Can I Give My Dog Metacam?

Ask your vet first
Meloxicam is used in dogs, but dosing decisions belong to your veterinarian. Prescription NSAID for arthritis and post-surgical pain. Combining it with other NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroids causes GI bleeding, so the amount and schedule must come from your vet.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Get the exact range for your dog's weight

Skip it or ask a vet first if

kidney diseasedehydrationother NSAIDs or steroids

Cats are different

Do not carry this answer over to your cat: for cats, Meloxicam falls under “do not give at home.” Species handle drugs differently, and the dog answer on this page applies to dogs only.

About Meloxicam

Meloxicam is a prescription medication, dosed by your veterinarian for a specific diagnosis. You will see it sold as Metacam, and the label strength on the box is what matters for the math, not the brand. Reference data on this page reflects published veterinary sources, not a prescription for your dog.

What to have ready when you call the vet

Whether you are confirming a dose or reporting that your dog already got into something, the call goes faster with four facts ready: your dog's current weight, the exact product name and strength from the label, how much was given or eaten, and roughly when. With those, most clinics can answer in one call.

The safe habit

Confirm any medication decision with your veterinarian, who knows your dog's health history and other medications. VetDose shows published reference data, not prescriptions.

See also

Other prescription (vet-directed) questions for dogs