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Galliprant

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Galliprant for dogs

Formulation

Tablets

Active ingredient

Grapiprant

Category

Pain relief / anti-inflammatory

What is Galliprant?

Galliprant is a brand name for a drug with the active ingredient grapiprant. It is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a type of drug that decreases the body’s production of inflammatory chemicals. In this way, Galliprant manages pain and inflammation in dogs with mild to moderate pain, especially dogs with joint disease (arthritis).

What does Galliprant do?

Grapiprant, the active ingredient in Galliprant, is known as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Galliprant blocks EP4 receptors in the body. EP4 receptors play a part in the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. When prostaglandins bind to these EP4 receptors, they cause increased blood flow and production of chemicals that increase inflammation.

By blocking the action of EP4 receptors, Galliprant prevents this inflammation (and the pain that goes with it).

What is Galliprant for?

Galliprant is licensed to manage pain and inflammation associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in dogs. This improves their mobility and comfort.

However, vets may also use Galliprant off-license, following the prescribing cascade, if there isn’t another suitable drug. So sometimes your dog might be prescribed Galliprant for other types of pain and inflammation.

What are the side effects of Galliprant in dogs?

Galliprant is generally well-tolerated in dogs. Unlike most other NSAIDs, Galliprant doesn’t target the COX enzymes, which means it has fewer side effects on the kidney, liver, and stomach. It’s therefore often used when dogs can’t have other NSAIDs such as meloxicam (Metacam, Loxicom, and others) or carprofen (Rimadyl, Carprox Vet and others).

However, like any medication, it may have potential side effects. It’s important for pet parents to be aware of these possible reactions. Speak to your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs in your dog.
Possible side effects of Galliprant in dogs include:

  • Gut Upset: Some dogs may experience gut upset such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea. This is a fairly common side effect, happening to more than 1 in 10 dogs.
  • Bloody stools or bloody vomit: Prolonged use or higher doses of Galliprant may cause gut ulcers, causing bloody stools or bloody vomit. This is quite a common side effect, and happens in less than 1 in 10,000 dogs.
  • Decreased Appetite: Galliprant can cause some dogs to eat less. This happens in 1-10% of dogs treated with grapiprant.
  • Low Protein Levels: Higher doses of Galliprant can lower the body’s total protein levels in less than 1 in 10,000 dogs. Although this can cause issues like weakness, decreased appetite and bloating, this finding is usually seen on blood results only and doesn’t seem to cause symptoms. Low protein levels may be reversed when treatment is stopped.
  • Kidney Damage: NSAIDs, including Galliprant, can affect kidney function. Although Galliprant is theoretically less likely to cause kidney problems than other NSAIDs, it’s worth looking out for. Monitor for signs of increased thirst, changes in urination, and lethargy, which may indicate kidney issues. In tests, Galliprant caused kidney enzymes in the blood to increase in less than 1 in 10,000 treated dogs.
  • Liver Damage: While rare (less than 1 in 10,000 dogs on Galliprant), liver enzyme increase suggesting damage may occur.
  • Allergic Reactions: In very rare cases, dogs may experience an allergic reaction, characterised by swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing.

Remember, not all pets will experience these side effects, and the benefits of using Galliprant often outweigh the risks, especially in pets with painful and debilitating arthritis.

However, if you notice any concerning signs or changes in your pet’s behaviour or health while they are taking Galliprant, please contact your vet immediately. They can provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. They should also report the side effects to the manufacturer, who have to record them, and may investigate and/or change the product datasheet to include new side effects.

As a pet owner, you can also report a suspected side effect to the VMD if you think Galliprant caused problems for your pet. Or, read our article for more advice about reporting suspected pet drug side effects to the VMD.

Which pets is Galliprant not suitable for?

Generally speaking, Galliprant is not suitable for the following pets:

  • Dogs allergic to Galliprant, its ingredients or any other NSAID (Galliprant tablets are flavoured)
  • Dogs that are already on other anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. other NSAIDs, corticosteroids).
  • Dogs that are pregnant, lactating or intended for breeding
  • Dogs under 9 months of age
  • Dogs weighing less than 3.6kg
  • Dogs with bleeding disorders
  • Dogs with dehydration, heart problems, kidney problems and liver problems

The above pets are at a greater risk of side effects from Galliprant.

