Much like people, dogs need relief from some of the challenges that naturally come from aging, especially if they have forms of arthritis or other discomfort in their bones and joints. In these cases, vets commonly prescribe Meloxicam for dogs. Meloxicam is similar to its human equivalent called Mobic, but these are not interchangeable, and Mobic should only be administered to people, not pets!
Suppose you find yourself giving your dog Meloxicam for the first time. In that case, you probably have some questions about what will happen to your dog after taking Meloxicam, along with some of the most common side effects and other general pet health questions. Read on to learn more about giving Meloxicam to your dog!
What Is Meloxicam For Dogs
Meloxicam is an FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). A licensed veterinarian might prescribe your dog Meloxicam to reduce discomfort and swelling following a medical procedure. Meloxicam is also used to help treat symptoms of arthritis and muscle problems such as joint stiffness or joint dysplasia.
Meloxicam will typically come in pill form for ease of application. Besides oral ingestion, other administration techniques for Meloxicam include intravenous injection or usage of an oral suspension similar to cough syrup.
Meloxicam and Metacam
It is common for medications to come under various names due to branding and other specifics regarding their production. That can sometimes make it unclear to some if these drugs are the same thing or intended for different usages. In this case, Meloxicam specifically refers to one of the generic versions of the branded version called Metacam.
Basically, Metacam is just the branded name of the drug Meloxicam!
Dosage Of Meloxicam For Dogs
The following is simply a guideline for administering Meloxicam; as such, it is important to stick to your veterinarian's instructions when giving your dog any medications.
To administer Meloxicam, the proper dosage for dogs is 0.9 to 0.1 milligrams per pound of bodyweight on the first day of treatment. This is followed by a slight decrease to 0.045 to 0.05 per pound in the days following. Try to stay wary of your dog's response to the dose to keep yourself aware of any adverse effects in case they react poorly.
Missed a dose?
If you accidentally miss giving a dose to your dog, there is no cause for panic. Simply provide your dog with this dose as soon as you possibly can. If, however, you are already close to the time for your pup's next scheduled dose, skip the previous one and administer their second scheduled dose instead.
Be sure not to give your dog multiple doses at a time.
Side Effects Of Meloxicam For Dogs
In some circumstances, taking Meloxicam can result in undesirable side effects. Taking too much Meloxicam can have serious consequences for your dog's health, and if taken in combination with certain medications, side effects or adverse reactions are more common. Some reactions to look out for could include:
- Black or bloody stool
- Fatigue
- Mood change
- Weight gain as a result of increased fluid retention
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Stomach ulcers
- Decreased appetite
Dogs prescribed Meloxicam for long-term medical conditions require annual blood tests to ensure it does not interfere with regular kidney function, cause any potentially harmful drug interactions, or result in gastrointestinal ulceration. Additionally, pet owners are not recommended to give their dog Meloxicam if they are taking certain other medications, are under six months old, or have health conditions like:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Bleeding disorders
- High blood pressure
- Pregnant
Additional Warnings
While this drug is screened and approved by the FDA, there are potential risks associated with consumption due to its various possible interactions with other medications and the individual's possible health concerns. Because of this, not all of the possible side effects can be listed here, as they are heavily dependent on the individual consuming the product and the other medications they may be taking.
NSAIDs can also cause the emergence of previously unknown health problems. Meloxicam can potentially cause kidney problems or other undesirable side effects to surface, affecting your pet's health. To make sure you are not needlessly causing risk to your pet's health, it is important to follow the directions given to you by your veterinarian, never give your pet NSAIDs without a prescription, and do not increase the dose unless expressly instructed to by your pet's veterinarian.
If you notice any difficulty breathing or other signs of a bad reaction, this could also be the sign of an allergic reaction. In this case, it is recommended you take your dog to a vet immediately for more assistance.
Is Meloxicam Safe?
Looking over all of the side effects and warnings associated with Meloxicam, you might be wondering if it is safe for dogs. As an FDA-approved medication, Meloxicam is generally considered safe for consumption provided it is legally prescribed and used as detailed through the prescription. That is not to say, however that Meloxicam is safe in every circumstance.
Can Meloxicam Be Fatal to Dogs?
If used improperly, Meloxicam can even prove fatal for dogs. This is a very important reason to follow the directions given to you by your dog's veterinarian and only provide your pup with NSAIDs when directed by a veterinarian!
Overdose Risk
If you accidentally give your dog too much Meloxicam, it is of utmost importance that you immediately bring them to a trusted veterinarian. Overdoses on Meloxicam are very serious, and in severe cases, may result in death. So anytime an overdose is suspected, it is key to provide prompt care.
