Meloxicam for Dogs- Is It Safe? Dosage and Side Effects

Dogs may experience moderate to severe pain for a variety of reasons, including arthritis, surgery or if they get injured. In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe medication to treat symptoms. If your dog is in noticeable pain, you should contact their veterinarian immediately.

What is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or pain reliever, often prescribed to humans and in some cases, dogs, too.

In dogs, Meloxicam can treat:

Pain related to osteoarthritis, joint pain, etc.
Inflammation

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Is Meloxicam safe for dogs?

Under veterinary care, Meloxicam use in dogs can be safe.

Dosage

Dosage will depend on a dog’s weight, age and any present medical conditions or current medications. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about personalized dosing instructions for your pet.

1-800-PetMeds states the following as a general dosing guideline for puppies ages 6 months and older and dogs:

0.1mg per pound in body weight for day one
0.5mg per pound in body weight for every day after

Side Effects

Your dog may experience side effects during treatment with Meloxicam, and it is critical to contact their veterinarian if such side effects occur.

Some side effects may include but are not limited to:

Bloody or black stool
Fatigue
Swelling
Bloody vomit
Yellowing eyes
Itching
Allergic reaction, which could lead to breathing problems, rashes or hives and lip swelling
Dizziness
Constipation
Seizures

The FDA states not all NSAID side effects can be predicted, which is even more reason to contact your dog’s vet if you notice they are experiencing side effects. Experiencing side effects may also be due to an underlying health condition the dog has, the FDA states, such as kidney issues, dehydration or heart or liver problems.

Final Thoughts

If you suspect your dog is sick, contact their vet immediately. Always inform the veterinarian about any medical conditions or medication history your dog has. In some cases, Meloxicam can help dogs fight pain off, but this is not always effective or safe, so it’s important to stay in contact with their veterinarian during and after treatment with this drug.

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.

OVERVIEW DOSAGE SIDE EFFECTS INTERACTIONS HALF-LIFE

Generic Names: meloxicam
Brand Names: Vivlodex, Mobic, Comfort Pac-Meloxicam
Drug Class: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Availability: Prescription needed
Molecular Formula: C14H13N3O4S2
UNII: VG2QF83CGL

What is meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a prescription-only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) sometimes sold under the brand names Vivlodex, Mobic and Comfort Pac-Meloxicam.

What is meloxicam used for?

Meloxicam is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation related to osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is stronger than over the counter pain medications (similar to ibuprofen, naproxen which also belong to the same family (NSAIDs)) and requires a prescription.

How does meloxicam work?

Meloxicam reduces inflammation and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis via inhibiting cyclooxygenase one and two, a process that generally increases inflammation.

How long does it take for meloxicam to work?

For more information regarding the half-life of meloxicam, visit our half-life page.

Do not use meloxicam if:

Meloxicam may not be for everyone. In order to determine whether or not this medication is right for you, talk with your physician. According to DailyMed, some cases in which meloxicam should not be used include:

People with a history of asthma, urticaria (hives), or other allergic reactions to aspirin or NSAIDs
People with a history of hypersensitivity to meloxicam
During or after CABG surgery
Gastrointestinal bleed
Please see the Meloxicam Side Effects page for more information
People taking anticoagulation medications unless authorized by a physician also please see Meloxicam Drug Interactions page for more information

Please note that this list may not include all potential cases in which someone should avoid using meloxicam. Always consult with your physician about the potential risks and side effects of taking this medication.

Note: Meloxicam is a strong NSAID, and it is very important to communicate to all healthcare providers that you take this medication. Sometimes physicians will have you stop taking this medication in anticipation of procedures, lifestyle changes, or due to new medications prescribed to you.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.