Galliprant is FDA-approved for dogs and is generally considered safer than traditional anti-inflammatory pain medications, particularly for the stomach, liver, and kidneys. In clinical trials, side effects were mostly mild and digestive in nature, with vomiting being the most common at 24% of dogs. It’s a legitimate option for managing osteoarthritis pain, but like any medication, it carries some risks worth understanding before your dog starts taking it.
How Galliprant Works Differently
Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs (like carprofen or meloxicam) work by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which reduces pain and inflammation but also shuts down the production of protective compounds your dog’s body relies on. These protective compounds help maintain the stomach lining, support blood flow to the kidneys, and regulate other essential functions. That’s why traditional options can cause stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or liver damage over time.
Galliprant takes a more targeted approach. Instead of blocking the entire inflammatory pathway, it blocks only a single receptor (called EP4) that’s specifically responsible for transmitting pain and inflammation signals. The rest of the system keeps working normally. This means your dog’s stomach, kidneys, and other organs continue receiving the protective benefits of those compounds while still getting pain relief. It’s a meaningful difference, especially for dogs that need long-term pain management or those with pre-existing organ concerns.
Common Side Effects
In a clinical trial of 262 dogs with osteoarthritis, half received Galliprant at 2 mg/kg daily for 28 days and half received a placebo. The side effects seen in the Galliprant group were more frequent than placebo but not serious:
- Vomiting: 24% of dogs on Galliprant vs. 9% on placebo
- Diarrhea or soft stool: 17% vs. 13%
- Decreased appetite: 9% vs. 7%
- Lethargy: 6% vs. 2%
Vomiting is the standout concern, affecting roughly one in four dogs. For most, it’s mild and may resolve after the first few days as the dog adjusts. Giving Galliprant with a small amount of food can help reduce stomach upset, though it doesn’t need to be given with a full meal. If vomiting persists beyond the first week or becomes severe, that’s worth a call to your vet.
Effects on the Liver and Kidneys
Despite its gentler mechanism, Galliprant isn’t completely free of organ-related concerns. The FDA label notes that some dogs showed simultaneous elevations in two liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and ALT) after 28 days of use, along with dose-dependent decreases in total protein levels. Post-market reporting also includes cases of increased kidney values (BUN and creatinine), excessive thirst, increased urination, urinary incontinence, and in rare cases, kidney failure.
These reports don’t mean Galliprant routinely causes organ damage. Many of the dogs in post-market reports were older, already had underlying conditions, or were taking other medications. But they do mean that routine bloodwork is important, particularly before starting the medication and periodically during long-term use. Your vet will likely recommend checking liver and kidney values every few months to catch any changes early, when they’re still reversible.
Dogs That Shouldn’t Take Galliprant
Galliprant should not be combined with other anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids like prednisone. Using two drugs that affect inflammation at the same time dramatically increases the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney injury, and other complications. If your dog is switching from another anti-inflammatory to Galliprant, a washout period is necessary to clear the first drug from the system before starting.
The safety of Galliprant has not been evaluated in dogs that are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding. Dogs with known kidney disease or significant liver problems may also be poor candidates, or may need especially close monitoring. Galliprant is approved for dogs at least 9 months old and weighing at least 8 pounds.
What Long-Term Use Looks Like
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, so most dogs that benefit from Galliprant will take it for months or years. The available clinical trial data covers 28-day use, which leaves a gap in formal long-term study data. In practice, many veterinarians have prescribed it for extended periods and report a favorable safety profile compared to older anti-inflammatory options, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs or borderline organ function.
The key to safe long-term use is monitoring. Expect your vet to run bloodwork before starting Galliprant and then at regular intervals, typically every three to six months. Watch for signs at home too: changes in appetite, water intake, urination habits, or energy level are all worth reporting. Most dogs tolerate the medication well over time, but catching a problem early gives you the most options for adjusting the plan.
How It Compares to Other Pain Medications
For osteoarthritis specifically, Galliprant occupies a middle ground. It’s generally gentler on the body than traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, making it a better fit for older dogs, dogs with early kidney or liver concerns, or dogs that experienced stomach problems on other medications. However, some dogs with more severe pain may respond better to a traditional anti-inflammatory because those drugs block a broader range of inflammatory signals.
Galliprant is not a substitute for all pain management. It specifically targets osteoarthritis pain and isn’t approved for post-surgical pain, acute injuries, or other inflammatory conditions. For dogs with advanced arthritis, it may work best as part of a multi-modal approach that includes joint supplements, weight management, physical therapy, or other complementary treatments rather than as a standalone solution.