Rimadyl (Carprofen) Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter Calculation

Dog's Weight

Weight Unit Kilograms (kg) Pounds (lb)

Dose Rate (mg/kg/day)

Doses Per Day Once daily (1) Twice daily (2)

Results

Per-Dose Amount

44

mg per dose (2x/day)

Weight (kg)	20 kg
Total Daily Dose	88 mg/day
Doses Per Day	2

This is an educational estimate only. Always confirm the exact dose, frequency, and suitability with your veterinarian before giving Rimadyl (carprofen) to your dog.

What This Calculator Does

Rimadyl is a common brand name for carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed for dogs to control pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, surgery, and other conditions. This calculator estimates the total daily dose and the per-dose amount based on your dog's body weight, using the widely cited label rate of 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. It is an educational tool, not a substitute for veterinary advice.

How to Use It

Enter your dog's weight and choose the unit (kilograms or pounds). The default dose rate of 4.4 mg/kg/day matches the standard carprofen labeling; you can adjust it if your veterinarian prescribed a different rate. Pick whether the medication is given once or twice daily. The calculator returns the total milligrams per day and the milligrams to give at each dose.

The Formula Explained

First, the weight is converted to kilograms if needed (\(1\ \text{lb} = 0.45359237\ \text{kg}\)). The total daily dose is then:

$$\text{Daily Dose (mg)} = 4.4\ \text{mg/kg/day} \times \text{weight in kg}$$

To find each dose, the daily total is divided by the number of doses per day:

$$\text{Per Dose} = \frac{\text{Daily Dose}}{\text{Doses/day}}$$

When given twice daily, each dose is half the daily amount (equivalent to about \(2.2\ \text{mg/kg}\) per dose).

The total daily dose (4.4 mg per kg) can be given once daily or split into two equal doses.

Worked Example

Consider a 20 kg dog dosed twice daily. The total daily dose is:

$$4.4 \times 20 = 88\ \text{mg/day}$$

Split across two doses, each dose is:

$$88 \div 2 = 44\ \text{mg}$$

So this dog would receive 44 mg of carprofen in the morning and 44 mg in the evening.

Daily carprofen dose scales linearly with body weight at 4.4 mg/kg.

FAQ

Is 4.4 mg/kg accurate? 4.4 mg/kg/day is the standard label dose for carprofen in dogs, commonly split as 2.2 mg/kg twice daily. Your vet may adjust this based on your dog's health.

Can I give Rimadyl without a prescription? No. Carprofen is a prescription medication and requires veterinary supervision, including bloodwork in many cases.

Is this safe for cats? No. This calculator is for dogs only. Carprofen dosing for cats is very different and carries higher risk.