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Are you wondering if Mobic (Meloxicam) can be given to dogs for pain?
The quick answer: Yes, it can!
In fact, veterinarians commonly prescribe dogs Meloxicam for the management of pain and inflammation resulting from osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
But don’t go it alone. Using a leftover supply would expose your pet to unnecessary risks.
Dogs Can Take Meloxicam (oral suspension is preferred)
Be sure to get a trusted vet’s detailed instructions before starting your animal on this medication.
Ideally, they would examine your dog to determine the source of their pain-related problems.
The truth is Mobic may or may not be a suitable option. It really depends on what the diagnosis reveals.
Dog Dosing of Meloxicam
Please Note: The following information is only for reference.
Each pet dog has their own unique situation and circumstances. Only a qualified veterinarian can advise you regarding proper Meloxicam dosage.
1/10 of a milligram (0.1mg) per pound of body weight, once daily, is usually provided on the 1st day of treatment. Then, each following day, your dog would get half ie. 0.05mg per lbs of Meloxicam.
You read that right. The initial dose is higher than subsequent amounts.
FYI: Meloxicam can usually be administered to fully grown dogs with or without food — absorption is unaffected either way.
Precautions For Pet Use
While Meloxicam can quickly (in just a few days) reduce your dog’s aches and pains, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid a harmful outcome.
For example, preventing adverse drug interactions is essential.
Other NSAIDs should never be combined Meloxicam. The same goes for steroids.
Your vet should even be told of any non-prescription medications that your dog is currently taking.
Liquid Meloxicam is Best
German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim makes a syringe-calibrated, honey-flavored oral suspension form of Meloxicam.
Dog owners favor this liquid Mobic equivalent for the ease of use. More importantly, it enables better dosing accuracy. That it’s also cost effective is a welcome bonus.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s product will minimize risks and it is, therefore, highly recommended.
Definitely ask your vet about liquid Meloxicam!
Some Serious Side Effects
Despite being popular with professionals, Meloxicam can certainly be dangerous.
Dogs are vulnerable to the same side effects that occur in humans.
Complications can include the following:
- Vomiting
- Loose stools and/or diarrhea
- Darker or tarry looking stool
- Decrease in appetite
- Increase in water consumption
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Change in gum coloration
- Behavioral changes
- Jaundice
Unfortunately, sometimes dogs develop stomach ulcerations and even experience seizures.
And that’s not all.
Meloxicam has potential to cause liver and kidney damage. Death can occur in rare instances.
It cannot be stressed enough:
Consult with your dog’s doctor before giving any amount of branded or generic Meloxicam.
The Bottom Line
Mobic, or generic Meloxicam, can be generally be given to dogs for pain-related osteoarthritis.
But first thing’s first:
Get your pet properly checked out!
You can’t know if Meloxicam makes sense without a diagnosis. Besides, it wouldn’t be safe to medicate with this NSAID without an expert’s guidance.
Ask the vet about a flavored oral suspension of Meloxicam once it is confirmed your dog could benefit from taking it.
My 8 year old dog takes Mobia 7.5 mg. He also takes Famotidine 20mg 20 minutes before the Mobia. It’s a great pain reliever and it helps with his hip dysplasia as well as arthritis in his front feet.
He is a big boy, 115 pounds, and I can tell when he is in pain. I give the medicine to him maybe 2 or 3 times a week because I don’t want to cause him liver and kidney problems.
If your dog’s stomach can’t handle Meloxicam, are there any similar alternatives to help with arthritis?
How much Meloxicam suspension should I give my 35 kilogram Lab? I just got it from the vet and forgot the dosage. He recently had surgery.
My dog is 30 kilograms and I give her 30 on the syringe. You could probably give 35 (marking) on the syringe. The liquid is whitish in color and needs mixing in the bottle first.