Active ingredient

Tolfenamic acid for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

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

Tolfenamic acid is a fenamate NSAID, a structural analogue of flunixin, approved in the EU and other countries ^[1]. It is used for fever, post-operative pain and inflammation in cats, dogs, cattle and pigs ^[1]; the Tolfedine label dose for dogs and cats is 4 mg/kg ^[2].

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

Tolfenamic acid 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.

Tolfenamic acid dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation	4 mg/kg^[2]	SC or IM injection, then tablets	Once daily · Injection, then tablets for 2–4 more days; may be repeated once a week	Label
Cats	Fever	4 mg/kg^[2]	PO	Once daily · 3–5 days	Label

What tolfenamic acid is used for

Fever, post-operative pain and acute and chronic inflammation in cats, dogs, cattle and pigs ^[1].
Dogs: osteoarthritis pain and inflammation; cats: fever (Tolfedine, Canada) ^[2].

How tolfenamic acid works (mechanism of action)

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes ^[1].

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Contraindicated with gastro-duodenal ulcers or severe kidney, heart or liver disorders, and in dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive animals ^[2].
NSAIDs carry more risk in animals under 6 weeks old and in aged, debilitated or sick animals ^[2].

Brands that contain tolfenamic acid

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Tolfedine	Vetoquinol	Tolfenamic acid	Canada

Frequently asked questions

What is the tolfenamic acid dose for dogs?

4 mg/kg by SC or IM injection, followed by tablets at the same dose for 2–4 more days (Tolfedine, Canada) ^[2].

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) · 2024 · Veterinary reference
Passage read from this source
Tolfenamic acid is a fenemate NSAID, and it is a structural analogue of flunixin.
It is approved for use in the EU and other countries.
It is used for fever, postoperative pain, and acute and chronic inflammatory conditions in cats, dogs, cattle, and pigs.
NSAIDs act primarily to reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX).
TOLFEDINE 4% Injection — Canadian labelDrugs.com Vet — Canadian label text, Vetoquinol · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs with hip dysplasia
administer TOLFEDINE Injection by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, at a dosage of 4 mg/kg Tolfenamic acid
continue with TOLFEDINE Tablets at the same dosage, for 2 to 4 more days.
Administer orally, 4 mg/kg Tolfenamic acid per day, for 3 to 5 days, or as recommended by the veterinarian.

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