Meloxicam is an NSAID (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that is sold under the brand names Metacam, Rheumocam, Loxicom, or OroCAM. It is prescribed for use for dogs for pain relief, inflammation treatment, pain treatment from surgery, and osteoarthrosis pain and inflammation relief.
Please note that it is not safe to give a dog the human version of Meloxicam sold under the brand name Mobic unless prescribed explicitly off-label by your vet.
Meloxicam for dogs is FDA approved and is available with a veterinarian prescription.
You should never give your dog Meloxicam without speaking to your veterinarian first, and should always administer the drug in accordance with the dosage and usage prescribed by the vet specifically for your pup.
If you have a veterinarian prescription, you can buy Meloxicam for your dog online.
It is available in tablet, oral liquid, spray, chewable tablets, and injection form for dogs.
Before giving your dog Meloxicam, you should take the time to read the following safety precautions, potential side effects, the recommended dosage, and other details about using Meloxicam for dogs.
Meloxicam for dogs – what is it used for?
Your veterinarian may prescribe Meloxicam for your dog, for the treatment of pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. The NSAID drug is also commonly prescribed for canines suffering from other bone or muscle disorders. It is a useful medication for alleviating pain resulting from surgery or injury and helps alleviate acute or chronic inflammation and pain in dogs.
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps reduce the hormones in the body which cause pain and inflammation in dogs. It is preferred because it does so without the use of steroids which can cause severe side effects in canines.
Meloxicam for dogs – what is the proper dosage?
Meloxicam is available with a prescription by a veterinarian only, and it is essential for dog owners to adhere to the prescribed dosage and usage strictly.
An overdose of Meloxicam can lead to severe and even fatal adverse effects in dogs, including fainting, dizziness, intense vomiting, seizures, slower breathing, cardiac arrest, and more.
The typical dosage prescribed by veterinarians for Meloxicam for dogs is:
- 09 – 0.1 milligrams per pound of the bodyweight for the first day of treatment
- 045-0.05 milligrams per pound of the bodyweight for every 24 hours until the end of the prescribed treatment
Meloxicam for dogs comes in different forms and is usually 7.5 mg per tablet when in tablet form. It is also available in liquid, spray, and injectable forms. Your veterinarian will explain how to measure the dosage of the drug for your dog correctly, depending on the type of Meloxicam you will be using and your dog’s weight and condition.
Depending on the specific case, your veterinarian may prescribe a lower dosage or re-adjust the dosage during the treatment in accordance with your pup’s condition and its response to the drug.
The tablets can be given to a dog with or without food, but remember that your pet should always have access to clean and fresh water.
Potential side effects of Meloxicam for dogs
Meloxicam may cause some mild side effects in dogs, including digestive problems, increase thirst, and others. But if your dog is showing alarming and severe side effects to this prescription medication, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Here are the most common side effects of Meloxicam in dogs:
- Bloody or black stool
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting blood
- Weight gain and swelling due to the retention of water
- Increased urination and thirst
- Weakness and fatigue
- A change in the overall behavior
- Yellow eyes and gums (jaundice)
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Stomach ulcer
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
Other precautions to keep in mind
You should speak to the veterinarian if your dog is pregnant or nursing or if it has other underlying health issues before giving it Meloxicam. As a whole, pregnant and lactating dogs, as well as young puppies, should not be given Meloxicam.
If your pup is taking other medications and supplements, you should discuss those with your vet too, when considering whether it is safe to give the dog Meloxicam.
If the dog shows worrying symptoms of an overdose, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction to the drug, including difficulty breathing, swelling, collapsing, and others, you should treat this is as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Further Reading:
- Can I Give My Dog Tums? Is Tums Safe For Dogs?