Galliprant vs Rimadyl - Best NSAID for Dog Arthritis Relief

Is your dog slowing down, struggling to get up, or hesitant to go on walks they once loved? These subtle changes could be early signs of canine osteoarthritis—a progressive, degenerative joint disease that affects up to 20% of dogs over one year of age in North America (Source).

Managing this condition requires a careful balance of pain relief, safety, and long-term comfort, often guided by experienced veterinarians and evidence-based treatments.

Two of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for dogs, Galliprant (grapiprant) and Rimadyl (carprofen), have emerged as go-to options for veterinary pain management, but they operate very differently.

If you're trying to understand which medication is best for your pet’s mobility and well-being, you're not alone. 

Pet parents across the globe are asking: "Which is safer, more effective, and more appropriate for my dog—Galliprant or Rimadyl?"

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The mechanisms of action of Galliprant (grapiprant) and Rimadyl (carprofen) to understand how each drug targets canine joint inflammation and pain relief. 
• We'll evaluate their safety profiles and common side effects to help you weigh potential risks, especially in long-term use scenarios. 
• You'll also find a breakdown of their clinical effectiveness for managing dog osteoarthritis, backed by veterinary data. 
• Additionally, we’ll compare Galliprant vs. Rimadyl costs, review how to access these NSAIDs through veterinary prescriptions, and discuss their availability. 

Whether you’re researching pain medication for older dogs or deciding between two leading NSAIDs for canine arthritis, this comparison is built to help you choose wisely and confidently.

Let’s begin by understanding the condition these medications are meant to treat: osteoarthritis in dogs.

Understanding Canine Osteoarthritis and Pain Management

Before comparing Galliprant and Rimadyl directly, it’s important to understand why these treatments exist—and how they support a broader plan for relieving chronic joint pain in dogs.

What is Osteoarthritis in Dogs?

Dog osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease where cartilage in a dog’s joints gradually breaks down, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. 

It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and elbows.

The Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs include:

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Stiffness after rest or sleep
• Difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping
• Behavioral changes (e.g., irritability or decreased activity)

What are the Different Stages of Dog Osteoarthritis?

The dog osteoarthritis stages range from mild joint stiffness to severe mobility loss as cartilage damage progresses.

Why are Senior dogs more vulnerable to Osteoarthritis?

Senior or older dogs, especially large breeds, are at higher risk due to lifetime joint strain and slower metabolic adaptation to pain or inflammation. Apart from this, there are other reasons too:

• Natural cartilage wear over time
• Decreased joint lubrication with age
• Underlying joint conditions like dysplasia or previous injuries
• Slower healing and immune response in senior pets

Now that we understand what osteoarthritis is, and how it affects dogs, let’s look at how veterinarians typically manage this condition—particularly with NSAIDs.

The Role of NSAIDs in Canine Pain Management

To address inflammation and restore comfort, veterinarians often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Galliprant (grapiprant), and Rimadyl (carprofen) as part of a multimodal arthritis treatment plan. 

These drugs help control pain and reduce swelling, enabling dogs to maintain mobility and a better quality of life. 

Still, not every NSAID is created equal—and choosing the right one depends on a dog’s age, health status, and tolerance to medication.

That’s why it’s important to understand how Galliprant and Rimadyl work.

What is Galliprant and How Does It Work?

Galliprant is a veterinary NSAID designed specifically for managing osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in dogs. It belongs to a newer drug class known as piprants, and its active ingredient, grapiprant, makes it distinct from traditional NSAIDs like Rimadyl.

Approved by the FDA for canine osteoarthritis, Galliprant is commonly prescribed for dogs with early-stage joint disease, as well as those who may not tolerate other NSAIDs due to gastrointestinal or kidney sensitivities.

How Does Galliprant Work in Dogs?

Galliprant works by blocking the EP4 receptor—a key driver of joint inflammation and pain in dogs with osteoarthritis—without interfering with other vital functions. This targeted mechanism offers pain relief with fewer side effects compared to traditional NSAIDs like Rimadyl.

Galliprant’s Mechanism of Action:

• Blocks EP4 prostaglandin receptor: This receptor is responsible for mediating pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.
• Preserves COX enzyme activity: Galliprant does not inhibit COX-1 or COX-2, which are essential for kidney health, stomach lining protection, and blood clotting.
• Reduces risk of systemic side effects: Its selectivity makes it a safer option for dogs with compromised liver or kidney function.

When is Galliprant Recommended?

Veterinarians recommended Galliprant when:

• A dog has early signs of arthritis, such as stiffness or mild lameness
• Bloodwork shows liver or kidney sensitivity, ruling out traditional NSAIDs
• The goal is long-term management with minimal risk of GI side effects
  

It’s often given once daily, and available in chewable tablets for easy administration.

What are the Benefits of Galliprant for Dogs?

The benefits of Galliprant for dogs are:

• It is gentle on the kidneys, liver, and stomach compared to Rimadyl.
• Ideal for long-term pain management in sensitive or elderly dogs.
• Well-tolerated in dogs as young as 9 months old.

