What can you give your dog instead of Rimadyl?

Rimadyl (the brand name for carprofen) is meant to reduce the inflammation in the joints which, in turn, helps alleviate pain. There may be other medications which simply relieve pain (like Tramadol) which may be more affordable and, at least, will relieve pain for your dog. Cold and/or heat therapy may also help relieve pain and, depending on your dog's condition, diet changes to help your dog attain a more healthy weight may help manage pain and reduce the stress on the joints in the long run. Talk to your Vet about your cost concerns and what other measures you might be able to use to manage your dog's pain.