Meloxicam for Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Guide

• What Is Meloxicam for Dogs?
  
• How Does Meloxicam for Dogs Work?
  
• What Is Meloxicam Used For in Dogs?
  
• How Much Meloxicam Should I Give My Dog?
  
• What Are the Side Effects of Meloxicam for Dogs?
  
• Is Meloxicam Safe for Every Dog? 3 Rules to Follow
  
• Natural Alternatives to Meloxicam for Dogs
  
• Frequently Asked Questions
  

In clinical trials, meloxicam for dogs successfully improved mobility in nearly 73% of the participants. It’s one of the most effective tools veterinarians have for treating osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain.

However, as a potent NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), meloxicam carries risks ranging from mild stomach upset to serious kidney stress.

If you’re holding a prescription for Metacam or generic meloxicam, you need to know how to manage these risks carefully. Below we'll cover the dosage, critical warning signs, and how using natural supplements can help protect your dog’s long-term health.

What Is Meloxicam for Dogs?

Meloxicam for dogs is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed medications in veterinary medicine because it’s effective and easy to dose.

You likely know it by one of its common brand names:

• Metacam ****(the most well-known liquid suspension)
• Loxicom
• Meloxidyl
• OroCAM (oral spray)

How Does Meloxicam for Dogs Work?

Meloxicam essentially works by turning down the “pain alarm” to let your dog move more comfortably while they heal. It does this by targeting the body’s inflammatory process.

When a dog is injured, their body produces prostaglandins: chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. Meloxicam blocks specific enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), focusing mainly on COX-2, which drives inflammation, while trying to spare COX-1, which helps protect the stomach and kidneys.

This more selective action is what makes it generally safer than older drugs like aspirin, though it still carries some risks.

What Is Meloxicam Used For in Dogs?

Because it targets inflammation directly, veterinarians reach for meloxicam to treat a variety of painful conditions. It’s rarely used for “nerve pain” (like a slipped disc), but it’s the gold standard for anything involving swelling or joints.

Here are the most common conditions for which vets prescribe meloxicam.

1. Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain

This is the most common use. Meloxicam is highly effective at managing the daily aches of arthritis. It helps senior dogs regain mobility by reducing inflammation in the joints.

Your vet will prescribe it if your dog is having difficulties standing up, climbing stairs, or jumping into the car without hesitation.

2. Post-Surgical Recovery

If your dog has recently had surgery, your vet likely sent you home with a few days’ supply of meloxicam. It’s standard protocol for:

• Orthopedic surgeries (like ACL repair).
• Soft-tissue surgeries (like spays or neuters).
• Dental procedures (especially extractions).

Reducing inflammation immediately after surgery doesn’t just stop the pain; it also speeds up the healing process by preventing excessive swelling.

3. Acute Injuries

Active dogs often suffer from “weekend warrior” injuries. If your dog comes back from the park limping due to a sprain, strain, or soft tissue bruise, a short course of meloxicam can act as a localized painkiller.

4. Fever Reduction

Meloxicam is also an antipyretic, meaning it reduces fevers. If your dog has an infection that’s causing a dangerously high temperature, your vet may prescribe it to bring the fever down safely while antibiotics fight the actual infection.

How Much Meloxicam Should I Give My Dog?

Meloxicam dosage is always based on your dog’s weight, and vets use a standard two-step schedule. Because the difference between a safe dose and a toxic overdose is small, it’s important to follow this schedule and your vet’s guidelines carefully.

The standard veterinary dosage follows a two-step schedule:

1. Day 1 (loading dose): You typically give your dog a higher dose of 0.2 mg/kg (0.09 mg/lb) on the very first day. This “jump-starts” the medication to get therapeutic levels into the blood quickly.
2. Day 2 onwards (maintenance dose): You drop down to 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) once daily to keep the pain under control.

Note: For long-term use, your vet may recommend tapering this down even further to the “lowest effective dose.”

Meloxicam Dosage Chart by Weight

The table below lists the general meloxicam doses veterinarians calculate based on a dog’s body weight.