If your dog has any of the above issues, your vet might still decide to prescribe Galliprant after a risk-benefit analysis. In this case, your vet will discuss the risks involved and the importance of close monitoring.

How to give Galliprant safely

  • Follow vet instructions: Always use Galliprant exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose and frequency. Never change the dose on your own, even if your dog seems to be feeling better or worse. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please call your vet to confirm.
  • Check with your vet if giving anything else: Your vet should know about other drugs that your pet is on. However, do double-check in case there has been a misunderstanding somewhere. If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments, even if these are herbal, you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Galliprant, as they may not be suitable to be given together.
  • NSAID Washout: If Galliprant has been prescribed to a dog while they are already on other anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. other NSAIDs, corticosteroids), the dog is at an increased risk of side effects. If your vet wishes to switch your dog from another anti-inflammatory drug to Galliprant or vice versa,  your dog will be taken off the previous anti-inflammatory for a certain amount of time (a “washout period”) before being started on the next anti-inflammatory.  Therefore, you should also tell your vet about your dog’s recent past medications.
  • Storage and Handling: Store Galliprant according to the instructions on the label, usually in a cool and dry place. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets.
  • Report any accidental overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Galliprant, inform your vet as soon as you realise the error. They may recommend blood tests, intravenous fluids, and/or monitoring, depending on the severity of the overdose.

Galliprant FAQs

Should Galliprant be given with food?

Ideally, Galliprant should be given on an empty stomach, at least an hour before food. However, it can be given with a small treat if this helps your dog to take his medicine.

What is the best time of day to give Galliprant?

Galliprant is usually given once a day, at the same time of day, every 24 hours. Because it should be given on an empty stomach, most people prefer to give Galliprant in the morning, as soon as they get up, but it depends on your routine. You might find it easier to give it in the evening when you get home from work, then give your dog their evening meal later. The other advantage of morning dosing with Galliprant is that it allows your dog to have the full effect of the pain relief during the day, when they’re most active.

When Galliprant is prescribed, you should check with your vet – they might give you an alternative view of the best time of day to give Galliprant, depending on the drugs your pet is already on.

Is Galliprant a good pain reliever for dogs?

Yes, Galliprant is a good pain reliever for dogs with mild and moderate osteoarthritis. Two major studies were done on dogs with osteoarthritis. After 28 days of treatment, the dogs on Galliprant had improved compared to those on a placebo treatment.

How many hours does Galliprant last?

The effects of Galliprant usually last about 24-72 hours, with Galliprant lasting longer in dogs with liver and/or kidney issues. Galliprant is usually given once every 24 hours.

How long does it take for Galliprant to start working in dogs?

It takes about 1-2 hours for Galliprant to start working in dogs, but it depends on the severity of their pain and inflammation. If there is no visible improvement in dogs after 14 days, speak to your vet about different treatment options.

Does Galliprant make dogs sleepy?

Galliprant can make dogs sleepy, as lethargy is a possible side effect of Galliprant. If you notice your dog has become drowsy, please ask your vet for advice.

How long can a dog stay on Galliprant?

A dog can stay on Galliprant as long as necessary. Because Galliprant is prescribed for dogs with arthritis, which is a progressive and debilitating disease, Galliprant will usually be needed for the rest of your dog’s life. As their arthritis worsens, your vet might add in other medications to make them more comfortable.

Galliprant alternatives

If your dog can’t take Galliprant tablets, these are some alternatives:

There are no other grapiprant products on the market, so there isn’t a liquid version. However, your vet may be able to change your dog’s prescription to another NSAID such as:

Alternatively, if your dog can’t take NSAIDs, other pain-relief drugs may be prescribed instead, such as:

All of these drugs are prescription drugs, which means your vet will need to make a clinical judgement whether they will help your dog or not.

Galliprant Datasheet

All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one in your Galliprant box, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.

Galliprant tablets for dogs

Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.

Last updated:

Dr Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS BVMedSci MRCVS

Since graduating as a vet from the University of Nottingham in 2016, Dr Woodnutt worked in a variety of companion animal roles across the Midlands. She now writes about pets full time from her home in the Channel Islands, where she lives with her husband and young daughter. Dr Woodnutt believes passionately in helping pet parents understand and help their pets.

Dr Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS BVMedSci MRCVS
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