Galliprant for Dogs

Updated on February 03, 2023

DVM, MBA, DACVPM

Symptoms of Joint Inflammation| Administering Galliprant| Dosage| Side Effects| Shop Now

If your dog isn’t climbing stairs or jumping in and out of the car the way they used to, they could be suffering from osteoarthritis. This common condition is degenerative and often a result of the deterioration of joint cartilage. Ultimately, osteoarthritis can cause mild to severe joint inflammation and pain and prevent your pup from doing the things they once did with ease—even walking or engaging in other basic activities.

Weight loss, exercise and other lifestyle changes may help reduce the discomfort your dog feels when they run and jump. However, your veterinarian may also prescribe your canine an anti-inflammatory to help mitigate the pain caused by inflammation. One such medication is Galliprant, a nonsteroidal pain medication for dogs containing the drug grapiprant that helps reduce inflammation and can be taken long term to manage osteoarthritis symptoms.

Galliprant specifically targets inflammation of the joints and is designed to mitigate the organ damage that similar drugs can cause. Keep reading to learn more about how Galliprant may help dogs who have osteoarthritis when over-the-counter pain medications aren’t providing enough relief.

Does my dog need Galliprant?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that currently has no cure. If your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your vet will likely recommend daily medications to help manage pain and improve mobility. Galliprant is meant for dogs who have been diagnosed with deteriorating joint cartilage and for whom over-the-counter joint support is not controlling symptoms.

Galliprant requires a prescription from your veterinarian. If you suspect your dog could benefit from this type of medication, make an appointment for an official diagnosis of osteoarthritis to discuss solutions.

What are the symptoms of joint inflammation?

Common symptoms of joint inflammation can be identified through behavior changes in your pup. Do any of these signs of inflammation seem familiar? If so, Galliprant for dogs may be a good fit for your pup.

Your dog limps This can be a sign that knees and other joints are stiffening and causing pain when your dog puts pressure on their legs.
Your dog has trouble standing up This symptom is common in older dogs and is often caused by osteoarthritis or another type of joint or soft tissue inflammation.
Your dog is less active Not wanting to move like they used to can signify that your pup is experiencing pain when they are active or that the discomfort they feel from inflammation is sapping their energy.
Your dog can’t jump In addition to difficulty walking, dogs with osteoarthritis often struggle to jump on the bed or get off the couch.
Weight loss and strengthening exercise aren’t helping Dogs in the beginning stages of arthritis may benefit from increased activity and a change in diet. However, when these don’t improve the condition of your pet’s joints, medications may be recommended.
Your dog walks differently Some dogs with joint inflammation will start to change their gait, including doing what is called “bunny hopping” to get around.

Knowing the signs and treatment of arthritis in dogs helps you and your vet make an informed decision about caring for your pet. Veterinarians can employ various tools to diagnose your dog with osteoarthritis, including conducting a physical exam and taking X-rays to get an image of your dog’s bones and joints. If your veterinarian feels it is necessary they may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for advanced diagnostics such as an MRI or arthroscopy. An MRI details soft tissues while arthroscopy visualizes the inside of a joint with a small camera inserted surgically.

How do I administer Galliprant to my dog?

Galliprant comes in a chewable tablet that is relatively easy to administer when prescribed by your veterinarian. Tablets are often scored to be cut in half for a smaller dose if needed. Note that the drug has not been approved for dogs younger than 9 months old, but older canines can take it once a day.

Galliprant for dogs can be taken with or without food. The pork flavor of the medication may even reduce the need for a pill pocket or other treat. However, you may notice faster results if you give it to your dog without food.

How long for Galliprant to work for dogs?

The tablet will typically begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours.

What is the right Galliprant dosage for my dog?

Dosage is usually determined by your dog’s weight. The dosage structure recommended by the manufacturer is:

8 to 15 lbs.—½ of a 20 mg tablet
15.1 to 30 lbs.—1 full 20 mg tablet
30.1 to 45 lbs.—½ of a 60 mg tablet
45.1 to 75 lbs.—1 full 60 mg tablet
75.1 to 100 lbs.—1 full 100 mg tablet

Twenty and 60 milligram pills of this joint pain medication for dogs are scored and may be halved as recommended by your veterinarian. The 100 milligram pills are not scored and should not be cut in half. Keep in mind that the dosages above are typical dosages. Your dog may require a different dose depending on their specific needs and other medications they may be taking. Don’t adjust your dog’s dose on your own or cut the pills anywhere other than score lines. Cutting or crushing pills in a different manner can change the way medication is absorbed into the body.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you remember that you skipped a dose of Galliprant for dogs within a few hours of the regularly scheduled time, you can give your dog the missed dose. Otherwise it’s recommended that you skip a dose and then resume their regular schedule. The manufacturer does not recommend doubling up to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I stop administering Galliprant?

Galliprant is approved for long-term use. However, since it does not eliminate osteoarthritis in dogs, your dog’s symptoms of inflammation will return if you discontinue use.

What are the possible side effects for Galliprant?

Galliprant side effects may include vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea and loss of appetite. If you notice these symptoms, call your veterinarian. One way to help avoid side effects is to make sure your dog is a suitable candidate to take Galliprant. Tell your vet if your dog is taking other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). These typically don’t mix well with Galliprant for dogs, and your vet can explore other options.

If your dog has a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs, your vet will likely avoid prescribing Galliprant. Dogs under 8 pounds may also be unfit for this anti-inflammatory medication. Galliprant has only been approved for dogs. Do not give it to cats or other animals.

Do I need to monitor my dog?

Yes. Monitor your dog when you first start administering Galliprant. If you notice changes in their stool or vomiting, consult your veterinarian; they may recommend a change to the dose. However, if you administer several doses of Galliprant and your dog experiences no issues, there typically isn’t a need for ongoing monitoring outside of normal care.

What else should I know about Galliprant?

While absorption is typically optimal on an empty stomach, Galliprant may irritate the digestive systems of some dogs. If your pet vomits shortly after a dose, try administering the next dose with food.

Galliprant should be stored at room temperature and kept out of sunlight.

This drug has not yet been tested on pregnant, lactating dogs or those who have heart disease. While these conditions may not automatically exclude your dog from taking Galliprant, make sure your veterinarian knows your dog’s complete health profile before asking them to prescribe any medicine.

Dogs should only take the lowest effective dose of Galliprant. If you think you need to increase your dog’s dose, only do so upon the advice of your veterinarian. Raising your pet’s dose on your own may lead to adverse side effects.

Galliprant is a relatively new way to help treat osteoarthritis in dogs. It specifically targets the source of canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Most notably, it is formulated to reduce pain and inflammation while reducing harm to the kidneys and liver. When it comes to joint pain for dogs, medication should be taken with authorization from a veterinarian. Search for veterinary services to learn more and find a vet in your area.

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