# Firocoxib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Firocoxib is a coxib-class NSAID approved in the US and EU for pain and inflammation. Dogs get 5 mg/kg by mouth once a day — as needed for osteoarthritis, or for 3…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/firocoxib/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Firocoxib is a coxib-class NSAID approved in the US and EU for pain and inflammation [1]. Dogs get 5 mg/kg by mouth once a day — as needed for osteoarthritis, or for 3 days after surgery [2]. For horses with osteoarthritis, one 57 mg Equioxx tablet a day covers horses of 800–1300 lb, for up to 14 days; Equioxx oral paste is given at 0.1 mg/kg once a day [3].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, coxib — COX-2 selective)
- Brands: Coxinflam, Coxkind, Equioxx, Firotail, Previcox

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Osteoarthritis (Label: 2.27 mg/lb (5.0 mg/kg).) | 5 mg/kg [2] | PO | Once daily, as needed | Label |
| Dogs | Post-operative pain and inflammation | 5 mg/kg [2] | PO | Once daily · 3 days, as needed | Label |
| Horses | Osteoarthritis (Equioxx oral paste dose) (Paste dose as stated in the Equioxx tablet label (field studies): 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg). Tablets: one 57 mg tablet a day for 800–1300 lb, up to 14 days.) | 0.1 mg/kg [3] | PO | Once daily | Label |

## Uses

- Dogs: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, and pain and inflammation after soft-tissue and orthopedic surgery (Previcox label) [2].
- Horses: pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis (Equioxx label) [3].

## Mechanism of action

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1]. In canine whole-blood assays firocoxib is 384-fold more selective for COX-2 than COX-1, and its elimination half-life of about 8 hours allows once-daily dosing [1].

## Safety

- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to firocoxib should not receive it (Previcox label) [2].
- The Previcox label warns against doses above 5 mg/kg in puppies under seven months old, and against use together with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids [2].
- Serious adverse reactions to this drug class can occur without warning [2].
- Equioxx is for horses only and must not be used in horses intended for human consumption [3].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the firocoxib dose for dogs?

5 mg/kg by mouth once a day — as needed for osteoarthritis, or for 3 days after surgery (Previcox label) [2].

### Is firocoxib used in horses?

Yes — as Equioxx: one 57 mg tablet a day for horses of 800–1300 lb for up to 14 days, or the oral paste at 0.1 mg/kg a day. It must not be used in horses intended for human consumption [3].

## References

[1] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals
[2] PREVICOX (firocoxib) chewable tablets — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Boehringer Ingelheim (2026). https://www.drugs.com/vet/previcox-firocoxib-chewable-tablets.html
[3] EQUIOXX (firocoxib) — label — VetLabel — US label text, Boehringer Ingelheim (2026). https://vetlabel.com/lib/vet/meds/equioxx-1/

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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