Galliprant for Dogs: A Medication for Arthritis Pain
Key takeaways:
Galliprant (grapiprant) is a medication that reduces pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis.
Common side effects of Galliprant in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
Don’t give Galliprant with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or with steroids. The combination can be toxic to dogs.
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Table of contents
Arthritis is a common, painful condition of the joints that affects our canine companions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Galliprant (grapiprant) are often the first-choice treatment for arthritis in dogs.
Find out how grapiprant is used to help dogs with arthritis.
Galliprant for dogs at a glance
Common names | Galliprant (grapiprant) |
What it treats | Arthritis pain |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets |
Common side effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy |
What is Galliprant for dogs, and how does it work?
Galliprant (grapiprant) is an NSAID used to treat arthritis pain in dogs.
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Galliprant blocks a pain receptor called EP4. This receptor is more common in dogs with arthritis and causes pain and inflammation. By blocking EP4, grapiprant prevents inflammation. Less inflammation results in less pain for dogs with arthritis.
What is Galliprant used for in dogs?
Galliprant is FDA approved to control pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in dogs.
Is Galliprant safe for dogs?
Galliprant is safe for most dogs. Veterinarians may run lab work, such as blood and urine tests, before prescribing the medication for long-term use. Dogs prone to having two copies of the MDR1 gene mutation (homozygous) like collies may be at an increased risk of side effects.
Galliprant’s safety hasn’t been studied in dogs with heart disease, who are under 9 months old, or who weigh under 8 lbs.
What is the dosage of Galliprant for dogs, and how is it given?
The dosage of Galliprant for dogs is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours. Galliprant comes in a tablet. Calculate the dose to the nearest half tablet.
According to the FDA-approved prescribing information, there isn’t an accurate dose for dogs under 8 lbs.
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What are the common side effects of Galliprant in dogs?
Common side effects of Galliprant include:
Lack of energy
Other side effects include:
Blood or mucus in poop
Increase in liver enzymes
Kidney issues
Decrease in blood proteins
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What are the most serious risks of Galliprant for dogs?
The most serious risks of Galliprant typically occur in dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation. Dogs with two copies of the MDR1 gene mutation (often collies) may have a higher risk of side effects with Galliprant, especially vomiting.
Fatal overdoses of Galliprant in dogs are rare. But an overdose commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and bloody, watery, or mucus-filled diarrhea.
Does Galliprant interact with any other dog medications?
Galliprant can interact with several other dog medications. These include:
ACE inhibitors like benazepril or enalapril
Telmisartan
Blood pressure medications like amlodipine
Aspirin
Bisphosphonates like alendronate or zoledronate
Steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
Diuretics like furosemide
If your dog is on another NSAID, they will need to be off it for 5 to 7 days before switching to Galliprant. Do not give Galliprant with steroids.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Galliprant?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of Galliprant, give the missing dose as soon as possible. Then, continue giving a dose every 24 hours as instructed by your veterinarian. Don’t double up on Galliprant doses to make up for a missed dose.
The bottom line
Galliprant (grapiprant) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can relieve pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis.
Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation, like collies, are more likely to experience side effects from Galliprant. Although most side effects are mild in other dog breeds, contact your veterinarian if you notice vomiting or diarrhea while your dog is taking Galliprant.
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References
Brooks, W. (2023). Grapiprant (Galliprant). Veterinary Partner.
Cachon, T., et al. (2023). COAST Development Group’s international consensus guidelines for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Elanco. (2022). Galliprant (grapiprant tablets) [package insert].
Heit, M. C., et al. (2021). Tolerance and pharmacokinetics of Galliprant administered orally to collies homozygous for MDR1-1Δ. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Sartini, I., et al. (2021). Grapiprant: A snapshot of the current knowledge. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