Overdose risk is just another reason you should closely follow the instructions provided by your dog's veterinarian. As a dog owner, the best way to prevent the worst from happening is to communicate any questions you have with your dog's vet. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you can be sure the worst never comes and your dog receives the best treatment possible.
Some signs your dog may be suffering an overdose on Meloxicam are:
- Pale tongue
- Heavy breathing
- Diarrhea fits
- Confusion
- Vomiting
Cost of Meloxicam
Meloxicam is generally widely available with a veterinary prescription and will typically come in individual doses of 7.5 milligrams each. Meloxicam is similar in many ways to some over-the-counter drugs and other NSAID medications but remains a popular choice due to its accessible price point. Typically a single Meloxicam pill should cost approximately 50 cents.
When purchasing Meloxicam for your dog online, make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. When buying medication for your dog, you want to ensure you are giving them exactly what is needed and intended for their illness, so do your research!
Learn More About dog Medications
Interaction With Other Drugs
Meloxicam's tendency to interact with other drugs is a known aspect of the medication and a factor your veterinarian is likely to warn you of when prescribing it to your dog. Because of this, be sure to have all of your dog's medical information available when you see your veterinarian. Not only is this the best common practice to keep as a dog owner attempting to maintain your pet's health, but it is also the best and only way to ensure that your dog will not suffer any negative health consequences as the result of mixing medications.
You should never give your dog two kinds of NSAIDs at once, and if your veterinarian recommends switching your dog from one NSAID to another, you must put them through what is referred to as a wash-out period. A wash-out period is time recommended by your vet where your dog discontinues taking any NSAIDs in order to flush them out of their system. After the first NSAID is flushed from their system, your dog will be able to switch over to another NSAID.
Some drugs and medications you should not give your dog while on an NSAID include:
- Steroids
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Carprofen
- Piroxicam
- Alendronate
- Aspirin
- Trazodone
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Enalapril
- Benazepril
- Furosemide
- Cyclosporine
- Certain antibiotics
Ingredients In Meloxicam
Besides the active ingredient Meloxicam, this drug's composition includes several inactive ingredients. Some of these ingredients are:
- Collodial silicon dioxide
- Crospovidone
- Lactose monohydrate
- Magnesium stearate
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Povidone
- Sodium citrate
These ingredients should not be of any concern for most dog owners. Still, it is always best to get a professional opinion before deciding to give your dog any new medications.
Meloxicam Alternatives
If your dog reacts poorly to Meloxicam, or you would like to find alternative treatment, there are alternatives to Meloxicam. As always, speak to a licensed veterinarian before giving your dog anything they have not used before.
Fish Oil
Fish oil might be a natural option to reduce the hurt your dog is feeling due to bone or muscle problems. Pain relief is always the goal for a pet owner with a hurt dog. Fish oil could be less effective than Meloxicam in managing swelling and providing relief from more intense bouts of illness. However, it can prove useful in providing natural relief while imparting other naturally healthy vitamins and minerals.
If you decide to give your dog fish oil, be sure to buy a product specifically formulated for dogs and from a trustworthy brand.
Herbal Remedies
Some other options might include herbal remedies. For example, herbs like turmeric or arnica can be good ways to lower inflammation while providing your dog with naturally occurring beneficial nutrients and vitamins. When using products like these, keep in mind that it could take some time for the effects to occur!
In addition, anytime you consider giving your dog herbal remedies, be sure not only to formally research them but also to reference your dog's medical history to make sure you avoid giving them anything they might be allergic to. As in all cases where you give your dog something they would not normally consume, speak to a veterinarian before proceeding.
CBD
For those concerned with negative meloxicam interactions, CBD could prove to be an excellent alternative! Recently CBD has seen a great rise in popularity, and many pet owners have turned to it as a way to provide their pets with relief from several discomforts without the potential for strong side effects.
Unlike Meloxicam, the risks associated with overdosing on CBD are extremely mild. It's likely that if you do give your dog too much CBD, the main result would be mild drowsiness or a dry mouth. Because of this, CBD is a great option for dogs who might be sensitive to other common medications.
Because of its non-toxic nature, CBD can also be used in conjunction with some NSAIDs without worrying about dangerous side effects. Some other pet owners might even find they can replace other NSAIDs with CBD! All around, CBD is one of the best options for pets if you are seeking to avoid the negative effects Meloxicam sometimes causes, all while getting the wide range of holistic benefits provided by CBD.
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