Galliprant vs carprofen for dogs with arthritis
Galliprant (grapiprant) and carprofen are both daily tablets for arthritis pain in dogs, but they work differently. Carprofen is a traditional NSAID; Galliprant blocks a single pain receptor and was designed to spare the stomach and kidneys more. Here is how vets choose between them.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- How it works
- Galliprant
- Blocks the EP4 receptor that carries much of arthritis pain
- Carprofen
- NSAID: reduces prostaglandin production by blocking COX enzymes
- Approved for
- Galliprant
- Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs
- Carprofen
- Osteoarthritis pain and pain after surgery in dogs
- Age and size limits
- Galliprant
- Not for dogs under 9 months or under 8 pounds
- Carprofen
- Set by the label
- Generic available
- Galliprant
- No
- Carprofen
- Yes
Galliprant grapiprant | Carprofen Rimadyl and veterinary generics | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks the EP4 receptor that carries much of arthritis pain | NSAID: reduces prostaglandin production by blocking COX enzymes |
| Approved for | Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs | Osteoarthritis pain and pain after surgery in dogs |
| Age and size limits | Not for dogs under 9 months or under 8 pounds | Set by the label |
| Generic available | No | Yes |
Why vets choose one or the other
Because grapiprant targets only one prostaglandin receptor, it leaves the protective roles of prostaglandins in the stomach and kidneys largely intact, so vets often choose it for older dogs or those with a history of stomach upset or borderline kidney values. Carprofen has a much longer track record, is available as inexpensive generics, and also covers pain after surgery. Some dogs respond better to one than the other.
Safety
Vomiting, soft stools and reduced appetite are the commonest side effects of Galliprant; carprofen carries the usual NSAID risks of stomach ulcers, kidney injury and, rarely, liver injury, and bloodwork is checked for long-term use. Neither should be combined with another NSAID or a steroid, and vets usually allow a gap when switching. Never substitute a human pain reliever.
Cost
Both are dosed by weight. Generic carprofen is widely available and costs less; Galliprant is brand-only. Both are available from your vet or from pharmacies that stock veterinary products, so a written prescription lets you compare prices.
Getting the most from either
Medicine works best alongside weight control, regular gentle exercise and non-slip flooring at home, and vets often combine it with other pain relief such as gabapentin or newer monthly injectable arthritis treatments. Give the tablet at the same time each day, and report changes in appetite, stools or energy promptly.
Questions for your vet
- Given my dog’s age and bloodwork, which is safer?
- Does my dog need bloodwork before or during treatment?
- Can you write a prescription I can fill elsewhere?
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Sources
- FDA, Animal Drugs @ FDA (approved veterinary labels)
- FDA, get the facts about pain relievers for pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your vet decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.