What’s up with your dog? If you’re wondering about Novox for dogs, I’m going to guess your dog is suffering with pain and inflammation. Writing about Novox for Dogs is about as dry as writing about white house paint! As boring as it is, there are some things you should know about Novox including dosage, how to administer the drug, possible side-effects, and how the medication works.
Novox for dogs is an FDA approved drug that is prescribed for pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian might have prescribed it for your arthritic dog or to help ease post-surgical pain. It might even be prescribed for dogs with acute injury, orthopedic, and soft tissue pain.
Keep reading to get a better understanding of how Novox for dogs really works, and what you might expect from common (and mild) side-effects.
How ‘Bout Them Side-Effects?
All medications have side-effects. They might be different depending on your (or your dog’s) chemical makeup, but they exist. Novox for dogs is no different.
The most common side-effect is stomach upset which means your dog might not be as hungry anymore. It can also manifest as raging diarrhea. Okay, “raging” is a bit extreme.
If that actually happens, get your dog to the veterinarian ASAP. Diarrhea that lasts more than a day, is intense, or looks black (possible blood in the stool), should be given serious attention as soon as possible.
Diarrhea, especially in puppies (but all dogs are at risk) can cause severe dehydration.
Generally speaking, the side-effects of Novox are pretty mild. Mild stomach upset is at the top of the list of the most common side-effect.
Unfortunately, there are situations where Novox for dogs isn’t the right choice.
If the veterinarian you are seeing isn’t aware of your dog’s health background, make sure to tell them about any other medications your dog is on. Blood-thinners, for example, can be dangerous when combined with Novox.
Anything Else?
Sure, there are all kinds of side-effects associated with Novox for Dogs. That doesn’t mean your dog will have them all. If you’re nervous about giving Novox to your dog, the following list of side-effects isn’t going to help.
At the end of the day, however, you need to feel confident about your dog’s health care. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian questions about this treatment plan. There may even be alternatives.
The full list of Novox side effects include the following:
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Sleepiness
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite.
NOTE: To see every possible side-effect, visit Drug.com and get a complete list.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that affects dogs and people. Animals affected with this disease lack the clotting hormones to stop a minor bleed.
Unfortunately, what should just be a little scratch turns into a whole bleeding event. If your dog is taking Novox, and also happens to have a bleeding disorder, there is the danger of an internal bleed.
Other Assorted Things You Need to Know
A licensed veterinarian can’t just prescribe something like Novox without at least a basic understanding of your dog’s needs. They’re going to need the dog’s medical history including any allergies and, as mentioned above, any other disease or conditions.
Make sure to tell the veterinarian about any holistic, natural or over-the-counter remedies you are giving your dog.
It’s not that what you’re currently giving your dog is necessarily harmful; however, when mixed with certain prescriptions could cause unnecessary side-effects.
If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction like sudden itching and/or swelling (especially around the face), please get immediate medical attention for your dog.
Not Sure About This?
Novox is just one brand name of many. If your dog is prescribed anything called Carprofen, Dolox, Librevia, Vetprofen, Prolet, Rimadyl, or Carprieve (to name a few), it’s all essentially the same thing.
You Are Cordially Invited to the Prostaglandin Party!
Anti-inflammatories like Novox work by slowing down or stopping the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that triggers inflammation, pain, and fever.
It seems as if the body is working against nature when, in fact, prostaglandins are key in protecting the body when illness strikes.
They’re created through a chemical reaction at the site of injury or infection. The body sends a signal to release whichever prostaglandin is perfect for the job. Then, the hormone goes to work creating a barrier (inflammation) around the injured or diseased site.
Novox is designed to stop that from happening in situations where inflammation simply isn’t helpful.
The Shock of Prostaglandin D2
This is the hormone that triggers asthma or anaphylactic shock in people or dogs with allergies.
This thoughtful hormone thinks it’s doing a good job by surrounding tissue in the airway or lungs when it senses trouble. Unfortunately, that swelling blocks off vital oxygen.
