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PetDosageChart

Previcox (Firocoxib) 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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Previcox Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 11.5mg 11.5mg 11.5mg Once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 22.5mg 22.5mg 22.5mg Once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 34mg 34mg 34mg Once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 45.5mg (57mg tablet) 45.5mg (57mg tablet) 45.5mg (57mg tablet) Once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 56.5mg (57mg tablet) 56.5mg (57mg tablet) 56.5mg (57mg tablet) Once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 68mg (57mg tablet) 68mg (57mg tablet) 68mg (57mg tablet) Once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 90.5mg 90.5mg 90.5mg Once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 113.5mg (2 × 57mg) 113.5mg (2 × 57mg) 113.5mg (2 × 57mg) Once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 136mg 136mg 136mg Once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 158.5mg (3 × 57mg) 158.5mg (3 × 57mg) 158.5mg (3 × 57mg) Once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 181.5mg (3 × 57mg) 181.5mg (3 × 57mg) 181.5mg (3 × 57mg) Once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 204mg 204mg 204mg Once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 227mg (4 × 57mg) 227mg (4 × 57mg) 227mg (4 × 57mg) Once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 272mg (5 × 57mg) 272mg (5 × 57mg) 272mg (5 × 57mg) Once daily
150 lbs (68 kg) 340mg (6 × 57mg) 340mg (6 × 57mg) 340mg (6 × 57mg) Once daily

What is Previcox (Firocoxib) used for in dogs?

Osteoarthritis pain and inflammation Post-surgical pain management Chronic joint pain Soft tissue surgery recovery

How to give Previcox to your dog

Give the Previcox chewable tablet by mouth once daily with food to reduce stomach upset. Most dogs accept the flavored chewable readily. The dose is 5 mg/kg — your vet will prescribe the appropriate tablet size. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. NEVER combine with other NSAIDs (like carprofen, meloxicam, or aspirin) or corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone). Ensure your dog is well-hydrated and eating before each dose. Monitor for signs of GI upset throughout treatment.

Available Forms

Chewable tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Previcox in dogs

Common side effects

Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Soft stool

Serious side effects

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

When to call the vet

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

  • Vomiting, especially with blood or material resembling coffee grounds
  • Dark, tarry, or bloody stools
  • Decreased appetite or refusal to eat lasting more than 24 hours
  • Increased thirst and urination (possible kidney effects)
  • Yellowing of gums, eyes, or skin (possible liver damage)

Related Medications for Dogs

COX-2 selective NSAID

Deramaxx

Deracoxib

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 Firocoxib.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Previcox different from other NSAIDs like carprofen?
Firocoxib (Previcox) is a COX-2 selective NSAID, meaning it preferentially blocks the COX-2 enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation while relatively sparing COX-1, which protects the stomach lining and supports kidney function. This selectivity may result in fewer GI side effects compared to less selective NSAIDs, though GI risks are not eliminated.
Can my dog take Previcox long-term for arthritis?
Yes, Previcox is approved for long-term use in managing osteoarthritis pain. However, regular veterinary monitoring is essential, including periodic blood work to check liver and kidney function. Your vet will typically recommend blood tests every 6-12 months during chronic use.
Why can't I give Previcox with prednisone or other NSAIDs?
Combining NSAIDs with corticosteroids (like prednisone) or other NSAIDs dramatically increases the risk of serious GI ulceration, bleeding, and kidney damage. There should be a washout period of at least 5-7 days when switching between NSAIDs or between an NSAID and a steroid.
What should I do if my dog vomits after taking Previcox?
A single episode of vomiting may not be serious — try giving the next dose with a full meal. However, if vomiting persists, or if you see blood in the vomit (looks like coffee grounds) or dark/tarry stools, stop the medication immediately and contact your vet, as these may indicate GI ulceration.
Is Previcox safe for young dogs after surgery?
Previcox is FDA-approved for post-surgical pain in dogs 12.5 weeks of age and older for soft tissue surgery and 6 months of age for orthopedic surgery. For post-surgical use, it is typically given for 3-7 days. Always follow your vet's specific dosing instructions.

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