It’s only natural to want to keep your dog from feeling pain in as many ways as possible. Luckily, many of us are aware of the medications out there that can be provided when your beloved canine buddy is suffering!

That said, it’s important to have a full understanding of medications like Meloxicam and how they can help or hinder your pet. Understanding your alternatives is also key to making the best possible choices for your pet. Let’s take a look!

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a dog anti-inflammatory medication. It’s also important to know that it isn’t a steroidal option. For those of us who take aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofen, you may recognize Meloxicam as a similar substance, known as an NSAID.

Essentially, Meloxicam and tylenol are similar substances but made for different species.

Typically, Meloxicam is something that needs to be prescribed for your pet by their veterinarian. It’s used for handling problems like stiffness, inflammation or other issues that involve the musculoskeletal system.

It tends to come in pill form, though there can sometimes be liquid varieties. While it may be possible to obtain Metacam/Meloxicam without a veterinarian prescription, it is absolutely not recommended.

It’s important to know that Meloxicam for dogs is an NSAID. It is not a narcotic. People who are unfamiliar with the medication can frequently wonder if it is a narcotic, so we’re happy to clear that question up.

Varieties Of Meloxicam

Another important aspect to keep in mind is that there are different varieties and forms of this medication. There are different names, as well as dosages that allow your dog to get exactly what they need. The generic form of the medications you can receive is Meloxicam, but other names can be Mobic or Metacam.

You should also know that these names represent slightly different forms. While Meloxicam is approved for the use of humans and pets alike, the same isn’t true for other varieties.

Metacam is an another variety that is made specifically for animals, while Mobic medication is designed for human use. It’s very important to make sure these varieties aren’t given to the wrong species.

Uses For Meloxicam

There are a few uses your dog can receive Meloxicam for. Typically, these can include pain that results from pain that can come after a surgery. It’s made to help them avoid pain while their body heals. Meloxicam is also used for osteoarthritis as well as fever reduction.

Uses For Mobic

Mobic is a medication that should not be used for your dog. While it is capable of relieving similar symptoms to Metacam/Meloxicam, it is a medication that is designed for humans. When you’re seeking help for your dog, only Metacam should be used.

Dosage And Forms Of Meloxicam

Generally, Meloxicam is provided in pill form. The dose can also vary between .09 and 0.1mg for each pound your dog weighs. You typically won’t need to worry about the exact calculations, as your vet will let you know exactly how much to provide to your dog and when.

Meloxicam dosage can also be provided in 7.5mg and 15mg doses. Meloxicam 7.5mg is more common, as dogs don’t often need high amounts to receive the benefits. For dogs that are very difficult with taking pills, there is also a liquid form available, and there will be special requirements for dosing that.

Something To Remember

Overall, the idea with just about any medication is to provide the lowest possible amount that works effectively. When you give your dog higher amounts of the medicine, it becomes more likely that they will experience negative effects, which is what nobody wants! It’s best to avoid these reactions when possible.

 

 

Side Effects For Meloxicam/Metacam

Just like with any medication, Metacam for dogs can come with some side effects.

Typical Meloxicam side effects are as follows:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers
• Tenderness or pain in the abdominal area
• Higher frequency of urination
• Fluid retention and weight drain
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Dizziness and coordination loss
• Scabs, redness or other irritation of the skin
• Kidney failure
• Bloody or tarry, black stool
• Heightened thirst
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Exhaustion
• Jaundice of gums, eyes and skin
• Headache
• Dry mouth

 

Meloxicam And Dog Behavior

You may also notice some changes in the way your dog behaves while using Metacam.

These behavioral changes can include:

• Depression
• Lethargy/lack of energy
• Lack of coordination
• Aggression

Make sure to watch out for these changes, as they can be pretty concerning ones for pet owners.

If your dog is allergic to Metacam, they can also experience anaphylactic shock.

 

 

Poisoning From Meloxicam

As a pet owner, it’s highly important to keep your eyes out for Meloxicam poisoning. Generally, these symptoms will be quick and intense. It’s unlikely you won’t notice them. If you see these symptoms, it’s extremely important that you contact your vet, or contact the hotline for pet poisoning at (855) 213-6680.

Symptoms of poisoning can include:

• Diarrhea
• Tarry, black stool
• High amounts of thirst
• Lethargy
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Heightened amounts of urination
• General discomfort
• Seizures

Poisoning Causes

There are a number of reasons why poisoning can occur. Often, they tend to be accidental.

These causes can include:

• Dogs getting into the medicine and eating too much of it.
• Owners giving a dose that is too high for the dog.
• Providing medication that is made for humans rather than animals.

What’s great is that these situations are totally avoidable. Just make sure to follow the instructions of your vet carefully and only give your pet medication that is designed for them. In addition, make sure to keep medication stored where your pet cannot get into it.