Prostaglandin E2
This is the hormone used in the medication for inducing labor. It works by relaxing smooth muscle. Smooth muscles include the tissue supporting the heart, blood vessels, the stomach, intestine, and bladder.
What does all of this have to do with Novox for Dogs? It helps to give you an understanding of just how complicated body inflammation and pain are. These descriptions of the various prostaglandins in the body are an oversimplification. If you’re veterinarian a Novox treatment plan, it’s important to understand how it works in the body.
Prostaglandin F2
This particular hormone is used to abort pregnancy in dogs. Like people, dogs can have difficult and dangerous pregnancies.
Prostaglandin I2
This hormone is a vasodilator. It works by opening constricted vessels.
Panic, Pain, and Knee-Jerk Reactions
Most dogs, and people, can withstand mild inflammation or pain, but sometimes those symptoms are a little too much to deal with.
That’s when non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Novox are prescribed. If you’re anything like me, you will go to great lengths to stop pain from affecting your dog.
Nobody wants to see their dog in pain. Novox might be the perfect medication for your dog, but it’s not necessarily the only option.
Rather than jumping into the first drug your veterinarian suggests, it’s okay to take a minute to breath and ask questions.
How Long Can My Dog Take Novox?
The veterinarian will clearly outline the expected dosage and timeframe for taking Novox.
Novox is not meant to be used as a long term pain medication. However, every dog and circumstance is different. You can’t compare how much or how long another dog owner is administering the medication, because each dog is unique.
Again, the best advice is to keep the lines of communication open with your veterinarian.
How Should I Give Novox to My Dog?
Novox is available in caplets, tablets, and as an injectable. The chewable tablets are formulated with liver flavors.
Most dogs love it, but if you have trouble giving your dog medication, you can hide the pill in the middle of a dog treat or by using a bit of your own food to hide the drug.
Where Can I Buy Novox for Dogs?
Novox can be purchased online through places like 1800PetProducts.com, pharmacies, and possibly at the veterinarian clinic. You’ll need to have that prescription ID on hand, even when ordering online.
How Much Does Novox Cost?
Novox costs about $30 for a container of 30 tablets. Keep in mind that the price can go up or down depending on where you buy it. Need help with money? Ask the veterinarian for samples or find out if they offer a Care Credit program.
Can I Use Expired Novox?
Drug companies are required to label their products with “best before” dates as a matter of due diligence. Pharmaceutical companies know how long the medication will remain active, but they still have to offer a timeframe in which the medication may have lost some potency.
The quick answer is yes, you can use expired Novox. Just make sure it hasn’t expired beyond 6 months to a year. In fact, I highly suggest you contact your veterinarian with questions like this.
Is it Safe to Use Novox That Was Prescribed for Another Dog?
Nope. Never give your dog a prescription that was prescribed for another dog.
Even if your dog was safely on Novox for something else previously, it’s possible that some other health problems are developing that you don’t know about.
Dogs, like people, can be healthy one day and suffering with kidney damage the next.
Novox prescribed for another dog was unique to that situation. If you think your dog needs Novox, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and bring your dog for an appointment.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
At the end of the day, it’s important to simply follow the veterinarian’s dosing guidelines.
Any signs of very serious side-effects should be reported immediately to the veterinarian. That could include swollen face, gums, and throat (anaphylactic shock).
You know your dog better than anyone else and if you sense that something is not right, by all means contact the veterinarian for help.
Boring but Important!
I hope you’ve got a good sense of Novox and what it’s used for. This prescription anti-inflammatory is designed for the kind of pain that can compromise quality of life.
Arthritis, for example, is a very painful condition where your dog might have difficulty getting around, going out to pee, and not enjoying life anymore.
There are really good reasons why veterinarians prescribe Novox for dogs. However, if you don’t think it’s the best option, don’t be afraid to ask.
Your dog is family but dogs can’t speak for themselves. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with your choices.
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