Veterinary 2025 Guide: Firocoxib (Previcox®) for Pain & Inflammation in Dogs 🐾🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. This 2025 guide covers firocoxib (Previcox®)—a COX‑2 selective NSAID FDA‑approved for dogs for osteoarthritis and post-op pain. You'll learn how it works, proper dosing, warnings, contraindications, monitoring, and home-care advice—with support from Ask A Vet 😊.

🔍 1. What Is Firocoxib?

Firocoxib, marketed as Previcox® in chewable tablets, is a COX‑2 selective NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production—while largely preserving COX‑1 pathways important for GI and kidney function :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🎯 2. Approved Uses in Dogs

• Osteoarthritis: once-daily treatment to reduce joint pain and stiffness :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Post-operative pain: short courses before and after soft-tissue or orthopedic surgery :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Off-label uses include fever reduction and inflammation support in cancer cases, under vet supervision :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

💊 3. Dosing & Administration

• Standard dose: **5 mg/kg (2.27 mg/lb) PO once daily**—use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• For post-op pain: similar dose starting ~2 hrs before surgery and continued for 2–3 days :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Tablets can be given with or without food; if GI upset occurs, administer with food :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Cannot accurately dose dogs <12.5 lb—manufacturer warns dosing limitations :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• If a dose is missed, give it as soon as remembered unless it’s near the next scheduled dose—do not double up :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⚠️ 4. Side Effects & Risks

• Common: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy; serious: blood in vomit or stool, jaundice, behavioral changes :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• NSAIDs can cause GI ulceration, renal, or hepatic toxicity—may occur without warning and rarely be fatal :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Puppies <7 months may experience serious adverse effects at high doses—avoid in young animals :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

⏱️ 5. Pharmacokinetics & Onset

• Onset: analgesia begins ~1–2 hours after dosing :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• T₁/₂ ~7.8 hrs; bioavailability ~38%; food delays peak but not overall exposure :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🚫 6. Contraindications & Cautions

• Don’t use in dogs allergic to firocoxib or other NSAIDs, or in dehydrated, bleeding, GI-ulcer, liver, kidney, or heart disease patients :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Not established safe in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

💊 7. Drug Interactions

Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, digoxin, azole antifungals, anticoagulants, and aminoglycosides due to increased risk of toxicity :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

🩺 8. Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Baseline bloodwork (CBC, chem, urinalysis) recommended before starting; recheck every 6–12 months during long-term therapy :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Monitor for GI signs, appetite changes, thirst/urination, behavior, and weight.
• If adverse signs occur, discontinue medication and seek veterinary care—some dogs recover when treatment stops :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📝 9. Client Education & Home Care

• Explain goals (pain/inflammation relief), expected onset (~1–2 hrs), and possible side effects.
• Show how to give chewable tablets, possibly with food.
• Warn about signs of GI, liver, or kidney problems—and to stop and contact vet immediately.
• Recommend Ask A Vet app for dose reminders, symptom logs, vet alerts, and 24/7 messaging 😊.

📌 10. 2025 Vet Takeaways

• Firocoxib (Previcox®) is a COX‑2 selective NSAID approved for treating osteoarthritis and post-op pain in dogs—a reliable choice when used at lowest effective dose.
• Standard dose: 5 mg/kg once daily; adjunct for surgery as needed.
• Monitor for GI, liver, kidney issues; avoid high-risk patients.
• Beware of drug interactions and dosing limits (<12.5 lb, <7 mo).
• Client education, regular monitoring, and digital support ensure safer outcomes 😊.

At Ask A Vet, we provide dosing calculators, medication reminders, lab alerts, and 24/7 vet messaging to enhance safe, effective NSAID therapy. Encourage clients to download our app for confident pain management ❤️