Using Meloxicam for Dogs – Top Things to Know

Every dog owner dreads administering medication to their pets… There’s invariably some cost involved, whether that’s side effects or something else…

But that doesn’t matter after a point, right?

In the end, pain is pain. And the pain it makes your puppy miserable. Some dogs suffer from pain that may be related to cancer and cancer treatments, and some dogs suffer from chronic pain such as the pain that comes from arthritis.

Some dogs experience short-term pain related to an injury and sometimes dogs need pain management medications after a necessary surgery. Whatever the case may be, when it comes to pain, Meloxicam for dogs can help.

What is Meloxicam or Metacam for Dogs?

Meloxicam is an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for dogs that is used to help reduce inflammation, pain, and the associated stiffness that is related to disorders of the musculoskeletal system (such as osteoarthritis in dogs). It is a prescription drug that’s not available over-the-counter. It is sold by the pill.

Meloxicam is FDA approved for use in dogs and is used to treat a myriad of health conditions that cause pain and inflammation. It can also be used to reduce a dog’s fever.

But hang on…

As wonderfully effective and useful as it sounds, it can be really potent. And you can put your pup in real danger under doses that are too high for him. And besides, there are a number of other things to take care of when using meloxicam for dogs. For instance, dogs need to stay well-hydrated when using Meloxicam.

Benefits of Meloxicam for Dogs and How it Works

Some of the benefits of Meloxicam for dogs include being sold as tablets that are easy to give to your dog by mouth. Additionally, Metacam for dogs is also available in liquid or injection form for dogs that have a hard time taking tablets. It is effective at reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness that is often associated with various health conditions.

And being sold by the tablet, you only pay for what you truly need.

Meloxicam works by inhibiting the chemicals and hormones that cause inflammation and pain in dogs. These chemicals are called prostaglandins. Meloxicam also works by inhibiting phospholipase A-2 and COX-2, which are some of the agents responsible for pain and inflammation in dogs.

Meloxicam for dogs reduces pain and irritation without the need for steroid medications. There is also a version of Meloxicam that is used in humans, called Mobic. However, Mobic should never be given to a dog in lieu of Meloxicam, as the two versions of the drug are not interchangeable.

Side Effects of Meloxicam for Dogs

Meloxicam has side effects similar to any other NSAID medication, such as Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen for dogs. This means that your dog can suffer from severe gastrointestinal upset if they are given too high of a dose.

If you notice that the side effects from Meloxicam usage seem to be getting worse, talk to your vet so that they can try to adjust the dosage.

Some of these side-effects of Meloxicam for dogs include:

• Black or bloody stools
• Diarrhea
• Blood that is visible in your dog’s vomit
• Stomach ulcers
• Abdominal pain and tenderness to the touch
• An increased thirst as well as urination
• Possible swelling or weight gain due to fluid retention
• Stools that look like tar
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Jaundice (your dog’s eyes, gums, and skin appear yellow)
• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Itchiness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Skin irritation such as redness, scratching, and scabs
• Even a loss of kidney function
• Your dog can also experience behavior changes such as:
• Depression
• Aggression
• Uncoordinated movements
• A decrease in energy and activity

Additionally, some dogs can experience an allergic reaction to the drug and go into anaphylactic shock.

Some of the signs of anaphylactic shock include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face,
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle cramps
• Seizures

Don’t Resort to Medicating Your Dog Without Consulting Your Vet

Now that you know how dangerous it is to give your dog OTC pills without knowing the right dosage for him, don’t try it on your own. In fact, don’t even rely on the information you may have read up online, for depending on where you are and your dog’s own health condition, the information you have may in fact be dangerous after all.

Why risk your pooch’s health just over a little inconvenience over a trip to the vet’s? Your vet knows your puppy’s history and understands his health better than anyone. So play it safe, and follow his or her advice to the T.

We hope this post helped clear any doubts you had over using meloxicam for dogs. If you have any doubts or suggestions of your own, feel free to mention them in the comments section below!