Meloxicam (Metacam) for Pets in 2025 🐾

Meloxicam—sold under veterinary names like Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom—is a go-to prescription NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation in pets, especially dogs. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 veterinary guide, I’ll explain what pet owners should know about meloxicam’s safety, usage, and special precautions for dogs and cats. 🐶🐱

🧪 What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing inflammatory compounds (prostaglandins) associated with pain. This makes it especially useful for:

• 🦴 Arthritis & degenerative joint disease
• 🩹 Post-surgical pain relief
• 🧬 Soft tissue injuries & chronic inflammatory pain
• 🦷 Dental infections or procedures

🐕 Safe Use in Dogs

• 🧴 Comes as a flavored oral liquid for easy dosing
• 💊 Available in injectable and tablet form (for larger dogs only)
• 🕒 Given once daily; effect peaks after ~8 hours
• ⚠️ Requires a vet-prescribed dosing syringe—not dosed in milliliters

Meloxicam is well-tolerated in most dogs and provides fast relief from discomfort due to inflammation.

🐈 Use in Cats—More Controversial

Meloxicam can be used only with caution in cats. In the U.S., it's only approved for one-time use post-surgery. In other countries (e.g., Australia, Europe), long-term use in cats is legal and common at low doses (0.5 mg/ml).

Feline Caution Points:

• ⚠️ Never use human meloxicam tablets in cats
• 💧 Use pre-measured syringes—never drop liquid directly into mouth
• 🔍 Monitor for kidney or liver issues with frequent blood tests
• 💊 Alternatives like robenacoxib may be safer

🚨 Side Effects to Watch For

Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam carries risks:

• 🤢 Vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss
• 🩸 Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
• 🧪 Liver strain (especially with pre-existing issues)
• 🚱 Reduced kidney function—especially in cats or dehydrated pets

If your pet experiences any of these, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Pre-Use Screening

• 📊 Bloodwork to evaluate liver & kidney function
• 🐾 Physical exam to rule out other contraindications
• 🔁 Repeat tests every 6 months for long-term use

🔄 Drug Interactions & Dosing Warnings

• ❌ Never combine meloxicam with another NSAID (like carprofen or aspirin)
• ❌ Never mix with corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)—requires 1-week washout
• ⚠️ May reduce efficacy of ACE inhibitors like enalapril for heart disease

⚠️ NSAIDs like meloxicam should always be given with care in dehydrated pets or those with kidney, liver, or GI problems.

🧠 Key Safety Tips for Pet Parents

• ✅ Shake the bottle well before use
• ✅ Administer with food if GI sensitivity is a concern
• ✅ Do not double a missed dose
• ✅ Never share medications between pets

💉 Meloxicam Formulations

• Oral liquid: 1.5 mg/ml (dogs), 0.5 mg/ml (cats – overseas only)
• Injectable: Used by vets for surgical pain relief
• Tablets: 7.5 mg or 15 mg (human strength—rarely appropriate)

📋 Monitoring & Ongoing Care

For pets on long-term meloxicam:

• 🩺 Recheck blood work every 6 months (or sooner)
• ⚠️ Any signs of GI upset warrant immediate evaluation
• 📱 Use the Ask A Vet app to report concerns or review safe alternatives

📲 Ask A Vet for Guidance

Need help with arthritis pain relief options? Confused about feline NSAID safety? Use the Ask A Vet app for personalized advice on meloxicam use, safety, and alternatives tailored to your pet’s health. 🐾💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Meloxicam is a trusted NSAID for dogs and limited use in cats
• ✔️ Always dose with a vet-provided syringe—not by estimate
• ✔️ Watch closely for GI, liver, or kidney symptoms
• ✔️ Never combine with other NSAIDs or steroids
• ✔️ Perform regular monitoring bloodwork for long-term safety

When used with care and veterinary oversight, meloxicam offers effective pain relief that helps pets stay active, mobile, and happier in their daily life 💛

Still unsure? Reach out anytime on the Ask A Vet app for real-time guidance from licensed veterinary professionals 🩺🐕🐈

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc