Metacam Oral Suspension for Dogs (meloxicam)

Metacam Oral Suspension for Dogs is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; pain and inflammation reducer) that contains meloxicam. It is used in veterinary medicine to help control pain and inflammation, with US shipping from Canada available through our service pathway. This page summarizes common uses, dosing basics, safety considerations, and practical handling, including cash-pay access for those without insurance.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral platform that coordinates dispensing through licensed Canadian pharmacies. The information below is general and should be checked against the product label and the prescribing veterinarian’s directions.

What Metacam Oral Suspension for Dogs Is and How It Works

Meloxicam belongs to the NSAID class and works by reducing the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX; an enzyme involved in inflammation). Lower COX activity can reduce prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that contribute to swelling, pain, and fever. In dogs, this treatment is commonly used for osteoarthritis-related discomfort and other inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions when a veterinarian determines an NSAID is appropriate.

Prescription details may be confirmed with the prescribing veterinary clinic when required.

The oral suspension format is designed for measured dosing by mouth. Compared with tablets, a liquid may help when small dose adjustments are needed or when a dog will not swallow pills. Effects and tolerability can vary, especially in older dogs or those with kidney (renal) or liver disease.

Who It’s For

This medicine is generally prescribed for dogs that need control of pain and inflammation, most often associated with osteoarthritis and related mobility issues. For background on degenerative joint disease, the article Arthritis In Dogs And Cats provides a practical overview of signs, progression, and common management approaches.

Site visitors can also browse condition hubs such as Canine Osteoarthritis and Canine Musculoskeletal Pain to see related therapies that may be prescribed for similar indications.

Metacam oral suspension for dogs may not be appropriate for animals with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAIDs. NSAIDs are typically avoided in dogs with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, significant kidney disease, severe liver dysfunction, or certain bleeding disorders unless a veterinarian specifically determines benefits outweigh risks. Caution is also common around dehydration, low blood pressure, and the peri-anesthesia period, because kidney perfusion can be more vulnerable.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is set by a veterinarian based on weight, condition, and risk factors. Product labeling for canine meloxicam often uses an initial daily dose followed by a lower maintenance daily dose; however, the exact regimen and duration can differ by label, region, and clinical scenario. Any change in schedule should come from the prescriber, especially if a dog has prior NSAID intolerance or concurrent illness.

Metacam oral suspension for dogs is typically administered by mouth using a calibrated dosing syringe or measuring device provided with the product. Many bottles are supplied with a dosing syringe marked by body weight, which helps convert a prescribed mg/kg dose into an mL volume. The suspension is usually shaken well before measuring, and the dose can be given with food to reduce stomach upset when the label allows.

Quick tip: Record the dose time and measured mL to reduce missed or double dosing.

If vomiting, diarrhea, black/tarry stool, loss of appetite, marked lethargy, or behavior changes occur, the prescriber should be contacted promptly. These signs can be unrelated, but they can also indicate NSAID intolerance or gastrointestinal injury.

Strengths and Forms

Metacam oral suspension for dogs is commonly marketed as a 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension. Depending on the market, bottle sizes such as 32 mL and 100 mL may be available, and availability can vary by dispensing pharmacy and supplier. Other meloxicam presentations exist, including injectable forms used in-clinic for certain indications, as well as feline-specific formulations with different concentrations (for example, 0.5 mg/mL oral suspension).

Accurate measurement matters because small volume changes can alter the mg dose. When a metacam syringe (or equivalent dosing syringe) is included, it is intended to support consistent measurement in mL. If a syringe is missing or damaged, a pharmacy may be able to provide a replacement dosing device, but the prescriber’s written dose should remain the reference.

For shoppers who manage multiple veterinary prescriptions, the category Pet Medications can be used as a browseable hub to compare dosage forms across conditions.

Storage and Travel Basics

Storage instructions should follow the package label, since requirements can differ by manufacturer and country. In general, oral suspensions are stored at controlled room temperature and kept in the original container with the cap tightly closed. Avoid exposing the bottle to excessive heat, direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures unless the label specifically permits it.

Orders are dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies after documentation is accepted.