Note: Never prescribe or dose meloxicam without veterinary guidance. Always use the provided syringe. Kitchen spoons or other droppers can cause dangerous overdoses.

Follow these safe administration practices to reduce risks and improve accuracy.

• Always give with food: Never give meloxicam on an empty stomach. Mixing it with a full meal cushions the stomach lining and reduces the risk of vomiting or ulcers.
• Don’t double up: If you miss a dose, skip it and wait for the next scheduled time. Giving two doses at once can damage the kidneys and lead to an overdose.
• Pick the right dosage form: Liquid suspension (Metacam) is often preferred for precise dosing in small dogs, whereas chewable tablets are convenient for larger breeds.

What Are the Side Effects of Meloxicam for Dogs?

Meloxicam acts like other NSAIDs: it’s effective, but serious side effects can happen. Because the drug processes through the stomach, liver, and kidneys, these are the areas most at risk.

In FDA field studies, approximately 25% of dogs experienced vomiting while on the medication, and gastrointestinal issues were the most reported problems. Here’s exactly what you need to look for.

Common Side Effects

These symptoms often appear during the first few days of treatment. If they’re mild, your vet may suggest giving the medication with a full meal to see if they resolve.

• Vomiting, the most common reaction.
• Soft stool or diarrhea
• A noticeable decrease in appetite (inappetence) or, rarely, an increase in hunger.

Serious Warning Signs

Your meloxicam product sheet will usually list specific “alert signs.” If you see any of these, stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian.

• Digestive bleeding:Look for black, tarry stools or bloody, coffee-ground–like vomit. This indicates a stomach ulcer.
• Kidney stress: Watch for drastic changes in drinking (drinking more or not at all) or urination (color, smell, or frequency).
• Liver issues (jaundice): Yellowing of the gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes.
• Behavioral shifts: Sudden incoordination, seizures, aggression, or profound lethargy.
• Skin reactions: Redness, scabs, or intense itching (scratching) can indicate an allergic reaction to the drug itself.

Warning: Repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death. Do not share this medication with your cat under any circumstances. Even a single dose meant for a dog can be fatal to a feline.

Is Meloxicam Safe for Every Dog? 3 Rules to Follow

Meloxicam is highly effective for pain, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all medication.

Because NSAIDs rely heavily on the liver and kidneys to process the drug, giving it to a dog with underlying issues or mixing it with the wrong things can turn a therapeutic dose into a dangerous one.

To keep your dog safe, here are three absolute rules you must follow.

1. Mixing Medications

The single biggest danger with meloxicam is combining it with other anti-inflammatories. Doing so effectively strips away the stomach’s protective lining, which can cause severe ulcers and internal bleeding in a matter of days.

Never give meloxicam if your dog is currently taking:

• Steroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone.
• Other NSAIDs, such as carprofen/Rimadyl, galliprant, deramaxx, or etodolac.
• Aspirin, as even a baby aspirin is an NSAID and must not be mixed.

If you’re switching from one of these drugs to meloxicam, your vet will require a “washout period.” This is usually a break of 5 to 7 days to ensure the first drug is completely out of your dog’s system before starting the new one.

2. Hydration

Meloxicam works by partly restricting blood flow to inflamed areas, but this can also affect blood flow to the kidneys. In a healthy, well-hydrated dog, this is fine.

But if your dog is dehydrated, meloxicam can cause sudden, acute kidney stress. Never administer this medication if your dog is actively vomiting, refusing to drink, or overheated from exercise. Make sure they always have access to fresh water.

3. Dogs Who Should Not Take Meloxicam

The FDA client information sheet for Meloxidyl (which contains meloxicam) notes that safety hasn’t been proven in certain dogs. Because other medications also use meloxicam, the same cautions apply across the board.

Avoid or use with extra care in:

• Puppies under 6 months old.
• Pregnant or lactating females (or dogs used for breeding).
• Dogs with bleeding disorders (e.g., Von Willebrand disease), as NSAIDs can affect clotting.
• Dogs with pre-existing kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Natural Alternatives to Meloxicam for Dogs

Many pet owners worry about the long-term strain daily painkillers put on their dog’s liver and kidneys.

