# Carprofen vs Meloxicam in Dogs: Dosing, Safety & Key Differences

> Carprofen and meloxicam are NSAIDs used in dogs, and both have cited label support for osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation. The cited carprofen…

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- Type: Comparison
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-01
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Carprofen and meloxicam are NSAIDs used in dogs, and both have cited label support for osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation.[1][2][8][10] The cited carprofen tablet labels also include postoperative pain data and pre-procedure dosing directions in dogs, while the cited meloxicam dog label here describes an initial injectable dose followed by oral suspension after 24 hours.[1][12] For both drugs, gastrointestinal adverse effects are the most commonly reported problems in dogs, and both labels advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response.[1][2][11][12]

## At a glance
Both drugs are NSAIDs used in dogs, and both have cited label support for osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation.[1][2][8][10]

| Feature | Carprofen | Meloxicam |
|---|---|---|
| **Class** | NSAID.[1] | NSAID of the oxicam class.[2] |
| **Approved dog use in the cited labels** | Rimadyl caplets are indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.[8] | METACAM Injection is indicated in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and Loxicom Oral Suspension is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.[2][10] |
| **Postoperative pain in dogs** | Separate placebo-controlled, masked, multicenter field studies confirmed the effectiveness of carprofen tablets for the control of postoperative pain in dogs when dosed at 2 mg/lb once daily.[1] | — |
| **Dog dosing in the cited labels** | The recommended oral dosage for Flexprofen Tablets is 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) of body weight daily, given once daily or divided twice daily.[1] | Meloxicam Injection should be administered initially as a single dose at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight IV or SQ, followed, after 24 hours, by meloxicam oral suspension at 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) body weight daily.[12] |
| **Most common adverse effects in dogs** | The most frequently reported effects with carprofen are gastrointestinal signs.[1] | GI abnormalities, including vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, and inappetance, were the most common adverse reactions associated with meloxicam in dogs.[2][11] |
| **Interaction caution in the cited labels** | Concomitant use of carprofen with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided.[1] | — |

## Drug class & how they work
Both drugs are NSAIDs used in dogs.[1][2]

- **Carprofen:** Carprofen is an NSAID.[1]
- **Meloxicam:** Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class.[2]

## Approved uses & indications
In the cited dog labels, both drugs are used for osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation, and carprofen also has postoperative pain data in dogs.[8][2][10][1]

- **Carprofen:** Rimadyl is indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.[8]
- **Carprofen:** Separate placebo-controlled, masked, multicenter field studies confirmed the effectiveness of carprofen tablets for the control of postoperative pain in various breeds of dogs.[1]
- **Meloxicam injection:** METACAM Injection is indicated in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.[2]
- **Meloxicam oral suspension:** Loxicom Oral Suspension is indicated for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.[10]

## Dosing
The cited dog labels use oral once-daily or divided-twice-daily dosing for carprofen, and an initial injectable dose followed by oral suspension for meloxicam.[1][12]

| Drug | Species | Dose | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexprofen Tablets (carprofen) | Dogs | 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) of body weight | Oral | Once daily.[1] |
| Flexprofen Tablets (carprofen) | Dogs | 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) of body weight | Oral | Twice daily.[1] |
| Meloxicam Injection | Dogs | 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight | IV or SQ | Single dose initially.[12] |
| meloxicam oral suspension | Dogs | 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) body weight | Oral | Daily, after 24 hours.[12] |

- **Carprofen and surgery:** For the control of postoperative pain, administer carprofen approximately 2 hours before the procedure.[1]
- **Dose principle:** The carprofen and meloxicam labels advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response.[1][12]

## Safety & adverse effects
Gastrointestinal adverse effects are the most commonly reported problems for both drugs in dogs.[1][2][11]

- **Carprofen:** The most frequently reported effects have been gastrointestinal signs.[1]
- **Carprofen:** Events involving suspected renal, hematologic, neurologic, dermatologic, and hepatic effects have also been reported.[1]
- **Carprofen:** Laboratory studies in unanesthetized dogs and clinical field studies demonstrated that carprofen tablets are well tolerated in dogs after oral administration.[1]
- **Carprofen:** In clinical field studies with 549 dogs at the recommended oral doses for 14 days, the drug was clinically well tolerated and the incidence of clinical adverse reactions for carprofen-tablets treated animals was no higher than placebo-treated animals.[7]
- **Carprofen:** For animals receiving 1 mg/lb twice daily, the mean post-treatment serum ALT values were 11 IU greater and 9 IU less than pre-treatment values for dogs receiving carprofen tablets and placebo, respectively, and differences were not statistically significant.[7]
- **Carprofen:** Carprofen tablets treatment was not associated with renal toxicity or gastrointestinal ulceration in well-controlled safety studies of up to ten times the dose in healthy dogs.[1]
- **Meloxicam:** GI abnormalities, including vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, and inappetance, were the most common adverse reactions in field studies of dogs receiving meloxicam.[2][11]
- **Meloxicam:** Dog owners should be informed that adverse reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and behavioral changes after meloxicam administration.[2][12]
- **Meloxicam:** In foreign suspected adverse drug reaction reporting, adverse reactions related to meloxicam administration included auto-immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, polyarthritis, nursing puppy lethargy, and pyoderma.[2][11]
- **Meloxicam:** In six week and six month target animal safety studies, meloxicam was administered orally at 1, 3, and 5X the recommended dose with no significant clinical adverse reactions, and animals in all dose groups exhibited some gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea and vomiting).[10][11]
- **Meloxicam:** In the six month target animal safety study, treatment related changes included decreased red blood cell counts, decreased hematocrit, dose related neutrophilia, evidence of regenerative anemia, increased BUN, and decreased albumin.[11]
- **Meloxicam:** No macroscopic or microscopic renal changes were observed in any dogs receiving meloxicam in the six month study.[11]

