My dog ate dog arthritis meds overdose (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib) — what should I do?
🚨 RED — Go to an emergency vet NOW
Chewable vet NSAIDs are tasty; whole-bottle ingestions cause ulcers and kidney failure.
What to do now
- Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed.
- Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Chewable vet NSAIDs are tasty; whole-bottle ingestions cause ulcers and kidney failure.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, black stool, not eating, increased thirst.
When: Hours to days
Frequently asked questions
Is dog arthritis meds overdose (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib) dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Chewable vet NSAIDs are tasty; whole-bottle ingestions cause ulcers and kidney failure. Treat it as an emergency and contact an emergency vet or animal poison control immediately.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate dog arthritis meds overdose (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib)?
Vomiting, black stool, not eating, increased thirst.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats dog arthritis meds overdose (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib)?
Hours to days
What should I do if my dog ate dog arthritis meds overdose (carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib)?
Call an emergency vet or animal poison control right now, even if your dog seems fine — signs can be delayed. Head to the nearest emergency vet; call ahead on the way.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: rimadyl, metacam, deramaxx, galliprant, previcox · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14