Precautions

There are some situations to keep in mind in which Meloxicam is not a safe choice. These situations can result in worsening situations or negative reactions. You should avoid Meloxicam if your dogs is:

• Lactating, breeding or pregnant
• Dehydrated
• Suffering from cardiovascular, hepatic or renal issues
• Under 6 weeks old
• Suffering with a bleeding disorder
• Going through concomitant diuretic therapy

If your dog tends to have problems with NSAIDs, it’s not a good idea to use Meloxicam. Furthermore, it’s best to not use it in combination with other NSAIDs such as:

• Previcox or Firocoxib
• Deramaxx or Deracoxib
• Rimadyl or Carprofen
• Etogesic or Etodolac
• Aspirin

In addition, dogs that have problems involving their liver, kidneys or heart should not take Meloxicam. Renal failure can occur in dogs suffering from kidney problems.

Alternatives To Meloxicam

While the use of Meloxicam considering these precautions and side effects can seem scary, it’s important to keep in mind that it does work in most situations. Furthermore, there are alternatives you can consider that can work well for dogs that shouldn’t take the medication due to other conditions, or simply because you don’t want your dog to experience the side effects.

Side effects of NSAIDs in general can be somewhat intimidating.

These can include:

• Gastritis
• Liver damage
• Kidney toxicity
• Dry eye to a chronic extent
• Damage to the joints
• Digestive issues
• Peptic ulcers
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Blindness (in rare cases)

When it comes to joint damage, dogs can already suffer from the breaking down of cartilage. NSAIDs can expedite this breakdown, resulting in more damage happening more quickly. Knowing that, it can be a good idea to look into some other alternatives that can be a little safer for your pet.

 

CBD As A Solution For Dogs

A potential solution that has been growing in popularity is CBD. In recent years, it has been shown to be very safe for humans and animals alike. On top of that, it’s an option that can be effective in a number of different ways, and that’s why we, here at InnovetPet, decided to carry it.

For those who don’t know a lot about CBD or hemp, it’s important to understand that it does not get your dog “high”. CBD comes from a hemp plant, rather than a marijuana plant, which means it is made to provide the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive results that come from marijuana plants.

Furthermore, the benefits that can come from hemp and CBD are immense. They have been shown to help with a number of things including epilepsy, joint pain, anxiety and even symptoms of cancer. Consequently, the reasons to avoid these products are slim to none.

 

Great CBD Products

Hemp Treats

Innovet Hemp Treats can be a great way to assist your pet while giving them a treat they greatly enjoy. Not only can it assist with your pet’s immune system, but it can also help those with appetite, mood, pain and overall health. On top of that, they’re totally safe, natural and your dog will find them delicious!

Hemp Oil

In addition, there’s also hemp oil, which offers many of the same benefits in a slightly different form. This makes it easy to add to your pet’s food as well as full control the dosage provided.

 

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Further Natural Alternatives

If you’re a fan of natural alternatives, then there are a few others that are worth considering. Keep in mind that these options may work to different extents, so research them thoroughly to find out how to use them to the extent of their ability.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is great for relieving discomfort and pain as well as alleviating inflammatory overall. If you have an older dog with arthritis or joint issues, this can be an option worth looking into.

2. Licorice

Licorice is another great option for arthritis and other inflammatory issues. Furthermore, it can also help with expediting healing. Do keep in mind that it works best when only used for a week or two at a time.

3. Devil’s Claw

Like licorice and turmeric, Devil’s claw can be useful as an anti-inflammatory. However, keep in mind that it may not play well with some other medications, so check with your vet before using it.

4. Acupuncture

In most cases, acupuncture is thought of as a holistic option for humans to help with easing pain and joint issues. When used consistently, it can also be a useful option for your pet!

5. Yucca

For joint problems and arthritis, yucca can be a fantastic natural solution. In fact, holistic vets can find that it can offer up to a rate of 80% when it comes to treating these kinds of issues in animals.

6. Comfrey

From cancer to digestive problems, comfrey can be a useful tool in a lot of ways. In addition, it can help to quicken the reproduction of cells, which is great for healing. Furthermore, it’s also a great choice for joint problems.

 

Which Alternatives Are Best?

Finding the best solutions is going to be key for helping your pet to heal. In order to help you with this, it’s a great idea to find a holistic veterinarian. Keep in mind that holistic, natural options aren’t going to be able to always replace prescribed medication, but it can help to allow your pet to need less of that medication.

 

Things To Consider

Medications can absolutely be helpful in a variety of ways, but in many cases they are more of a bandage than a solution for the problem. Over time, holistic options can help to fully get rid of the pain or inflammation when used regularly. Medication won’t often provide that kind of answer.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that with the pain of their problem gone, dogs can get a little too excited. What this can mean is that they end up overdoing it, resulting in even more pain when the medication wears off. It’s even more reason to work towards resolving the issue fully rather than using medicine as a crutch.

 

Meloxicam For Your Dog: A Final Thought

Knowledge is power when it comes to getting the very best for your pet. They’re your friend, and a part of your family. When they’re suffering, medications like Meloxicam can help. However, being armed with all the information about the side effects and other options you may have. That way, you can have more control over helping your furry friend to heal.