Meloxicam for dogs is an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and is often used as a pain killer. Like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen, meloxicam acts as an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain and fever. NSAIDs may also have potential negative side effects affecting the stomach, kidneys and liver, and all pain relievers should be approved by a veterinarian before being administered to a pet.
Uses for Meloxicam
Meloxicam is often prescribed to treat pain caused by arthritis in dogs, but may also be used to relieve pain due to injuries, infections, after surgery or for dogs with cancer. Meloxicam has also been shown to work as a fever reducer. The common brand name for meloxicam is Metacam.
The medication can be taken orally, as a flavored liquid or injected. Always follow your veterinarian's dosage instructions and continue the treatment for the prescribed amount of time your vet recommends, even if symptoms appear to be relieved. Stopping the medication early may result in a relapse. It is very important NOT to give your dog any human medications such as NSAIDs due to the difference in dosage amounts. Administering human medication to a dog without specific veterinarian dosage instructions can result in serious side effects due to the higher strength of the human medication.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects that may occur with the use of meloxicam in dogs include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dark stool (due to intestinal bleeding)
- Loss of appetite
- Intestinal or stomach ulcers
- Kidney failure
- Liver damage
If your dog experiences any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian's office immediately and stop administering the medication. Tests may need to be conducted in order to rule out any underlying problems, such as kidney or liver disease.
Dogs can take meloxicam on an empty or a full stomach, but if your dog is prone to having an upset stomach it is better to administer the medication after the animal has eaten.
Precautions with Meloxicam for Dogs
Blood tests and physical exams may be conducted before prescribed meloxicam for dogs to test for liver or kidney problems that would be exacerbated with meloxicam. Dogs with allergies to the medication or with problems affecting their gastrointestinal tract or stomach, such as ulcers, should also avoid taking meloxicam. Meloxicam should also not be given to lactating or pregnant dogs, dogs with low blood pressure, dogs prone to dehydration or to puppies under 6 months of age.
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids should not be administered while taking meloxicam due to the increased likelihood of developing ulcers. Other NSAIDs such as aspirin may also cause harmful side effects when taken at the same time as meloxicam and make the medication less effective. ACE inhibitors should also be avoided when taking meloxicam due to a possible decrease in the drugs' effectiveness.
Meloxicam for dogs may interact with other medications, so always talk with your veterinarian about any previous problems your dog may have experienced under other medications, all current medications being administered, any treatments your dog is currently undergoing and any recent health changes or problems that have arisen.