# Metacam (Meloxicam) Dose for Dogs & Cats: Strengths & Dose Calculator

> Metacam is meloxicam from Boehringer Ingelheim: the oral suspension (1.5 mg/mL) is for dogs only, at 0.2 mg/kg on day 1 then 0.1 mg/kg once daily, and the 5 mg/mL injection is…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/vet-products/metacam-meloxicam/
- Type: Vet product
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Metacam is meloxicam from Boehringer Ingelheim: the oral suspension (1.5 mg/mL) is for dogs only, at 0.2 mg/kg on day 1 then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [1], and the 5 mg/mL injection is for dogs and a single 0.3 mg/kg dose in cats [2].

- Brand: Metacam
- Contains: Meloxicam
- Company: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
- Label species: Dogs, Cats
- Data from: USA (FDA label)

## Strengths

- Metacam oral suspension 1.5 mg/mL: Meloxicam 1.5 mg per mL (verified, [1])
- Metacam injection 5 mg/mL: Meloxicam 5 mg per mL (verified, [2])

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | First day (oral or injection) | 0.2 mg/kg [1] | PO, or IV/SC injection | Once, day 1 | Label |
| Dogs | Maintenance | 0.1 mg/kg [1] | PO | Once daily | Label |
| Cats | Single injection (No further meloxicam or NSAIDs.) | 0.3 mg/kg [2] | SC | Single, one-time dose | Label |

## Label directions

- Oral suspension: 0.2 mg/kg on the first day only, then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [1].
- Injection (dogs): single 0.2 mg/kg IV or SC, followed after 24 h by the oral suspension at 0.1 mg/kg daily [2].
- Injection (cats): single, one-time 0.3 mg/kg SC [2].

## Warnings and precautions

- Boxed warning: repeated use of meloxicam in cats has been associated with acute renal failure and death [2].
- Do not use Metacam oral suspension in cats [1].
- Do not use in cats with pre-existing renal dysfunction [2].


Interactive dose calculator (strength prefilled only when confirmed): use the page link above.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Metacam dose for dogs?

0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg once daily [1].

### Can Metacam be given to cats?

Only a single 0.3 mg/kg injection under the US label; the oral suspension must not be used in cats [1][2].

## References

[1] 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
[2] 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
[3] 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

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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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