## Contraindications & cautions
Both labels advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response in dogs.[1][12]

- **Carprofen:** Patients at greatest risk for renal toxicity are those that are dehydrated, on concomitant diuretic therapy, or those with renal, cardiovascular, and/or hepatic dysfunction.[1]
- **Carprofen:** Sensitivity to drug-associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient.[1]
- **Carprofen:** Dogs that have experienced adverse reactions from one NSAID may experience adverse reactions from another NSAID.[1]
- **Meloxicam:** Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death.[10]
- **Meloxicam:** Owners should be advised to discontinue Loxicom and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.[10]
- **Meloxicam:** Owners should be advised of the importance of periodic follow up for all dogs during administration of any NSAID.[10]

## Interactions
Carprofen should not be given concurrently with other anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs, and potentially nephrotoxic drugs require caution and monitoring.[1]

- **Carprofen:** Concurrent administration of potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached cautiously, with appropriate monitoring.[1]
- **Carprofen:** Concomitant use of Flexprofen Tablets with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided because of the potential increase of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or perforations.[1]

## Studies comparing Carprofen and Meloxicam
A direct dog study comparing carprofen and meloxicam is listed in an FDA FOI summary.[5]

- **Dogs after ovariohysterectomy:** Comparison of carprofen and meloxicam for 72 hours following ovariohysterectomy in dogs.[5]

## Key points
Both drugs are NSAIDs in dogs, and both labels advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual response.[1][2][12]

- **Shared osteoarthritis use:** Both drugs have cited label use for osteoarthritis-associated pain and inflammation in dogs.[8][2][10]
- **Carprofen dosing:** Flexprofen and Rimadyl carprofen labels describe oral dosing at 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) daily, given once daily or divided twice daily.[1][8]
- **Meloxicam dosing:** The cited meloxicam dog regimen is an initial 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) IV or SQ dose followed, after 24 hours, by oral suspension at 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) daily.[12]
- **Postoperative pain:** The cited carprofen tablet labels include postoperative pain field-study data and pre-procedure dosing instructions in dogs.[1]
- **Adverse effects:** Gastrointestinal effects are the most commonly reported adverse effects for both drugs in dogs.[1][2][11]
- **Carprofen interactions:** Carprofen should be avoided with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, and potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be used cautiously with monitoring.[1]

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the labeled oral carprofen dose for dogs?

The recommended dosage for oral administration of Flexprofen Tablets to dogs is 2 mg/lb (4.4 mg/kg) of body weight daily.[1] The total daily dose may be administered as 2 mg/lb once daily or divided and administered as 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) twice daily.[1]

### How is meloxicam dosed in dogs according to the cited label?

Meloxicam Injection should be administered initially to dogs as a single dose at 0.09 mg/lb (0.2 mg/kg) body weight IV or SQ.[12] After 24 hours, meloxicam oral suspension is given at the daily dose of 0.045 mg/lb (0.1 mg/kg) body weight.[12]

### Is carprofen labeled for postoperative pain in dogs?

Separate placebo-controlled, masked, multicenter field studies confirmed the effectiveness of carprofen tablets for the control of postoperative pain in various breeds of dogs when dosed at 2 mg/lb once daily.[1] For the control of postoperative pain, carprofen should be administered approximately 2 hours before the procedure.[1]

### What adverse effects are most common with carprofen and meloxicam in dogs?

With carprofen, the most frequently reported effects have been gastrointestinal signs.[1] With meloxicam, GI abnormalities including vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, and inappetance were the most common adverse reactions in dog field studies.[2][11]

### Can carprofen be given with corticosteroids or another NSAID?

Concomitant use of Flexprofen Tablets with other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as other NSAIDs or corticosteroids, should be avoided because of the potential increase of adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal ulcerations and/or perforations.[1]

### Are carprofen and meloxicam both indicated for osteoarthritis pain in dogs?

Rimadyl caplets are indicated for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.[8] METACAM Injection and Loxicom Oral Suspension are indicated in dogs for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.[2][10]

## References

[1] Label: FLEXPROFEN- carprofen tablet - DailyMed - NIH — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b65833ee-4415-4d3c-8ce1-d1827201548f
[2] Label: METACAM- meloxicam injection, solution - DailyMed — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ca78caf5-2b47-46c1-abec-0f925b39f455
[3] Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets — www.fda.gov (Sep 29, 2022). https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-pain-relievers-pets
[4] What Veterinarians Should Advise Clients About Pain ... — www.fda.gov (Nov 20, 2024). https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/resources-you/what-veterinarians-should-advise-clients-about-pain-control-and-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs
[5] FOI Summary MIF 900-033 — www.fda.gov (Mar 24, 2022). https://www.fda.gov/media/157917/download
[6] RIMADYL® (carprofen) — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=ae09baf6-1d34-44b0-b9c9-aa9766cdab14&type=display
[7] CARPROFEN tablet - DailyMed - NIH — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3a819c41-3921-494c-a694-62d84e724fc2&audience=consumer
[8] (carprofen) Caplets for Dogs S/NADA 141-053 — animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov. https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/585
[9] Label: OSTIFEN- carprofen tablet, chewable - DailyMed - NIH — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1aeab3b3-d810-4123-8e8a-2db9aef77ef7
[10] LOXICOM- meloxicam suspension — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=8c1f6a04-5753-4723-a3ac-c61f6a478ae3&type=pdf
[11] Metacam® (meloxicam oral suspension) 1.5 mg/mL — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=c27c35d7-07e1-47d4-97cd-ed1fb17750ce&type=display
[12] Meloxicam Injection 5 mg/mL Solution for Injection — dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e2003335-6ecd-4f2d-a076-0eed327a5a68&type=display

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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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