{"id":628073,"date":"2024-05-07T13:30:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628073"},"modified":"2026-03-03T17:49:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T22:49:42","slug":"meloxicam-dosage-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/meloxicam-dosage-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"How much meloxicam can I give my dog?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meloxicam<\/span><\/a> is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (<\/span>NSAID<\/span><\/a>) similar to but more powerful than ibuprofen and aspirin. Veterinarians use meloxicam to control pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in dogs with <\/span>osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a>. Doses will vary depending on several factors, but in healthy dogs, the typical dose is 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (about 0.05 mg per pound). Doses are given once every 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Meloxicam dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

The meloxicam canine dosage will vary primarily based on the dog\u2019s weight. Other factors, such as the dog\u2019s health or age, may require dose reductions, but the standard meloxicam dose for dogs is 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, given once by mouth every 24 hours. Converted to pounds, that\u2019s 0.05 mg per pound. A tiny dog, such as a Chihuahua, might be given 0.02 mg daily, so caregivers must use a liquid form of meloxicam. A giant dog, like a Newfoundland, might end up taking doses as high as five milligrams daily. Caregivers may be able to use meloxicam tablets, but the liquid version allows for more precise dosing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some dogs require lower doses because of health conditions, particularly kidney and liver problems. Dogs with kidney problems are at risk of kidney damage or failure if the dose is too high. \u201cPatients with kidney or liver dysfunction typically need to take lower doses \u2026 by as much as 25 to 50%,\u201d explains <\/span>Dr. Grant Little, DVM<\/span><\/a>, a veterinarian expert on JustAnswer. Other dogs that may not need a full dose, he continues, are those who are overweight, older, or have metabolism issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meloxicam can be prescribed for a few days to years, depending on why it\u2019s needed and side effects. \u201cFor surgical conditions, it is usually prescribed around five to seven days at a time,\u201d states Dr. Little. However, meloxicam can be taken for much longer, though. \u201cFor chronic conditions, it may be prescribed for life depending on the condition,\u201d Dr. Little adds. Veterinarians typically taper the dose over the course of treatment to reach the lowest effective dose, so don\u2019t be surprised if the veterinarian reduces it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it okay for a dog to take meloxicam long-term? Yes, but meloxicam is a risky drug that can cause problems. \u201cIt can do long-term damage to internal organs such as the kidneys by reducing blood flow to the kidneys,\u201d Dr. Little says. \u201cIt is recommended to do periodic blood work and urine screenings to monitor kidney function and other organs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Contraindications for the use of meloxicam<\/span><\/a> include dogs with a known sensitivity to meloxicam. Additionally, the safety of its use hasn\u2019t been established for dogs who are pregnant, lactating, younger than 6 months, or have bleeding disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, dog owners should use caution when giving meloxicam to dogs with a GI ulcer, bleeding, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease. Some medications shouldn\u2019t be taken at the same time as meloxicam, either, such as other NSAIDs and <\/span>corticosteroids<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much meloxicam can I give my dog?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Give your dog the prescribed dose. Never give the dog a larger dose than prescribed. Separate doses by 24 hours. Your veterinarian will prescribe a dose appropriate to the dog\u2019s weight and health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overdose of meloxicam in dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n

A meloxicam overdose can cause serious and even life-threatening problems in a dog. \u201cThe main concern that arises is ulcers in the stomach,\u201d Dr. Little says. This can lead to many serious side effects, he continues, such as intestinal bleeding, vomiting, nausea, and lack of appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists (ACVP), <\/span>clinical signs of meloxicam toxicity<\/span><\/a> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n