and potential use of CBD to keep or even improve the pain relief benefits from Rimadyl while reducing side effects.
The safest approach is to consult with a qualified veterinarian who can assess your dog’s unique needs and provide a tailored treatment plan. As the pet healthcare field continues to evolve, we can hope for more definitive answers from scientific research about the safety and efficacy of combining Rimadyl and CBD oil in dogs. Until then, caution and expert guidance are the best courses of action.
Remember, what works for one dog may not be suitable for another. Always make health decisions for your pet under the guidance and supervision of a veterinary healthcare professional.
