Meloxicam For Dogs: Uses, Dosages, & Side Effects

If you’ve ever had a furry friend dealing with pain or inflammation, you know how tough it can be to see them uncomfortable. That’s where Meloxicam comes in. This medication is a go-to for many vets when it comes to managing pain and inflammation in our canine companions.

But what exactly is Meloxicam, how should it be used, and what should you watch out for? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Meloxicam for dogs, from its uses and dosages to potential side effects. So, let’s get started: 

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam, also known as Metacam, Mobic, and Loxicom, spending on the manufacturer, is a medical Drug for dogs. It helps dogs reduce inflammation and pain. It is even used to reduce after surgery pains for the dogs.

Currently, the human painkillers are called Mobic and can be prescribed to the human-only; however, Meloxicam’s generic form can be prescribed to the dogs by veterinarians. 

While Mobic is only used for humans, Meloxicam or Metacam can be used for humans and dogs. On the other hand, Loxicom is an oral suspension for dogs only.

Different Varieties Of Meloxicam

While we are talking about the Meloxicam for dogs, let’s have a deep understanding of their varieties. Meloxicam for dogs comes in different varieties and dosages that help your dog get the best out of the medications.

The generic form of medication that you can give to your dogs is Meloxicam. However, there are other manufactures as well that have the same drug by the name Mobic and Metacam.

All three kinds of drugs have different forms and are used for different purposes. Mobic is a pain killer that is used on humans only. It is not prescribed to the dogs. Dogs and humans can use Metacam, and Loxicom is an oral suspension only for the dogs.

It is important to know the purposes of every kind of Meloxicam so that you can give the right medication to the right person.

Uses Of Meloxicam For Dogs

When you visit a vet for your pet, there is always a possibility that your pet’s prescription will have Meloxicam. Meloxicam for dogs is the most common medication that works for every kind of pain. It helps to reduce pain from inflammation, body stiffness, and internal injuries.

Meloxicam for dogs works like charms. It is proved that Meloxicam can help to treat bone disorders and other muscle problems. And the best part is that it does all triage miracles without the help of the steroids.

If your dog has undergone any surgeries, it is most likely that they have been prescribed Meloxicam for dogs. The drug not only reduces the pain but also treats chronic condition and acute pain symptoms.

Dosage Of Meloxicam For Dogs

When drugs are involved, it is important to listen to what the vets say about the dosages. You cannot just use the dosage as per your liking. This practice can result in overdosing on the drugs, which can cause symptoms like fainting, vomiting, headaches, cardiac arrest, and breathing problems. 

Meloxicam’s usual dosage is around 0.09 mg to 0.1 mg per pound on the first day of the treatment. The dosage decreases by half with the oral suspension administered. Usually, the strength of one Meloxicam tablet is around 7.5 mg. The veterinarian will be able to instruct you on how to measure the dosage for the dogs properly. These tablets can be given to dogs with or without food. 

Meloxicam for dogs comes in the form of liquid as well. You can add this liquid to your dog’s food. Depending on the injury, your vet can instruct the number of dosages for the dogs. With proper examination, your vets can give you the minimum amount of Meloxicam for the dogs while still having the effects on the symptoms.

Side Effects of Meloxicam for dogs 

Overdose of anything can leave long-lasting negative effects. The same thing can be said for Meloxicam for dogs. Overdose of Metacam can cause gastrointestinal problems for your dog. These symptoms normally happen as well when you are treating your dog with Metacam for the pain. 

However, if the symptoms become extreme, it is advisable to contact your vet. They might help you with the dosages or find some other alternative for pain-relieving.  

We all know that there is always a risk of allergic reactions with any medication that can lead to anaphylaxis. If you come across any symptoms that have been mentioned above, contact your vet immediately. 

Puppies or pregnant dogs are not allowed to have Meloxicam for dogs. It would be best to tell everything about your dog’s condition to the vet for the relevant treatment.

Meloxicam And Dog Behavior

Meloxicam is highly potent and deals lots of damage to your p[[et if not used as prescribed by the vets. On the contrary, you will be able to make behavioral changes in your pet while he/she is on Metacam. The behavioral changes might include:

• Laziness
• Depression
• Aggression
• Lack of coordination

Ensure that you are keeping an eye on these kinds of changes while treating your dog with the Meloxicam. The sign of changes might be very small, but you, as a pet owner, need to take everything into consideration in your caretaking duties.

