⚕️ Prescription Medication - Veterinary Authorization Required
Metacam (meloxicam) is a prescription NSAID that MUST be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Never administer Metacam without veterinary authorization. Improper NSAID use can cause serious gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver complications. Only use under direct veterinary supervision with appropriate monitoring.
Metacam Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Calculate Metacam (meloxicam) dosage for dogs based on veterinary prescribing guidelines. This NSAID calculator uses standard dosing protocols (0.2 mg/kg initial dose, 0.1 mg/kg maintenance) to help understand proper dosing for pain relief and inflammation management in conditions like arthritis, post-surgical pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Calculate Metacam Dosage
Dog's Weight
Average dog: 20-50 lbs
Average dog: 9-23 kg
Treatment Day
Initial dose is higher; maintenance dose continues daily
Metacam Formulation
Select the concentration your vet prescribed
Veterinary Dosing Formulas
Metacam Dose Calculations
1. Initial Dose (Day 1):
\( \text{Initial Dose (mg)} = \text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times 0.2 \text{ mg/kg} \)
First day loading dose is double the maintenance dose. Administered once on day 1 to achieve therapeutic levels quickly.
2. Maintenance Dose (Day 2+):
\( \text{Maintenance Dose (mg)} = \text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times 0.1 \text{ mg/kg} \)
Standard daily dose from day 2 onwards. Administered once daily at 24-hour intervals for ongoing pain and inflammation control.
3. Volume Calculation (Oral Suspension):
\( \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Dose (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/mL)}} \)
For 1.5 mg/mL or 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension. Use calibrated syringe provided with medication for accurate measurement.
4. Drop Dosing (Small Dogs):
\( \text{Drops} = \text{Dog Weight (kg)} \times 2 \text{ drops/kg (maintenance)} \)
For 1.5 mg/mL suspension using bottle dropper. Initial dose: 4 drops/kg. For dogs under 5 lbs only. One drop per pound of body weight for maintenance.
Metacam Dosage Chart for Dogs
⚠️ These are standard veterinary doses. Your veterinarian may adjust based on individual patient needs.
Safety Information & Side Effects
❌ Contraindications:
- Known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or NSAIDs
- Active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment
- Dehydrated or hypovolemic dogs
- Dogs under 6 weeks of age
- Pregnant or nursing dogs
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Changes in drinking or urination
- Black, tarry stools (serious - contact vet)
✓ Important Guidelines:
- Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
- Can be given with or without food
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Regular veterinary monitoring for long-term use
- Baseline and periodic blood work recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct Metacam dosage for dogs?
The standard Metacam dosage for dogs is 0.2 mg/kg (0.09 mg/lb) on the first day as an initial dose, followed by 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) once daily as a maintenance dose from day 2 onwards. For a 30 lb (13.6 kg) dog, this equals 2.72 mg initial dose and 1.36 mg daily maintenance. Always follow your veterinarian's prescribed dosage exactly, as they may adjust based on your dog's specific condition, response to treatment, and overall health status.
How long can my dog stay on Metacam?
Metacam can be used for both short-term (days to weeks) and long-term (months to years) pain management in dogs. For acute conditions like post-surgical pain, treatment typically lasts 3-7 days. For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, dogs may remain on Metacam indefinitely under veterinary supervision. Long-term use requires regular monitoring including periodic blood work (every 3-6 months) to assess kidney and liver function. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate duration based on your dog's response and overall health.
Can I give Metacam with food?
Yes, Metacam can be given with or without food. While it doesn't require food for absorption, giving Metacam with a small meal may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset in sensitive dogs. The oral suspension can be mixed directly into food or administered into the mouth using the calibrated syringe. Consistency is more important than food timing - give at the same time each day, whether with morning or evening meals. If your dog vomits after administration, contact your veterinarian before giving another dose.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Metacam?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember if it's within 12 hours of the scheduled time. If more than 12 hours have passed or it's close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule with the next dose. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects. If you frequently miss doses or have questions about dosing schedule, contact your veterinarian. For chronic conditions, consistent daily dosing provides optimal pain management.
Is Metacam safe for senior dogs?
Metacam can be safely used in senior dogs under proper veterinary supervision, though older dogs may have increased risk of side effects due to age-related changes in kidney and liver function. Before starting Metacam in senior dogs, your veterinarian should perform baseline blood work to assess organ function. More frequent monitoring (every 3-6 months) is recommended for geriatric patients. Signs to watch for include changes in appetite, drinking, urination, vomiting, or lethargy. Many senior dogs with arthritis benefit greatly from Metacam, maintaining quality of life and mobility when used appropriately with monitoring.
Can I stop Metacam suddenly?
Yes, Metacam can generally be stopped abruptly without tapering, as it doesn't cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. However, you should consult your veterinarian before discontinuing treatment, especially for chronic conditions. Stopping suddenly may cause pain and inflammation to return. If side effects occur, contact your vet immediately - they may want to stop the medication and provide supportive care. For planned discontinuation (like post-surgical pain management), your vet will tell you when to stop. Never stop or start Metacam without veterinary guidance.