Metacam for Dogs: All Your Questions Answered
pet medications
If your dog is limping, moving slower, or struggling with pain from arthritis or an injury, as their owner, you probably hurt, too. It’s hard to watch your four-legged best friend suffer.
After taking them to the vet, your veterinarian might have recommended or prescribed your dog a medication called Metacam.
This is a pretty common event.
Metacam is effective, safe, and even popular.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t have questions.
For example:
How much should you give? Is it safe? And what side effects should you watch for?
And…what, exactly, is Metacam for dogs in the first place?
Here, we’ve gathered and answered the most commonly asked questions about Metacam for dogs, so you can feel confident and informed before starting or continuing this treatment. Whether you’re caring for a senior dog with arthritis or managing post-surgical recovery, here’s everything you need to know (plus how to save when filling your prescription).
What Is Metacam for Dogs? A Quick Overview
Metacam (meloxicam) is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly abbreviated as “NSAID”) that is designed uniquely for veterinary use.
If you’re thinking you’ve heard of NSAIDs before, you’re probably right.
NSAIDs are very common over-the-counter medications that help combat inflammatory conditions. Humans take meloxicam, too, under brand names like Mobic.
However, human and canine formulations of meloxicam are critically different.
You wouldn’t want to swap the two: The formulation, dosage, and safety guidelines are specific in each case.
For dogs, vets will often prescribe Metacam to treat conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis, or chronic joint inflammation that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility; or
- Post-surgery pain, particularly after orthopedic surgeries or procedures like spaying and neutering; or
- Soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, or general inflammatory conditions.
To assist with easy administration, especially for dogs who are a bit skittish around pills, Metacam comes in an oral liquid suspension form. When your vet is prescribing Metacam, they’ll weigh your dog and give you precise dosage instructions based on your dog’s weight.
Oral suspensions aren’t the only way you’ll see Metacam. In some veterinary clinics, Metacam is used in an injectable form post-surgery, which can help with the hospital-to-home transition.
Here’s one important note: Even though Metacam is an NSAID and you may have (human!) forms of NSAIDs around your home, like aspirin or ibuprofen, they’re not interchangeable.
If you run out of Metacam or can’t obtain it, don’t give your dog a human NSAID. That could result in risky situations for your dog.
Metacam Uses for Dogs: Why Do Vets Prescribe It?
There are a few common indications that tend to result in Metacam prescriptions.
These include:
Metacam for Arthritis in Dogs
One of the most common uses for Metacam is managing canine osteoarthritis, especially in older dogs or certain breeds prone to joint problems (like Labradors or German Shepherds).Metacam works by reducing the inflammation in the joints, which, in turn…
…Improves your dog’s mobility
…Reduces pain and discomfort, and
…Helps them stay active and maintain muscle strength!
Other uses for Metacam include postoperative care to reduce pain and swelling after surgery, pain treatment after acute injuries, and, sometimes, more chronic use to assist with quality of life improvements for other inflammatory diseases.
If your vet is recommending your dog take Metacam longer-term, they will also recommend supervision and testing just to make sure that your dog is doing as well as possible while taking this drug.
How Does Metacam Work in Dogs?
Metacam helps manage pain and inflammation in dogs by targeting their body’s natural inflammatory process.
The active ingredient in Metacam, meloxicam, is a COX-2 selective NSAID.
If we break that down, that means Metacam is an anti-inflammatory that specifically blocks the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. COX-2 plays a big part in producing the materials that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the body.
This is an important function! Sometimes, we need those symptoms as signals to understand more about our bodies.
But when our inflammatory systems are working overtime and producing too much of these substances, that’s unhelpful…and that’s when medications like Metacam can be worth taking a look into.
By reducing the activity of this COX2, Metacam:
- Lowers inflammation in the joints and soft tissues
- Eases discomfort from arthritis or injuries
- Improves mobility and quality of life
Think of it like this: if your dog’s inflammation is a fire, Metacam works like a targeted sprinkler system that cools things down – without putting out the healthy processes the body still needs.
That’s why Metacam is commonly chosen for long-term conditions like arthritis as well as for short-term recovery after surgery.
Metacam Dosage for Dogs: How Much Is Safe?
Wondering how much Metacam to give your dog?
Here’s the safest, easiest answer:
Talk to your vet! You’ll want to make sure that you’re following their instructions exactly with every medication you give your dog, Metacam included. Even if any changes you might be considering making to your dog’s dosage might seem logical to you, err on the side of caution and talk to your vet.
Even though Metacam’s an NSAID, giving too much of it to your dog can be very dangerous. And, on the other side, giving your dogs too little can mean that they won’t experience the pain relief they so deserve.
That said, we believe in making sure that you’re an informed dog owner.
When your veterinarian is determining your dog’s proper dose, they’ll take the following information into consideration.
Metacam Dosage for Dogs by Weight
The initial dose for Metacam is usually 0.2mg of Metacam per kilogram of your dog’s body weight. (So, if your dog weighs 10 kilograms, you’d administer a 2mg dose of Metacam.) This dose is given once per day.
After initial treatment with the drug, if the drug is to be administered over a longer-term, the dose will usually go down a little bit. That maintenance dose is generally 0.1mg/kg per day (so, for the above example, a longer-term 1mg daily dose of Metacam.)
Most pet owners treating a dog with Metacam use a specially-marked oral syringe – that comes with the medication – to measure out medication and dose their dogs.
