Galliprant For Dogs: Must Read Before Giving Your Pet This Supplement

Arthritis is essentially an inflammatory disease of the joints. Inflammation is when a part of the body experiences swelling and increased blood flow to initiate healing in the affected area. However, chronic inflammation can eventually have negative effects on a dog’s body. The most common form of arthritis is canine osteoarthritis (OA).

 

Galliprant is a kind of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is highly effective in treating canine osteoarthritis. When paired with a cannabis extract known as cannabidiol (CBD), both the symptoms and underlying conditions of Arthritis can be properly managed. CBD taken for arthritis is well tolerated in dogs and has numerous other benefits besides just treating canine osteoarthritis.

 

 

What Is Galliprant For Dogs?

In May of 2018, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug known as Galliprant, specifically designed for canine use. Galliprant is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that comes in the form of a tablet. Its active ingredient, grapiprant, functions as a selective antagonist of the prostaglandin EP4 receptor, a key receptor involved in mediating pain and inflammation in dogs, particularly those suffering from osteoarthritis.

 

Osteoarthritis is a common and painful condition in dogs, characterized by the degradation of joint cartilage, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. Unlike other NSAIDs that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, Galliprant works by specifically blocking the prostaglandin E2 receptor, which is responsible for most of the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

 

This selective action allows Galliprant to provide effective pain management while minimizing adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and liver—common concerns with traditional therapy like meloxicam and carprofen. Galliprant is particularly notable for its reduced risk of causing vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues, which can be common side effects of other NSAIDs. Additionally, it has shown a lower incidence of anorexia and other adverse effects on appetite and overall health compared to older medications.

 

Administered orally, Galliprant is rapidly absorbed, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that ensures quick onset of action. The bioavailability of Galliprant is optimized when given on an empty stomach, though it can be administered with dog food if needed to prevent stomach upset. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through the feces and urine.

 

Galliprant has been a game-changer in veterinary medicine, providing a safer alternative for dogs with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. By targeting the prostaglandin receptor involved in osteoarthritis, it allows for long-term management of pain without compromising the dog's kidney and liver functions. This makes it a preferred choice for many veterinarians when managing canine osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

 

 

What is Canine Osteoarthritis?

Canine osteoarthritis is an unfortunately common condition. Some estimates state that it affects up to 1 in 4 dogs in the United States alone. Furthermore, there are approximately 90 million dogs in the country, meaning that about 22 million dogs suffer from the condition. Canine osteoarthritis is also sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Symptoms of these conditions can reduce mobility and cause discomfort in your furry friend.

 

 

 

The Most Common Symptoms Of Canine Osteoarthritis Include:

• Stiffness
• Limping
• Getting up and/or laying down slowly or awkwardly
• Reluctance and/or inability to walk and jump
• Pain and discomfort (which dogs exhibit by excessively panting)
• Excessively sleeping 

 

Canine osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease. Inflammation in the mammalian body is a response to some form of trauma or distress. It causes pain, stiffness, tenderness, and/or swelling. All the blood vessels in the affected area dilate (get bigger). This causes increased blood flow to the area.

 

The mammalian body does this to deliver more cytokines (communication cells that trigger an immune response) to the affected areas. This response occurs because the biofeedback mechanisms in the mammalian body determine that there is some trauma or distress present there.

 

Inflammation can occur anywhere in the mammalian body. If the inflammation is chronic, this is usually as a result of some underlying condition (like osteoarthritis). Chronic inflammation damages cells. This eventually causes serious medical complications, including various forms of osteoarthritis.

 

 

How Does Galliprant Work For Arthritis In Dogs?

It is useful to know that there are two basic types of compounds that interact with receptors in the mammalian body:

 

• Agonists: These bind with a receptor and cause an increased response.
• Antagonists: These bind with a receptor and dampen or decrease a response (also referred to as blockers).

 

Galliprant is the market name for grapiprant. This compound is aprostaglandin receptor antagonist(PRA). This just means that it is a compound that interferes with prostaglandin receptors. The prostaglandin receptor in canines that is responsible for osteoarthritic pain and inflammation is known as theEP4 receptor. That means that Galliprant specifically targets EP4 receptors and inhibits their ability to cause pain and inflammation in the dog’s joints.

 

 

What Are NSAIDs For Dogs?

The two primary treatments for canine osteoarthritis are steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Steroids have anti-inflammatory effects. However, they may contribute to the development of canine diabetes, liver inflammation, and immune suppression. They may also cause the dog to develop Cushing’s disease, which is when there is an excess of the hormonecortisol in the dog’s body. This results in a wide range of serious symptoms including muscle weakness, infertility, and urinary problems.

 

NSAIDS work in the mammalian body by inhibiting what are known as prostaglandins. There are various NSAIDS that are specific to dogs, including Rimadyl, Deramaxx, EtoGesic, Metacam, Previcox, and Feldene. These are highly effective at treating both inflammation and pain, but many dogs may have unpredictable reactions to them and their potential side effects are very serious.

 

 

 

Can CBD Be Used With Galliprant?

It is important to administer CBD under veterinary supervision. This is because it inhibits the function of a certain liver enzyme known as cytochrome P450. These particular enzymes are absolutely vital in the metabolism of nearly 60% of all veterinary medications. However, most veterinarians agree that CBD is safely and effectively taken with Galliprant to treat osteoarthritis.

 

First off, make sure to choose CBD products made for pets. Also, choose products that have clearly marked dosage amounts. It is generally impossible to overdose on CBD, but it is still best to administer the medication in a measured and responsible manner to avoid allergy triggers or other adverse effects.

 

The rule of thumb that most veterinarians follow when determining CBD dosage amounts is to “go low and go slow”. The owner should start at a low dose and incrementally increase it until they achieve the desired result. CBD, like Galliprant, is also most effective when administered daily. For a medium-sized dog (40 to 60 pounds), it is best to start at 2 to 4 milligrams once or twice a day. If your pet requires additional relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis, increase the dosage by in 2-milligram increments at a time.

 

Recommended: See Our Pet CBD Dosing Chart Guide Here!

 

CBD will make a huge difference in a dog’s quality of life. It promotes overall health and wellness with generally no side effects. CBD oil is administered as a tincture, available in 150, 300, or 600 milligram bottles. There are also CBD doggie treats that can be used to reward a dog for good behavior or as a training tool. CBD is safe, natural, and extremely effective. While you're here, why not learn about more home remedies for dogs or browse our website here.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Galliprant for Dogs

When it comes to managing your dog’s pain and inflammation, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis, both CBD oil and Galliprant offer potential benefits. Understanding the differences between these options, as well as how they can complement each other, is key to making the best choice for your pet's health.

 

While Galliprant is a proven pharmaceutical option for reducing inflammation, CBD oil provides a natural alternative that can support overall wellness with fewer side effects. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen, as they can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s specific condition and needs. With the right combination of treatments, you can help your dog live a more comfortable, active, and happy life.