Metacam Dosage for Dogs

Understanding Metacam (Meloxicam) Dosage for Dogs

Metacam is a brand name for meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed by veterinarians to manage pain and inflammation in dogs. It is used to treat acute pain after surgery or injury, chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Our Metacam dosage calculator helps you determine the correct dose based on your dog's weight, following the standard veterinary dosing guidelines.

The correct dosage of Metacam for dogs depends primarily on the dog's body weight. The standard protocol involves a higher loading dose on the first day of treatment, followed by a lower maintenance dose for subsequent days. This approach helps achieve therapeutic levels in the bloodstream quickly while maintaining safe long-term dosing. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any medication regimen.

Standard Metacam Dosing Protocol

The recommended dosage for Metacam (meloxicam) in dogs follows a two-phase protocol:

• Day 1 (Loading Dose): 0.2 mg per kg of body weight (0.09 mg per lb). This initial higher dose helps achieve therapeutic anti-inflammatory levels quickly.
• Day 2 and beyond (Maintenance Dose): 0.1 mg per kg of body weight (0.045 mg per lb). This lower dose maintains pain relief and inflammation control.

Metacam is available in two forms: an oral suspension (solution) for precise dosing, and chewable tablets (1 mg and 2.5 mg) for convenient administration. The oral suspension comes in two strengths: 1.5 mg/mL for dogs and 0.5 mg/mL for smaller dogs and cats.

How to Administer Metacam to Your Dog

Oral Suspension (Solution)

The oral suspension comes with a measuring syringe for accurate dosing. You can place the calculated dose directly onto your dog's food or administer it directly into the mouth. For small dogs under 4.5 kg (10 lb), it is safer to place the medication on food to prevent accidental overdosing. The solution should be given once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Chewable Tablets

Metacam chewable tablets are meat-flavored, and most dogs will voluntarily eat them as a treat. The tablets come in 1 mg and 2.5 mg strengths. Tablets can be broken in half for more precise dosing. Refer to the dosing table in the calculator for the recommended number of tablets based on your dog's weight range.

Safety Information and Side Effects

While Metacam is generally safe when used as directed, like all NSAIDs, it can cause side effects in some dogs. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy. More serious but less common side effects include gastrointestinal ulceration, liver or kidney dysfunction, and bleeding disorders. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Metacam should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAIDs, dogs with active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, dogs with severe liver or kidney disease, or dogs that are dehydrated or have low blood volume. It should be used with caution in dogs with pre-existing health conditions and in elderly dogs.

Related Dog Health Resources

For more information about your dog's health, check our Cephalexin For Dogs Dosage Calculator for antibiotic dosing. The Dog Calorie Calculator helps you determine the right daily food intake. The Dog BMI Calculator monitors your dog's body condition, and the Dog Chocolate Toxicity calculator provides emergency reference for chocolate ingestion.