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  • Bridge West Animal Hospital
  • 311 Bridge St West,
  • Napanee,
  • Ontario,
  • Phone: 613-409-7387

Deracoxib

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Deracoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is often used to relieve pain and inflammation after orthopedic surgery in dogs. It is also indicated for the treatment of chronic pain and lameness associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

How do I give this medication?medications

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • This medication is best given with food.
  • Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and do not give more often than directed.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

  • This medication is generally well tolerated in dogs. The most common side effects noted include vomiting and diarrhea or soft stools. Other side effects may include loss of appetite, dark stools, depression and changes in drinking and urination.
  • Notify your veterinarian immediately if any side effects develop and stop giving the medication.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

"Patients on concurrent diuretic therapy are at increased risk for NSAID toxicity"
  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
  • We recommend checking liver and kidney enzymes again 3 weeks after starting this medication. If it is causing an elevation in enzymes, we would change to a different medication.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Oct 23, 2018.