Galliprant Side Effects: 

• Mild diarrhea or vomiting (especially during the first few days)
• Decreased appetite in some dogs
• Rare cases of lethargy or soft stool

Galliprant avoids COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, so it's gentler on the liver, kidneys, and stomach. It’s well-tolerated in dogs as young as 9 months and is often used long-term in seniors.

Now that we understand how Galliprant manages joint pain through targeted EP4 receptor inhibition, let’s examine how Rimadyl works—and why it's still a top choice in many veterinary practices for treating canine osteoarthritis.

What is Rimadyl (Carprofen)?

Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to manage pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis or post-surgical discomfort.Its active ingredient, carprofen, has been a go-to in veterinary medicine for over two decades due to its proven track record in canine pain relief. (Source)

Rimadyl is FDA-approved and widely used for short-term injury recovery and long-term arthritis management, especially in active, middle-aged, or larger breed dogs.

How Does Rimadyl Work in Dogs?

Rimadyl works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes—specifically COX-2—which play a central role in inflammation and pain signaling.

Rimadyl’s Mechanism of Action:

• Blocks COX-2 enzyme activity: This reduces the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling in arthritic joints.
• Also affects COX-1 (to a lesser extent): While COX-2 is the primary target, COX-1 inhibition may lead to side effects affecting the stomach lining, kidneys, or blood clotting.

This dual action can make Rimadyl highly effective but also warrants caution with long-term use, particularly in dogs with liver or kidney sensitivities.

When is Rimadyl Recommended?

Veterinarians often recommend Rimadyl for:

• Dogs with moderate to advanced arthritis requiring strong anti-inflammatory support
• Post-surgical pain management, such as after spay/neuter or orthopedic procedures
• Dogs that tolerate NSAIDs well and don’t have pre-existing kidney or liver concerns
  

Key Benefits of Rimadyl for Dogs

The benefits of Rimadyl for dogs are:

• Well-studied with an extensive veterinary usage history
  
• Available in chewable tablets, caplets, or injectable form
  
• Effective for reducing stiffness, swelling, and chronic joint discomfort
  

Rimadyl Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, ulceration)
• Liver enzyme elevation with long-term use
• Kidney stress in dehydrated or senior dogs

Rimadyl affects both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which helps control inflammation but increases the risk of organ-related side effects. Regular blood monitoring is required.

Now that we've explored how Rimadyl works and where it excels, it's time to compare Galliprant vs. Rimadyl head-to-head—so you can clearly see which option might be the best fit for your dog’s health needs.

What is the Difference between Galliprant and Rimadyl?

The main difference between Galliprant and Rimadyl is their mechanism of action. Galliprant blocks EP4 receptors, while Rimadyl inhibits COX enzymes.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Next, let’s break down how veterinarians make decisions between these drugs—what influences prescriptions, and what pet parents should know about discussing treatment options with their vet.

How Do Veterinarians Choose Between Galliprant and Rimadyl?

Veterinarians don't just look at the arthritis diagnosis—they evaluate the dog’s condition before prescribing Galliprant or Rimadyl.

Here are the key factors vets assess:

Vet Decision Factor	Galliprant (Grapiprant)	Rimadyl (Carprofen)
Dog’s Age	Seniors (7+ years)	Adults (1–6 years)
Organ Health	Sensitive liver/kidney	Healthy organ systems
Severity of Arthritis	Mild to moderate	Moderate to advanced
Other Medications	Minimal drug interaction	Standard interaction check
Post-Surgical Needs	Galliprant is not the preferred choice for post-surgical pain relief.	Preferred post-surgery NSAID
Budget Considerations	Higher cost	Lower cost (generic available)

Key Health Screenings Before Prescribing Galliprant and Rimadyl

Before prescribing Galliprant or Rimadyl, most veterinarians perform:

• Comprehensive blood panel (liver enzymes, kidney markers)
• Physical exam to evaluate joint function
• Medical history review (pre-existing conditions, previous reactions)
• Weight and body condition assessment (obesity impacts joint strain)

Pro Tip for Pet Parents:

• Always ask your vet about the monitoring plan if your dog will be on long-term NSAID therapy.
• Periodic bloodwork every 6–12 months is often recommended for dogs on Rimadyl or any traditional NSAID.

Transitioning Between Galliprant and Rimadyl

Veterinarians may recommend switching between Galliprant and Rimadyl based on how a dog responds to treatment, its organ health, or changing arthritis severity. However, these medications should never be used together. 

To transition safely, a washout period of 3–5 days is typically required to clear the first drug from your dog’s system and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver complications.

How to switch from Galliprant (grapiprant) to Rimadyl (carprofen)?

• A washout of at least 3 days is needed.
• Bloodwork should be updated to assess liver and kidney function.
• Rimadyl is generally used when a stronger anti-inflammatory effect is required.

How to switch from Rimadyl (carprofen) to Galliprant (grapiprant)?