Fortunately, an NSAID-sparing approach can help. By adding natural, safe supplements to your dog’s routine, you can support their comfort and work with your vet to lower their meloxicam dose and reduce side-effect risks. Here’s what we recommend.

1. CBD Oil

Meloxicam works by blocking a specific enzyme (COX-2) to stop inflammation. CBD interacts with your dog’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to change how their brain perceives pain signals and to naturally regulate inflammation without stressing the kidneys.

Because they work on different systems, they can be excellent partners. Adding CBD can manage the “background noise” of chronic aches, allowing the medication to be saved for “bad days” rather than every day.

We recommend PurCBD+, our full-spectrum CBD oil. It’s third-party lab tested for purity and formulated to be gentle on the digestive system.

2. Joint Support Chews

It’s important to remember that meloxicam treats the symptom (pain), but it doesn’t repair the problem (joint degradation). To actually support cartilage and synovial fluid in your dog’s hips and knees, you need functional nutrients.

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM provide the physical building blocks your dog needs to maintain healthy joint structure.

We recommend our Advanced Mobility Chews. We combined our full-spectrum CBD with clinical levels of glucosamine and MSM. This tackles both the pain (CBD) and the joint health (glucosamine) in a single, tasty treat.

3. Weight Management

Excess weight is the enemy of arthritic joints. Carrying even a few extra pounds puts exponential stress on your dog’s knees and hips.

Gently helping your dog reach their ideal weight through diet is often as effective as a painkiller, with zero side effects.

Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog’s pain management plan. If you introduce CBD or joint chews, ask them about a “tapering schedule” to see if you can safely reduce the meloxicam dose once the supplement kicks in.

Find the Right Balance for Your Dog’s Comfort

Seeing your dog slow down or struggle to stand is heartbreaking. Meloxicam is a versatile medication, and for many dogs with severe arthritis, it provides a much-needed return to a happy, active life. But it comes with a physical cost.

Real wellness is about minimizing that cost. You can protect your dog’s organs while keeping their tail wagging by monitoring the warning signs and using natural supplements.

You don’t have to figure out this balance alone. If you want to learn how CBD or joint supplements can help you safely lower your dog’s reliance on painkillers, call us at (310) 817-5731. Our pet specialists are here to help you build a safer care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my dog human meloxicam (Mobic)?

No, never do this without explicit veterinary instruction. Human tablets are typically 7.5 mg or 15 mg, which is dangerously strong for most dogs (a 10-lb dog might need just 0.45 mg). It’s nearly impossible to split the pill accurately enough to avoid a toxic overdose. Always use the specific veterinary liquid or tablets.

How long does it take for meloxicam to work?

It usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Most owners notice an improvement in their dog's movement or comfort level shortly after the first "loading dose." For chronic conditions like arthritis, the full benefits may take a few days of consistent use to become apparent.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Skip it and wait for the next scheduled dose. Never "double up" to make up for a missed day. Giving two doses at once can overwhelm the kidneys and cause immediate damage. Just resume your normal schedule the next day.

How long can a dog take meloxicam safely?

Many dogs take it for years, provided they’re monitored. Long-term use is common for arthritis, but it requires safety checks. Your vet should perform blood work every 6 months to ensure liver and kidney enzymes remain stable.

Does meloxicam make dogs sleepy?

It isn't a sedative, but mild lethargy can happen. Sometimes this is simply the dog finally relaxing after being in pain. However, profound lethargy, where the dog is difficult to wake or refuses to move, is a serious side effect warning sign. Contact your vet immediately if it happens.

---

Recent Posts

Cerenia for Cats
READ NOW

Trifexis For Dogs
READ NOW

Metronidazole for Dogs: Benefits and Long Term Use
READ NOW

Previcox for Dogs: Uses and Are There Any Benefits?
READ NOW

Deramaxx for Dogs: Uses and Possible Side Effects
READ NOW

Turmeric for Dogs: A Healthy Spice, But Does It Work?
READ NOW