Metacam for Dogs – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Alternatives

Humans aren’t the only living things that need medication to combat some illnesses and diseases; dogs need meds, too.

Here, let’s take a look into Metacam for dogs to see what it can be used for, what the dosage requirements are, what side effects come with it, and how other alternatives can help.

What is Metacam & what can it be used for?

Metacam, also known as Meloxicam, is an anti-inflammatory drug mainly prescribed for humans. However, vets have been known to prescribe it to pets that are experiencing pain or discomfort and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Some vets will even prescribe Meloxicam early-on to avoid the progression of inflammatory diseases. Meloxicam is also known to help dogs after they’ve just been released from surgery, to prevent tissues from becoming too inflamed.

Typically, Meloxicam can be administered through tablet, liquid, or injection. This medication is not sold over-the-counter, meaning you’d have to get a prescription from your vet to gain access to this anti-inflammatory drug.

What is the correct dosage to administer to my dog?

When administering Meloxicam to your dog, the dosage will differ, mainly depending on your dog’s weight and ailment. Typically, the dosage is between 0.09 and 0.1 mg per pound on the first day of treatment. Then, after a few days have gone by, the vet will decrease the dose to 0.045-0.05 mg per pound of body weight.

If you’re administering a tablet or liquid to your dog, make sure he or she has consumed the entire dose. Water should be available at all times during treatment.

Are there side effects associated with Metacam/Meloxicam?

As with any pharmaceutically prescribed drug, Metacam/Meloxicam comes with side effects. The most common side effect of this medication is an upset stomach.

If your dog is having a severe reaction to the medication, he or she may exhibit the following signs:

• Vomiting blood
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Development of gastric ulcers

More common symptoms that could potentially develop are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Jaundice
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Anorexia
• Change in mood or behavior

If your dog starts to exhibit any of the above symptoms, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Is there an alternative I can turn to?

Pharmaceutically prescribed drugs can be scary, especially considering they carry many unwanted side effects with them.

If you’re wondering whether there’s another option on the market today, reach out to your vet and see what information he or she can provide you with.

If you’d like a more natural option, start looking into CBD oil. CBD oil  products offer a natural treatment method to your dog, with no unwanted side effects. What’s more is that the 100% organic solution can help out with other aspects of your dog’s life, too.

If your dog is suffering from any of the following conditions, in addition to inflammatory ailments such as arthritis and dysplasia, start looking into a trusted CBD company to get his or her treatment plan started:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Behavior change
• Patellar luxation
• Allergies
• Tumors
• Cancer

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