Symptoms Of Meloxicam Poisoning

Pets can communicate with their body language. So as a pet owner, it becomes very important that you keep tabs on their behavioral changes to understand what they want from you.

Generally, these symptoms will be quick, and there will be chances that you will miss out on most of them. However, if you see these symptoms, make sure to contact your vets as soon as possible.

Here are some of the common side effects of the Meloxicam overdose.

• Diarrhea.
• Black or Bloody stool.
• Swelling up due to fluid retention.
• Frequent urination.
• Fatigue.
• Itchiness.
• Abdominal pain.
• Weight loss.
• Behavior changes

Precautions

Though Meloxicam is commonly used for treating dogs, you need to keep in mind that Meloxicam is not a safe choice for dogs. There are situations when it is advisable never to use Metacam.

You should avoid using Meloxicam for dogs when your dog is facing these problems.

• Lactating.
• Breeding.
• Pregnant.
• Dehydrated.
• Cardiovascular problems.
• Renal issues.
• Too young (<6 weeks).
• Bleeding disorder.

In addition to this, there are circumstances where you are advised not to use the Meloxicam with the other drugs as a combination. Tell your vets about the other medication your dog is taking so that vets can give the most relevant and risk-free treatment to your dog.

Can Meloxicam Be Used in Conjunction With Other Medications for Dogs?

Meloxicam can be used in conjunction with other medications for dogs, but it’s crucial to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian due to potential drug interactions. Here are some important considerations: 

1. NSAIDs and Corticosteroids: Combining Meloxicam (an NSAID) with corticosteroids like prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and bleeding. 

2. Other NSAIDs: Using multiple NSAIDs together is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of adverse effects. 

3. Anticoagulants: Medications like heparin or warfarin can interact with Meloxicam, increasing the risk of bleeding. 

4. Diuretics and ACE Inhibitors: Drugs like furosemide and enalapril can have interactions that may affect kidney function. 

5. Antacids: Some antacids can affect the absorption of Meloxicam, altering its effectiveness. 

Always inform your veterinarian about all the medications and supplements your dog is taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Alternatives of Meloxicam for dogs

Meloxicam is not the only medication that is used for treating pain in dogs. In recent years, CBD has grown strongly as a potential alternative solution. The best part of using this drug is that it can be used in several ways. 

For those who have become a new pet owner, let me clarify that CBD is not something that will get your dog high. CBD is a hemp plant rather than a marijuana plant. Hence, it can provide the medicinal benefits of marijuana without tapping into psychoactive results. 

Furthermore, the medicinal benefits of hemp and CBD are immense. They have shown great potential in treating epilepsy, joint pains, depression, and anxiety and even cured symptoms of cancers in the past. 

There are several other alternatives to Meloxicam for managing pain and inflammation in dogs. Here are some options: 

• Glucosamine & Chondroitin: These supplements support joint health and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for dogs with arthritis. 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these fatty acids are effective in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. 

• Turmeric: The active ingredient, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint pain. 

• Arnica: This homeopathic remedy reduces swelling and eases pain, especially for acute injuries. 

• Yucca: Contains natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory compounds, often used in supplements for arthritis. 

• Boswellia: An herbal extract that works similarly to NSAIDs but with fewer side effects. 

• Devil’s Claw: A traditional remedy known for its effectiveness in treating joint pain. 

• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Supports joint health by reducing inflammation and improving flexibility. 

• Acupuncture: This ancient practice can relieve pain and reduce inflammation without medication. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific needs. 

Things To Consider

Medication sure is helpful for treating the dogs in many ways. But in many cases, they act like bandages that cover up the wounds without providing the right solution. It is worth knowing that once the pain is gone, dogs can get excited to overdo everything. This can lead to further damage to the pain after the medication wears off. Hence, instead of going for the medication without actually knowing the root cause can affect your dog’s health in the long run.

Meloxicam For Dogs: Final Thoughts

Pets do not know how to speak. Hence, it becomes your responsibility to take care of them and understand their body language. To do so, you need knowledge. When they suffer from pain, you need to understand suffering from their symptoms and provide them with the relevant medication.

Meloxicam for dogs is one of the commonly used pain killers for dogs. You can keep Meloxicam for dogs in your home and give it to your dogs when they are in pain. I have enumerated every information possible that can be a help in taking care of your dog.

If there is anything that you need to know about the dogs, you can drop your queries below. I will make sure that every query is answered.

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