What Is Galliprant For Dogs? Uses, Side Effects and Alternatives
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Dogs are frustratingly good at hiding pain, so by the time you notice yours hesitating before jumping on the couch, it's often been bothering them a while.
If your vet just sent you home with a prescription for Galliprant for dogs, you're probably feeling relief that there's a plan, mixed with a little worry about a name you've never heard before.
Take a breath; you did the right thing. This guide walks through what Galliprant does, how to use it correctly, and what else can help your dog feel like themselves again.
TL;DR
Galliprant is a prescription arthritis medication for dogs. Here’s what you need to know:
- What is it? A once-daily prescription NSAID tablet, FDA-approved since 2016, specifically for dog osteoarthritis. It’s a different type of anti-inflammatory than Rimadyl, Metacam, or aspirin, approved for dogs 9 months and older weighing at least 8 lbs.
- What does it do? It blocks a single pain-signaling receptor (EP4) instead of broadly shutting down inflammation throughout the body, relieving arthritis pain and stiffness usually within 1–2 weeks, and tends to be gentler on the stomach than older NSAIDs.
- What to watch out for? The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite; it should never be combined with other NSAIDs or steroids without your vet's direction; and long-term use still calls for periodic bloodwork, even with its better safety profile.
What Is Galliprant for Dogs?
Galliprant is a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) made specifically to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs. The FDA approved it in 2016. Its active ingredient is grapiprant.
Most older NSAIDs (like Rimadyl or Metacam) work by blocking COX enzymes: a broad approach that reduces inflammation but also knocks out some of the prostaglandins your dog's stomach and kidneys rely on for protection.
Galliprant works differently: it targets one specific pain receptor, called EP4, instead. That precision is why it tends to be easier on the stomach.
What Is Galliprant Used For in Dogs?
Galliprant treats pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. It's not used for general pain, fevers, or post-surgical recovery the way some other NSAIDs are.
Osteoarthritis affects roughly 1 in 5 dogs at some point, most often as cartilage wears down with age and bones start grinding instead of gliding.
Galliprant is approved for dogs 9 months and older, weighing at least 8 lbs. Its safety hasn't been evaluated below that age or weight, so vets don't prescribe it for puppies or very small dogs.
What Are the Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?
The clearest sign of arthritis is a dog who's suddenly less willing to move: skipping walks, hesitating before jumping, or slower to get up.
Other signs to watch for include the following:
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Limping or uneven gait
- Swollen or visibly sore joints
- Sleeping more than usual
- Irritability or personality changes
- Reluctance to lie down or get comfortable
- Weight gain from reduced activity
These symptoms overlap with other conditions too, so they're a reason to see your vet, not to self-diagnose. Bloodwork and a physical exam confirm what's actually going on.
What Is the Correct Galliprant Dosage for Dogs?
The standard dose is 2 mg per kg of body weight (about 0.9 mg per pound), given once daily by mouth.
| What to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard dose | 2 mg/kg (~0.9 mg/lb), once daily |
| Available strengths | 20 mg, 60 mg, and 100 mg tablets, flavored with pork liver |
| With or without food | Either works; absorption is slightly better on an empty stomach, but food helps if your dog gets an upset stomach |
| Missed a dose? | Give it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one; never double up |
| When it starts working | Most owners notice improvement within 5–10 days, with full benefit by 2–4 weeks |
⚠️ Follow your vet’s exact dose. Never adjust the dose yourself, even if your dog still seems uncomfortable. Call your vet instead; a higher dose without guidance raises the risk of serious side effects.
How Does Galliprant Compare to Other NSAIDs?
Galliprant is one of several NSAID options vets use for dog pain. Here's how the most common ones differ:
| Medication | Generic Name | How It Works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galliprant | Grapiprant | Blocks one pain receptor (EP4) | Often gentler on stomach; approved for OA only |
| Rimadyl | Carprofen | Blocks COX enzymes broadly | Longer track record; more GI/liver risk |
| Metacam | Meloxicam | Blocks COX enzymes broadly | Liquid form allows precise dosing |
| Previcox | Firocoxib | COX-2 selective | Once-daily dosing |
| Deramaxx | Deracoxib | COX-2 selective | Sometimes preferred post-surgery |
❓ See our full guides on carprofen, meloxicam, Metacam, Previcox, and Deramaxx if your vet is weighing options. No NSAID is “universally” best; the right one depends on your dog’s health history.
What Are the Side Effects of Galliprant in Dogs?
The most common side effects are digestive, and most dogs tolerate Galliprant well overall.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or soft stool
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Occasionally, mucus or blood in the stool
However, safer doesn’t mean risk-free. Galliprant’s targeted mechanism means it generally causes fewer stomach, kidney, and liver problems than older NSAIDs. But “fewer” isn’t “none.”
Some dogs on Galliprant show lower blood protein levels, and your vet will likely still recommend periodic bloodwork for long-term use.
Which Dogs Should Avoid Galliprant?
Galliprant isn't right for every dog. Your vet needs to know if any of these apply:
- Under 9 months old or under 8 lbs, as safety hasn't been evaluated below this age/weight.
- Heart disease, as Galliprant's safety hasn't been studied in dogs with cardiac conditions.
