Vet Q & AMy dog needs Deramaxx. How safe is it and what side effects should I watch for?
I can understand your concerns. Deramaxx, just like any other pet formulated NSAID, has the potential to cause adverse reactions in dogs. There is no medicine for suspected osteoarthritis that is considered 100% free of possible side effects in dogs. With that said, you should be informed on the potential side effects and what symptoms to watch out for that could indicate there is a problem, such as vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, loose stool with or without blood, and to notify your vet if any are seen. For long term use, it is advised to have baseline bloodwork done on your pet to rule out any underlying kidney or liver problems as well. And if your pets history of health is unclear or unknown to your vet, bloodwork should even be considered before the first dose is given.
But pets are prescribed this medicine all the time with little to no side effects; although that perspective can be skewed when owners only list the bad outcomes via the internet. However if you do see unwanted side effects it’s recommended to notify your vet immediately and stop the medication. However, there is a good chance he will do well. Best wishes and take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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