For travel, keeping the bottle upright in a sealed bag can help contain leaks. Carrying a copy of the prescription label and keeping the dosing syringe with the bottle can reduce confusion if doses are administered away from home. If the suspension changes color, odor, or texture, or if the expiry date has passed, a pharmacist or veterinarian should be consulted before further use.

Side Effects and Safety

Like other NSAIDs, meloxicam can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Commonly reported effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or reduced activity. Some dogs may develop more serious complications such as gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, which can present as black/tarry stool, blood in vomit, weakness, or pale gums. Kidney or liver injury is also possible, especially with dehydration, older age, or concurrent medical conditions.

Why it matters: Combining NSAIDs or adding steroids can sharply raise ulcer and bleeding risk.

Metacam oral suspension for dogs should be used with added caution when a dog is receiving long-term therapy or has risk factors that warrant monitoring. A veterinarian may recommend baseline and follow-up lab work (for example, kidney and liver values) for longer courses. Any sudden change in drinking, urination, appetite, stool quality, or energy can be a reason to reassess therapy.

This product is intended for dogs; cats are more sensitive to meloxicam and require cat-specific dosing and labeling. Using a canine-concentration product in cats without explicit veterinary direction can be dangerous.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Important interactions for meloxicam include other NSAIDs (such as carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, or robenacoxib) and corticosteroids (such as prednisone), because combined use can increase gastrointestinal and kidney risks. Caution is also commonly noted with anticoagulants (blood thinners), some antidepressants that affect platelet function, and certain chemotherapy agents, since bleeding risk or kidney stress may be higher.

Some commonly used veterinary drugs can change how the body tolerates NSAIDs, including ACE inhibitors and diuretics used in heart or kidney conditions. The prescriber should have a complete medication list, including supplements, because “natural” products can still affect bleeding or stomach tolerance. For additional context on another NSAID option and its safety considerations, see Deramaxx For Dogs Safety.

If a dog needs surgery, anesthesia, or treatment for acute illness, the veterinary team may pause NSAID therapy based on hydration status, blood pressure, and kidney function. Decisions like washout timing and medication changes should be directed by the veterinarian.

Compare With Alternatives

NSAID selection in veterinary medicine often depends on diagnosis, prior response, and individual risk factors. Alternatives may include carprofen, firocoxib, deracoxib, or robenacoxib, each with its own labeling, dosing approach, and safety warnings. In some cases, veterinarians also use non-NSAID options (for example, certain analgesics, joint supplements, weight management, or physical rehabilitation) as part of a broader pain plan.

Metacam oral suspension for dogs is one option within this broader NSAID group. Some dogs do better with a different active ingredient, while others need the same medicine but with added stomach protection or closer monitoring, depending on the clinical situation. For a cat-focused resource that also helps clarify species differences, Onsior For Cats Guide can be useful background reading.

When comparing specific products, examples of other prescription NSAIDs listed on the site include Previcox and Onsior Dog. A veterinarian can explain why one option may be preferred based on medical history and concurrent therapies.

Pricing and Access

Access to meloxicam for dogs generally requires a valid veterinary prescription. CanadianInsulin helps coordinate prescription intake and routing to a dispensing pharmacy, which can be relevant for cash-pay medication access. For those comparing costs across therapies, the total expense may reflect concentration, bottle size, and prescribed duration rather than the brand name alone.

Cash-pay access is available, including for those without insurance coverage.

If a site promotion applies to a prescription request, details are listed on Promotions. Any promotion still requires that the prescription and product selection match what the prescriber authorized, and substitutions should be discussed with the prescriber.

For account setup and documentation, the key practical step is ensuring the prescriber’s clinic contact details are current, so verification can be completed if needed.

Authoritative Sources

For prescribing and safety decisions, the product label and official regulators’ information should take priority over summaries. These sources can help confirm indications, contraindications, and region-specific warnings.

For U.S. regulatory context, see the FDA Animal Drugs database listing: FDA Animal Drugs @FDA search results.

For another official reference, consult the European Medicines Agency veterinary EPAR: EMA Metacam veterinary overview.

To submit a prescription request, proceed through checkout and select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping if offered.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.