- Pregnant, lactating, or intended for breeding
- Already taking another NSAID or a steroid like prednisone, as combining them raises the risk of stomach ulcers
- Known hypersensitivity to grapiprant
One detail many pet parents haven't heard: dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation (common in Collies, Shelties, and Australian Shepherds) may need extra caution with Galliprant, similar to how these breeds require dose adjustments with other medications like acepromazine.
If you have one of these breeds, mention it to your vet.
What Are the Signs of an NSAID Overdose in Dogs?
Flavored NSAID tablets taste good to dogs, which means accidental overdoses from a chewed-open bottle happen more often than you'd expect.
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Black, tarry stool or blood in vomit
- Extreme lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
⚠️ If you suspect an overdose, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately, even if your dog seems okay. NSAID overdoses can cause acute kidney failure and stomach ulcers within hours. Don’t wait to see if symptoms appear.
Natural Ways to Support Joint Health Alongside Galliprant
Galliprant manages pain, but it doesn't repair the joint itself. Many vets recommend pairing medication with supportive care to get more out of both.
Weight Management
Extra weight puts direct strain on painful joints. Even modest weight loss measurably reduces arthritis pain in dogs.
This is one of the most evidence-backed, universally agreed-upon interventions in veterinary medicine.
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin support the cartilage itself, giving the joint building blocks to repair rather than just masking pain.
See Innovet's joint supplement chews or our mobility support bundle for options formulated for arthritic and senior dogs.
Gentle, Consistent Exercise
Movement keeps joints lubricated and the surrounding muscles strong enough to support them.
Low-impact activity (short, frequent walks or swimming) tends to work better than long bursts of activity followed by days of rest.
CBD Oil
Some pet owners use CBD oil alongside NSAIDs for additional comfort support.
CBD is not a substitute for Galliprant in moderate-to-severe arthritis, and it's not FDA-approved for use in animals, but there's research behind it.
A 2018 Cornell University study found that dogs with osteoarthritis given CBD showed improved comfort and activity levels compared to a placebo group.
Talk to your vet before combining CBD with Galliprant. Both are processed by the liver, and your vet should know about everything your dog is taking.
Looking for Joint Support Alongside Your Dog’s Medication?
Innovet's CBD oil is formulated with just hemp extract and hemp seed oil. It’s simple enough to fit easily into a vet-guided pain management plan.
Our team is available at (310) 817-5731 if you have questions about dosing alongside your dog’s current medications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Galliprant safer than Rimadyl or Metacam?
Galliprant generally causes fewer stomach and kidney problems because it targets one specific pain receptor instead of broadly blocking inflammation.
It's not automatically "safer" for every dog, though; some dogs tolerate one NSAID better than another regardless of the mechanism.
Your vet's recommendation should be based on your dog's specific health history.
How long does it take for Galliprant to work?
Many owners notice improvement within 5 to 10 days. Full benefit typically builds over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily dosing. If you see no change after a month, talk to your vet about next steps.
Can I give my dog Galliprant and a joint supplement together?
Yes; glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are commonly used alongside Galliprant, since they work on different aspects of joint health (supplements support cartilage, and Galliprant manages pain).
This combination is generally considered safe, but mention any supplement to your vet so it's part of your dog's full picture.
Does Galliprant require bloodwork monitoring?
Yes, especially for long-term use. While Galliprant has a more favorable safety profile than many older NSAIDs, periodic bloodwork is still recommended to catch any changes in organ function or blood protein levels early.
What happens if my dog misses a dose?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next one. In that case, skip it and continue the normal schedule. Never give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can puppies take Galliprant?
No. Galliprant is only approved for dogs 9 months and older, weighing at least 8 lbs. Its safety in younger or smaller dogs hasn't been evaluated, so vets use other approaches for puppy pain management.
Is Galliprant the same as a steroid?
No. Galliprant is an NSAID, not a steroid. Steroids like prednisone work through a completely different anti-inflammatory pathway, and combining the two is specifically discouraged. It significantly raises the risk of stomach ulcers.
Important Notice: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Galliprant is a prescription medication that should only be used under veterinary supervision. CBD products for animals are not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or combining any medication or supplement for your dog.
Sources:
A Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) for Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Grapiprant
Treating Chronic Pain in Dogs
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Approved by:
Dr. Ivana Vukasinovic
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade
Ivana Vukasinovic grew up in Serbia and attended the University of Belgrade where she received a degree in Veterinary medicine in 2012 and later completed surgical residency working mostly with livestock. Her first year of practice was split between busy small animal practice and emergency clinic, and after two more years of treating many different species of animals, she opened her own veterinary pharmacy where an interest in canine and feline nutrition emerged with an accent on fighting animal obesity. In her free time, she acts as a foster parent for stray animals before their adoption, likes to read SF books and making salted caramel cookies.
Thanks for stopping by!
P.S. We Love You!
Sincerely,
The Innovet Team
Please do not ask for emergency or specific medical questions about your pets in the comments. Innovet Pet Products is unable to provide you with specific medical advice or counseling. A detailed physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinarian are required to provide specific medical advice. If you are worried that your pet requires emergency attention or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic health conditions, please contact or visit your local/preferred veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center.
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