Active ingredient

Cimicoxib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20262 sources

Cimicoxib is a coxib-class NSAID ^[2] used in dogs at 2 mg/kg by mouth once a day for osteoarthritis and for pain around surgery (Cimalgex) ^[1].

Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, coxib)
Sourced doses for: Dogs
Brands on this site: Cimalgex

Cimicoxib dose calculator

Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.

Cimicoxib dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Osteoarthritis	2 mg/kg^[1]	PO	Once daily · Up to 6 months, with regular monitoring for longer use	Label
Dogs	Peri-operative pain	2 mg/kg^[1]	PO	Once daily · One dose 2 hours before surgery, then 3–7 days	Label

What cimicoxib is used for

Dogs: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, and peri-operative pain from orthopaedic or soft-tissue surgery ^[1].

How cimicoxib works (mechanism of action)

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes ^[2]. Cimicoxib belongs to the coxib (COX-2 selective) group ^[2].

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Do not use in dogs under 10 weeks of age; monitor dogs under 6 months closely ^[1].
Do not use in dogs with gastrointestinal or haemorrhagic disorders, or in breeding, pregnant or lactating animals ^[1].
Do not use together with corticosteroids or other NSAIDs ^[1].

Brands that contain cimicoxib

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Cimalgex	Vetoquinol	Cimicoxib	United Kingdom

Frequently asked questions

What is the cimicoxib dose for dogs?

2 mg/kg by mouth once a day; for surgery, one dose 2 hours before and then 3–7 days ^[1].

All veterinary products →

Have a case in front of you?Ask WeVet — the AI assistant built for veterinarians. Differentials, treatment plans with calculated doses, drug info from trusted sources and SOAP notes.

Ask WeVet about this

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

Cimalgex chewable tablets for dogs — SPCUK Veterinary Medicines Directorate — Vetoquinol SPC · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
The recommended dose of cimicoxib is 2 mg/kg bodyweight, once daily.
one dose 2 hours prior to surgery, followed by 3 to 7 days of treatment, based on the judgment of the attending veterinarian.
Relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis: 6 months.
Do not use in dogs less than 10 weeks of age.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) · 2024 · Veterinary reference
Passage read from this source
NSAIDs include deracoxib, firocoxib, robenacoxib, mavacoxib, and cimicoxib
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.