Meloxicam for Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Kathleen Claussen, DVM on October 11, 2024
Written by Joshua Conrad, PharmD
7 min read

Meloxicam (brand names: Alloxate, Loxicom, Meloxidyl, Meloxivet, Metacam, Mobic, Ostilox, Vivlodex) is a medicine used in dogs and cats for pain and inflammation (swelling) relief of muscles and bones. Meloxicam is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Meloxicam is also called an “antipyretic,” meaning that it can prevent or reduce fevers.

In dogs, meloxicam is approved by the FDA for relief of pain and inflammation that comes with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis where the joints of the body break down over time. Treatment of osteoarthritis with meloxicam can be short-term or long-term, but it should be limited to the lowest effective dose and shortest duration necessary.

Meloxicam is also used “extra-label” or “off-label” in dogs for the control of short-term pain and inflammation from other causes. “Extra-label” or “off-label” means that there is evidence of safe and effective use, even if FDA approval has not been received for the specific use or animal.

In cats, injectable meloxicam is FDA-approved for pain that comes with certain surgeries. Oral meloxicam is used extra-label for continued pain relief after surgery, if needed. It is also used extra-label in cats for pain and inflammation from other bone and muscle disorders.

Meloxicam has been around for a long time and has been used in many other animals, such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, birds, reptiles, and other small mammals.

Meloxicam is well-tolerated in dogs and cats. It has fewer side effects than corticosteroids. Meloxicam is considered safer (lower chance of side effects) to use in dogs and cats than using human NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. It is quick-acting, with pain relief coming in an hour or two when the medicine is given by mouth.

Meloxicam is available from your veterinarian or from an animal pharmacy with a veterinary prescription. It is available as an oral liquid that’s specifically for animals. It is also available in an injectable form for use by veterinary professionals in a hospital. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for alternative dosing options. 

Meloxicam is also used in humans and can be obtained from a human pharmacy with a veterinary prescription. Products for humans come as tablets and capsules.

Meloxicam is given by mouth as a liquid, tablet, or capsule. Meloxicam also comes in an injectable form that is used in a veterinary clinic. Meloxicam can be used short-term for occasional relief of pain. It can also be used long-term for chronic pain. Meloxicam is usually given once a day. Talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your dog or cat.

Meloxicam should be given with food or put into your pet’s food. Oral meloxicam can be given to dogs as young as six months old and has been studied in dogs as young as six weeks old. Injectable meloxicam can be used in cats as young as four months old.

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines. 

The benefits of meloxicam include:

  • It is quickly absorbed by the body, and your pet should feel pain relief within an hour or two.
  • Meloxicam can be used as a short-term or long-term treatment.
  • It is a veterinary medicine that is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats. 
  • Oral meloxicam is usually dosed once a day.

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition, as well as for side effects of the medicine. Before starting your pet on meloxicam, your veterinarian should perform a full work-up including baseline blood and urine tests. If your pet continues to take meloxicam long-term, blood levels should be checked again about two weeks later, and then every few months. Your veterinarian will use the bloodwork to monitor for changes with the liver. If your pet starts to have side effects at any point, bloodwork should be checked right away.

Do not use meloxicam in animals that are allergic to it or that are pregnant or nursing. Do not use it in pets with stomach ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Use meloxicam with caution in pets with heart, liver, or kidney problems. Use it with caution in pets with bleeding disorders.

Side effects are usually related to the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) and may include:

  • Stomach upset
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased hunger
  • Diarrhea or loose stool
  • Ulcers in the stomach
  • Liver or kidney issues (less common)

If your pet has side effects from meloxicam, stop the medicine and contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options depending on the side effects and may recommend switching to a different NSAID or another kind of medicine. 

Although rare, some dogs may have a bad reaction to meloxicam that can be very serious. Symptoms may include:

  • Decreased interest in food
  • Severe vomiting and loose stool (Your pet’s stool may be bloody or black and tar-like.)
  • Change in activity level
  • Coordination issues
  • Aggression
  • Seizure
  • Change in thirst level
  • Changes in urine, urine amount, or urination frequency
  • Skin issues (itching, redness, scabs)
  • Jaundice or yellow coloring to the skin, whites of the eyes, or gums in the mouth

If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk of serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if your pet is using any of the following before using meloxicam:

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors like benazepril and enalapril are medicines commonly used for heart disease and high blood pressure in animals. They may not be as effective if given with meloxicam. 

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs like telmisartan are medicines commonly used for high blood pressure in animals. They may not be as effective if given with meloxicam.

Amiodarone. Amiodarone is a medicine that is given for heart rhythm problems. When given with meloxicam, amiodarone can increase the blood levels and risk of side effects of meloxicam.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets like warfarin, clopidogrel, and heparin are used to prevent blood clots inside your pet. When meloxicam is used at the same time as anticoagulants, there can be an increased risk of bleeding.

Aspirin. Aspirin can increase the risk of stomach or intestine bleeding if given with meloxicam. It is best to stop the aspirin and wait three to 10 days before starting meloxicam. If aspirin is being used to prevent blood clots, talk to your veterinarian before stopping aspirin in your pet.

Blood pressure medicines. Meloxicam can decrease the effects of blood pressure medicines when the two are used together.

Corticosteroids. Steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone can cause an increased risk of side effects if given with meloxicam. It is best to stop the steroid and wait about seven days before starting meloxicam.

Diabetes medicines. When meloxicam is used with diabetes medicines, including insulin, there is an increased risk of low blood sugar.

NSAIDs. Other NSAID pain relievers given with meloxicam will increase the risk of side effects. It is best to stop the other NSAID and wait about seven days before starting meloxicam.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with meloxicam. Always check with your veterinarian.

  • Meloxicam oral liquid is honey-flavored and may taste good to children.Make sure to keep it out of the reach of children.
  • Wash your hands after giving meloxicam to your dog.
  • Do not handle meloxicam if you are allergic to it.

The oral meloxicam liquid is honey-flavored and may smell and taste really good to a lot of pets. Some pets will try to chew their way into the bottle if it’s left where they can get to it. The oral liquid should be stored in the original prescription bottle or other tightly closed container. To prevent your pet from drinking the oral liquid by accident, the bottle should be stored in a secure location out of their reach. If you suspect your pet has taken more meloxicam than prescribed, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away.

If you realize that your pet missed a dose of meloxicam, you can give that dose if it is close to the original scheduled time. If it is closer to the next dosing time, skip the missed dose completely and give the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose of the medicine. 

Meloxicam should be protected from light and stored at room temperature. To prevent your pet from drinking the oral liquid by accident, the bottle should be stored in a secure location out of their reach. Compounded forms of meloxicam should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s recommendations.