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

> Meloxicam is an oxicam NSAID used for pain and inflammation. In dogs it is given at 0.2 mg/kg on the first day and then 0.1 mg/kg once daily; in cats the US…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/meloxicam/
- 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

Meloxicam is an oxicam NSAID used for pain and inflammation [1]. In dogs it is given at 0.2 mg/kg on the first day and then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [2]; in cats the US label allows only a single 0.3 mg/kg injection [3].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, oxicam)
- Brands: Inflavet, Loxicom, Melobest Pet, Melodox Vet, Melonex, Melopet, Meloxidyl, Metacam, Metaflam, Zeleris, Zeronac M

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation — first day (Injection: single 0.2 mg/kg IV or SC, then oral 0.1 mg/kg daily from 24 h later.) | 0.2 mg/kg [2] | PO, or IV/SC (injection) | Once, on day 1 | Label |
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation — maintenance | 0.1 mg/kg [2] | PO | Once daily | Label |
| Cats | Single injection (US label) (No additional meloxicam or other NSAIDs. Not in cats with renal dysfunction.) | 0.3 mg/kg [3] | SC | Single, one-time dose | Label |

## Uses

- Dogs: control of pain and inflammation (Metacam label) [2][3].
- Cats: single pre/post-operative injection only under the US label [3].
- In the EU and other countries meloxicam is approved for dogs, cats, cattle, pigs and horses [1].

## Mechanism of action

NSAIDs act mainly by reducing prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX); COX-2 inhibition is thought to give the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, while concurrent COX-1 inhibition may cause many adverse effects [1]. Reported COX-1:COX-2 ratios suggest meloxicam is COX-2 selective [1].

## Safety

- Vomiting is the most common adverse effect of NSAIDs; gastrointestinal ulceration is the most common life-threatening one [1].
- Animals with underlying renal compromise may get worse on NSAIDs, and COX-2 selective drugs are not safer for the kidneys [1].
- Boxed warning (US): repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death — do not give additional injectable or oral meloxicam to cats [3].
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam should not receive it (Metacam oral suspension label) [2].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the meloxicam dose for dogs?

0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [2].

### Can cats be given meloxicam daily?

Not under the US label: only a single 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous injection, because repeated use in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death [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] METACAM (meloxicam) oral suspension — label — DailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Boehringer Ingelheim (2026). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c27c35d7-07e1-47d4-97cd-ed1fb17750ce
[3] METACAM (meloxicam) injection — label — DailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Boehringer Ingelheim (2026). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ca78caf5-2b47-46c1-abec-0f925b39f455

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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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