Metacam® Oral Suspension for Dogs

Metacam Oral Suspension is a meloxicam NSAID for dogs with osteoarthritis. This page explains dosing, safe use, and storage for home administration. Ships from Canada to US, and costs may fit if you pay without insurance.

What Metacam Is and How It Works

Metacam® contains meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for canine pain control. It selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase activity, which lowers prostaglandin production. The result helps reduce joint inflammation and relieve discomfort when used as directed.

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This therapy is labeled for the control of pain and inflammation linked to osteoarthritis. Meloxicam Oral Suspension for Dogs is palatable and formulated for accurate weight-based dosing. The oral liquid allows precise adjustments within the prescribed range. Veterinarians monitor response and tolerability and may recommend periodic lab checks.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for dogs with osteoarthritis confirmed by a veterinarian. It is not for cats. Avoid in dogs younger than six months or those with active gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding disorders, severe kidney impairment, or significant liver disease. For larger patients, veterinarians may prescribe Meloxicam 1.5 mg/mL Oral Suspension based on body weight and the product label. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs were not evaluated; use only if your prescriber considers the benefits to outweigh risks.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the veterinary label and your prescriber’s instructions. A typical approach starts with a single loading dose based on body weight, followed by a lower once-daily maintenance dose. Give with a small meal or after food to reduce stomach upset, unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Shake the bottle well before each dose.

Use the Metacam Dosing Syringe to measure by weight according to the graduated scale. After measuring, place the tip gently in the cheek pouch and dispense slowly. Offer water afterward. Do not exceed the prescribed daily amount. If your dog is also taking other medicines, separate administration as your veterinarian directs. Regular rechecks help confirm ongoing suitability and the lowest effective dose.

Strengths and Forms

• Oral suspension strengths: 0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL.
• Common bottle sizes: 10 mL, 15 mL, 32 mL, and 100 mL.
• Includes a calibrated oral syringe for weight-based dosing.
• Flavoring designed to aid acceptance in adult dogs.
• Metacam 100 mL Bottle option for multi-pet homes or larger dogs.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. Contact the prescribing veterinarian if multiple doses are missed or if you are unsure how to proceed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature. Keep the cap tightly closed and the bottle upright. Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat. Shake well before dosing. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use the provided measuring device and clean it after use as directed on the label.

When traveling, carry the medicine in original packaging with the prescription label. Pack the bottle and syringe in a sealed bag to avoid leaks. If flying, place it in your carry-on. Bring a copy of the prescription or veterinarian’s note if needed. You are responsible for proper storage during travel and for preventing accidental ingestion.

Benefits

• Once-daily maintenance dosing
• Weight-based adjustments
• Oral liquid format
• Flavoring for easier dosing
• Graduated syringe markings
• Flexible bottle sizes

Side Effects and Safety

• Vomiting or soft stools
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Mild behavioral changes

Serious reactions can include gastrointestinal ulceration, black or bloody stools, persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, severe lethargy, or seizures. Stop the treatment and contact a veterinarian immediately if these occur. Risk may be higher in dehydrated dogs or those with renal, hepatic, or gastrointestinal disease. Use exactly as prescribed and avoid other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs unless directed.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless your veterinarian specifically advises it. Use caution with anticoagulants, certain diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or nephrotoxic agents. Discuss all medicines, supplements, and flea, tick, or heartworm products before starting therapy. Ensure your dog has access to water and maintain regular feeding. Seek veterinary advice before use in dogs with a history of GI bleeding, kidney or liver disease, or clotting disorders.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent administration and appropriate monitoring, many dogs may show improved comfort and mobility. The response can vary by individual, clinical severity, and concurrent care such as weight management and joint support plans. Your prescriber may continue the medicine long term if well tolerated, and may recommend periodic exams and lab work. Do not change the dose or stop without veterinary guidance.

Compare With Alternatives

Other veterinary NSAIDs or pain-control options may be suitable based on your dog’s history and procedure needs. For short-term post-operative pain, a prescriber may consider Onsior® Dog in appropriate cases. In clinic settings, injectable carprofen is sometimes used; see Rimadyl® Injectable for labeled information. Choice depends on diagnosis, duration required, comorbidities, and prior responses.

Pricing and Access

Order Metacam Online after your veterinarian provides a valid prescription. We offer US shipping from Canada with transparent Canadian pricing. Review bottle sizes and select the option that matches your dog’s weight and anticipated duration. Our encrypted checkout protects your information.

Want to track current offers? See our Promotions. To compare options and estimate out-of-pocket costs, check live pricing by starting a request. If you prefer a smaller initial supply, consider a smaller bottle and adjust future refills with your prescriber’s guidance.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability may vary by strength and bottle size. If a particular size is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a different pack size or another veterinary NSAID. Do not substitute medicines without veterinary approval. For broader options across species and conditions, browse Pet Medications.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dogs with stable kidney and liver function and no active GI disease are typical candidates when an NSAID is appropriate. Avoid use in dogs with known NSAID hypersensitivity. Discuss baseline bloodwork and follow-up testing with your veterinarian before long-term therapy.

• Multi-month planning: choose an appropriate bottle size for continuous therapy.
• Refill reminders: set alerts so you do not miss doses.
• Follow label dosing: use the calibrated syringe for accuracy.
• Monitor tolerance: report appetite, stool, and behavior changes promptly.
• Consider diet and weight: joint-friendly plans may support comfort.
• Review all medicines: reduce interaction risks by sharing full lists.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is an NSAID appropriate for my dog’s osteoarthritis right now?
• What baseline tests and rechecks do you recommend during therapy?
• How should I give the dose relative to meals?
• Which warning signs mean I should stop and call immediately?
• How long might my dog need this treatment, assuming good tolerance?
• Could joint supplements, weight control, or physical therapy help?

Authoritative Sources

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

Health Canada Veterinary Drugs

For background on canine arthritis and multimodal care, see Arthritis In Dogs. For NSAID context, you can also read Deramaxx For Dogs. Handling nausea from various causes may involve antiemetics; see Cerenia Tablets. For common antibiotic guidance in dogs, review Cephalexin For Dogs.

Ready to proceed? Start your request for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for veterinary advice; always follow your veterinarian and the approved label.