• A 5-day washout is ideal, especially if GI or liver side effects were observed.
• Galliprant may be chosen for dogs showing signs of NSAID intolerance.
• Less monitoring may be needed with Galliprant, but follow-up is still advised.

Always consult your veterinarian before switching medications. Dosing schedules, washout periods, and safety checks are critical to avoid complications.

Galliprant and Rimadyl Pricing and Availability

Now that we’ve explored how vets select the right treatment based on individual needs, let’s talk about where you can buy Galliprant and Rimadyl affordably and safely.

Where Can You Buy Galliprant and Rimadyl for Dogs?

Galliprant and Rimadyl are prescription-only NSAIDs, and they are available through a range of licensed veterinary pharmacies like HardyPaw

What is the cost of Galliprant?

Galliprant cost may vary from $1.77 to $4.19 per tablet, depending on the dosage strength (20mg, 60mg, or 100mg).

• Galliprant 20mg - $1.77
• Galliprant 60mg - $3.15
• Galliprant 100mg - $4.19

Galliprant is ideal for long-term arthritis management, particularly in dogs with gastrointestinal or renal sensitivities. While its cost is slightly higher than generics, its safer profile often justifies the investment.

What is the cost of Rimadyl?

Rimadyl cost may vary from $1.50 to $4.19 per tablet, depending on the dosage strength (25mg, 75mg, or 100mg).

• Rimadyl Chewable Tablets - 25mg - $1.40
• Rimadyl Caplets - 25mg - $1.50
• Rimadyl Caplets - 75mg - $1.83
• Rimadyl Chewable Tablets - 75mg - $1.74
• Rimadyl Chewable Tablets - 100mg - $2.14

Rimadyl remains one of the most cost-effective and widely available dog NSAIDs, especially when purchased in its generic form, carprofen. It’s an excellent choice for moderate to advanced arthritis where strong anti-inflammatory effects are needed.

Now that you know where to get Galliprant and Rimadyl and what to expect in terms of cost and accessibility, let’s explore additional ways to support your dog’s joint health.

From supplements to lifestyle changes, complementary therapies can play a powerful role alongside prescription NSAIDs—especially for long-term comfort and mobility.

What Are the Best Natural and Supportive Therapies for Dog Arthritis?

NSAIDs like Galliprant and Rimadyl are effective, but many vets recommend combining them with natural supplements, gentle exercise, and supportive therapies for a well-rounded approach to canine arthritis.

Joint-Supporting Supplements

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin – Cartilage protection
• Omega-3s (Fish Oil) – Natural anti-inflammatory
• MSM & Green-lipped Mussel – Pain relief and joint mobility

Safe to combine with NSAIDs but it is recommended to consult your vet first.

Low-Impact Exercise & Weight Control

• Gentle walks or underwater treadmills
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
• Use joint-supportive diets for aging or arthritic dogs

Complementary Therapies (When Vetted)

• Laser therapy or acupuncture for pain reduction
• Physical therapy to improve movement and strength
• Advanced options: PRP or stem cell therapy (for chronic cases).

All these therapies should be taken after the vet’s recommendation or under their supervision.

Which is better for dogs with arthritis: Galliprant or Rimadyl

Galliprant is safer for senior dogs or those with kidney/liver issues. Rimadyl offers stronger inflammation control for younger, healthy dogs. Both improve joint comfort, but their use depends on age, health, and arthritis severity.”

✔️ Always consult your veterinarian to determine which medication aligns with your dog’s specific needs and medical history.

For trusted, vet-approved sourcing of both Galliprant and Rimadyl, visit HardyPaw.com to shop a full range of dosages with fast shipping and prescription support.

Galliprant vs Rimadyl  FAQs

Can dogs take Galliprant and Rimadyl together?

Veterinarians generally do not recommend using Galliprant and Rimadyl together. Both are NSAIDs and combining them increases the risk of adverse effects, particularly on the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.

How long can a dog stay on Galliprant or Rimadyl?

Dogs can stay on Galliprant or Rimadyl long-term if monitored by a veterinarian. Regular blood tests are essential to check liver and kidney function, especially for Rimadyl. Galliprant is typically better tolerated for extended use in seniors.

What tests are required before starting NSAIDs like Galliprant or Rimadyl?

Before prescribing NSAIDs, veterinarians typically order blood tests to evaluate liver enzymes, kidney function, and platelet counts. This ensures your dog can safely metabolize the medication and reduces the risk of complications during long-term use.

What should I do if my dog vomits after taking Rimadyl or Galliprant?

If your dog vomits after taking an NSAID, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately. This could signal gastrointestinal irritation or a more serious adverse reaction requiring medical evaluation.

Can diet improve arthritis symptoms in dogs on Galliprant or Rimadyl?

Yes, feeding a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supportive nutrients can enhance NSAID therapy. Prescription arthritis diets may reduce inflammation and support joint repair alongside Galliprant or Rimadyl treatment.