Is your dog slower to get on and off the couch? Are they leaving balls un-fetched? If so, it may be time for a checkup to rule out osteoarthritis, which is the degeneration of a dog’s joints.
If your dog has already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, they may have been prescribed Deramaxx. And it’s OK if some of your vet’s instructions are a little hazy after the appointment. Our on-staff veterinarian is sharing everything you need to know about this medication.
Deramaxx (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to help control pain and inflammation in pets) works by reducing the production of chemicals that cause swelling in a dog’s body and relieving chronic pain.
Although commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, Deramaxx is sometimes given after orthopedic surgery or for other painful conditions, too.
“This medication can improve a pet's quality of life as they experience less pain and get to do more of the things that they love,” Dr. Emily Singler, VMD, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says.
The once-a-day chewable tablet can even make a nice treat for your pup — but only if your vet has prescribed it.
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Your veterinarian will determine the best dosage for your dog depending on their weight, age and the severity of their inflammation. This daily dose will be tailored to your pup specifically and shouldn’t be shared with any other pets.
Because of Deramaxx's yummy flavor, your dog might be tempted to sneak a few tablets while you’re not looking. An overdose of this medication is dangerous, and you should contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately if you think they’ve had too much. (Pro-tip: Get ahead of an accident by storing these medications away from your pup!)
Before giving your dog Deramaxx, make sure your veterinarian knows of any other medications they take. Deramaxx shouldn’t be given with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids (like prednisone, Temaril-P, dexamethasone or triamcinolone).
Having a conversation with your veterinarian about your dog’s current medication regime will help to protect them from any negative interactions. It might even help to write down or take a photograph of all your pet's medications before your next vet appointment.
According to Dr. Singler, the most common side effects associated with Deramaxx, and most other NSAIDs, are gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool and, less commonly, gastrointestinal ulcers.
If your pup has problems with their liver or kidneys, you’ll want to ask your veterinarian if Deramaxx could cause them to experience damage to those organs.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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