That syringe is often calibrated by weight, making it easier to measure the right dose for your specific dog.
Here’s Exactly Why Weight-Based Dosing Matters
Many of us take NSAIDs on a semi-regular basis, whenever we’re dealing with headaches or cramps. And that’s okay (as long as we’re doing so safely!), but it can lead us to underestimate the potential power of NSAIDs.
They can be very strong (and potentially dangerous!) when overdosed. If you give your dog too much Metacam, you may risk:
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Kidney damage
- Liver issues
Underdosing, on the other hand, might not effectively control pain and inflammation, leaving your dog uncomfortable.
That’s why your vet will:
- Weigh your dog before prescribing
- Sometimes recommend routine bloodwork to monitor kidney and liver function if Metacam is used long-term
If you’re unsure of your dog’s exact weight or if your dog loses/gains weight while on Metacam, check in with your vet to confirm dosing remains appropriate.
How to Give Metacam to Dogs: Tips for Success
Metacam is designed to be easy for pet owners to administer at home.
Remember, it comes with that weighted syringe that should make measurement and administration simple.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s intuitive to figure out dosing and administration, especially if it’s the first time you’re giving your dog a medication or if you have a skittish pet!
Here’s a process to follow.
How to Administer Metacam
- Start by shaking the bottle well once you retrieve it from your medicine cabinet. This helps make sure that the suspension is mixed up well.
- Then, always remember to use the provided dosing syringe.
- After you’ve measured out the amount of medication needed, you can either squirt the medication directly into your dog’s mouth (aim toward the back of the tongue, or into the cheek pouch!) or mix the medication with a small amount of food.
Metacam should taste good to your dog, so, as long as the administration process itself isn’t scary, your dog should tolerate it well.
If at all possible, target administering the drug once per day at around the same time. This will help cement the habit, make it more of a routine for your dog, and keep consistent levels of the drug in your dog’s system (which can help alleviate side effects).
Further, if your dog has an upset stomach after taking Metacam, try and remember to make sure your dog eats before administration.
Metacam for Dogs Side Effects: What to Watch For
While Metacam is safe when taken appropriately, it’s a powerful medication – and all powerful medications do come with some risk of side effects.
This doesn’t have to be scary! It’s just time to be informed.
Knowing what to look for can help you catch any issues early and protect your dog’s health.
Common Metacam Side Effects
Some dogs may experience mild side effects when first starting Metacam. These effects should go away as their bodies get used to the medication.
These mild side effects may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy or decreased activity
More Serious Side Effects of Metacam
In rarer cases, Metacam can cause more serious complications, especially if dosing instructions aren’t followed carefully.
This isn’t to scare you, but some rarer and more serious potential side effects of Metacam to keep an eye out for include:
- Gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding (symptoms may include dark or tarry stools, vomiting blood)
- Kidney problems, particularly in dogs with preexisting kidney disease
- Liver issues, potentially indicated by jaundice (yellowing of the gums or eyes), or
- Changes in your dog’s drinking or urination patterns
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. They’ll be able to help you determine the best way forward to help ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.
Do You Need a Prescription for Metacam for Dogs?
Yes! In both the United States and in Canada, you will need to get a valid, updated prescription in order to buy Metacam for dogs.
That’s because NSAIDs like Metacam can have serious risks if used improperly – especially in pets with underlying health issues like kidney or liver disease.
Getting a prescription doesn’t have to be difficult. Just reach out to your dog’s vet.
Then, your vet will:
- Confirm that Metacam is appropriate for your dog’s condition
- Prescribe the correct dose based on your dog’s weight and health
- Advise you on what symptoms to monitor for while your dog is on the medication
While some pet owners may want to search for Metacam for dogs without a vet prescription, just know that purchasing it from unregulated sources is risky.
The absolute safest way to obtain Metacam, especially at a better price, is through a reputable online Canadian pharmacy or international drugstore that requires valid prescriptions, and which has the proper accreditations.
Metacam for Dogs Without Vet Prescription: Is It Safe?
You might come across websites claiming to sell Metacam without a prescription.
That might seem convenient in the moment, but it’s probably not a good idea to go down that road.
Why not?
- The product may be counterfeit or expired
- You won’t have dosing guidance or safety monitoring
- Your dog’s condition could worsen without proper veterinary care
All in all, it’s worth the time to get the prescription.
But you can still benefit from the convenience of online ordering when sourcing your Metacam.
If you already have a prescription, you can safely order Metacam through trusted online Canada drugs and international pharmacy websites like NorthWestPharmacy.com and enjoy online ordering and straight-to-your-front-door shipping.
How Much Does Metacam for Dogs Cost?
The sticker price you’ll see for Metacam can vary widely.
Depending on where you’re buying it, the dosage you need, and how much you’re buying, you might see Metacam priced quite high.
When you’re using Metacam on a regular basis, that can get unwieldy, fast.
If you’re looking for reliable savings, you’re in the right place. Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy a 180mL bottle of Metacam for about $210.00; or, if you’re interested in even steeper savings, you can also find the generic alternative right here for about $60.00 for a 90mL bottle.
Once you have a valid, updated prescription for Metacam, know that you can go directly to NorthWestPharmacy.com to fill that prescription (for reliably low prices!) in just a few clicks. Order with confidence, and help your dog feel their best—without breaking the bank! The team here at The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.
