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PetDosageChart

Deramaxx (Deracoxib) Dosage for Dogs

COX-2 selective NSAID ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 24 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator

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Deramaxx Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg (12mg tablet) Once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 4.5mg 9mg (12mg tablet) 18mg Once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 7mg 13.5mg (12mg tablet) 27mg Once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 9mg (12mg tablet) 18mg 36.5mg (3 × 12mg) Once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 11.5mg (12mg tablet) 22.5mg (2 × 12mg) 45mg (4 × 12mg) Once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 13.5mg (12mg tablet) 27mg 54.5mg Once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 18mg 36mg (3 × 12mg) 72.5mg (6 × 12mg) Once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 22.5mg (2 × 12mg) 45.5mg (4 × 12mg) 91mg Once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 27mg 54.5mg 109mg (9 × 12mg) Once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 31.5mg 63.5mg 127mg Once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 36.5mg (3 × 12mg) 72.5mg (6 × 12mg) 145mg (12 × 12mg) Once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 41mg 81.5mg (7 × 12mg) 163mg Once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 45.5mg (4 × 12mg) 91mg 181.5mg (15 × 12mg) Once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 54.5mg 109mg (9 × 12mg) 217.5mg (18 × 12mg) Once daily
150 lbs (68 kg) 68mg 136mg 272mg Once daily

What is Deramaxx (Deracoxib) used for in dogs?

Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation Post-operative pain management Chronic joint pain Orthopedic and dental surgery recovery

How to give Deramaxx to your dog

Give the Deramaxx chewable tablet by mouth once daily with food. The dose varies by indication: 3-4 mg/kg for post-operative pain (up to 7 days) or 1-2 mg/kg for chronic osteoarthritis. Use the correct tablet size for your dog's weight as prescribed by your vet. NEVER combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids — allow at least a 5-7 day washout period when switching. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated and eating well. Monitor appetite and stool consistency throughout treatment.

Available Forms

Chewable tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Deramaxx in dogs

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy

Serious side effects

  • GI ulceration or perforation
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage
  • GI bleeding

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Vomiting, especially containing blood or coffee-ground-like material
  • Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stool
  • Significant decrease in appetite or water intake
  • Increased thirst and urination (possible kidney effects)
  • Jaundice — yellowing of gums, eyes, or inner ears (liver damage)

Related Medications for Dogs

COX-2 selective NSAID

Previcox

Firocoxib

For Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

View dosage chart
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Rimadyl

Carprofen

For osteoarthritis

View dosage chart
NSAID / Antiplatelet

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic Acid

For mild pain relief

View dosage chart
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Metacam

Meloxicam

For osteoarthritis

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Deracoxib.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in dosing for post-operative vs. arthritis use?
Deracoxib is dosed differently depending on the indication: for post-operative pain, the dose is typically 3-4 mg/kg once daily for up to 7 days. For chronic osteoarthritis management, a lower dose of 1-2 mg/kg once daily is used for long-term therapy. The lower chronic dose helps minimize side effects during extended use.
How does Deramaxx compare to Previcox?
Both Deramaxx (deracoxib) and Previcox (firocoxib) are COX-2 selective NSAIDs with similar efficacy for osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain. The choice often comes down to individual dog tolerance, vet preference, and cost. Some dogs that have GI issues on one may tolerate the other better.
Can Deramaxx be given with joint supplements?
Yes, joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can safely be combined with Deramaxx. Many vets recommend this multimodal approach for arthritis management. Supplements may help reduce the NSAID dose needed over time.
How long before I see improvement in my dog's arthritis?
Many dogs show improved comfort and mobility within the first few days of starting Deramaxx. However, full benefit may take 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing. If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks, consult your vet about adjusting the treatment plan.
What blood tests are needed while my dog is on Deramaxx?
Baseline blood work (complete blood count, liver and kidney values) should be done before starting treatment. Follow-up blood work is recommended at 2-4 weeks, then every 6-12 months during long-term use. This monitoring helps detect any liver or kidney effects early, when they are most reversible.

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