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PetDosageChart

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) · For Dogs

How much Metacam (Meloxicam) can I give my dog?

Standard Metacam dose for dogs is 0.1 mg per kg (0.05 mg per lb), given once daily. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
24 hours
Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

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. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Metacam dose by dog weight

Pick your dog's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

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Dosage Chart · 02

Metacam dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0mg 0mg 0.5mg once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1mg (1mg tablet) once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1.5mg once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 1mg (1mg tablet) 1mg (1mg tablet) 2mg (2 × 1mg) once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 1mg (1mg tablet) 1mg (1mg tablet) 2.5mg once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 1.5mg 1.5mg 2.5mg once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 2mg (2 × 1mg) 2mg (2 × 1mg) 3.5mg once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 2.5mg 2.5mg 4.5mg once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 2.5mg 2.5mg 5.5mg once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 3mg (3 × 1mg) 3mg (3 × 1mg) 6.5mg once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 3.5mg 3.5mg 7.5mg once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 4mg (4 × 1mg) 4mg (4 × 1mg) 8mg (8 × 1mg) once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 4.5mg 4.5mg 9mg (9 × 1mg) once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 5.5mg 5.5mg 11mg (11 × 1mg) once daily
150 lbs (68 kg) 7mg (7 × 1mg) 7mg (7 × 1mg) 13.5mg once daily

Common Uses · 03

What is Metacam (Meloxicam) used for in dogs?

osteoarthritis post-surgical pain inflammation

Administration · 04

How to give Metacam to your dog

Meloxicam liquid comes with a dosing syringe for precise measurement. Give with food to minimize stomach upset. The first dose may be a "loading dose" (0.2 mg/kg) followed by 0.1 mg/kg daily. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Regular blood work is recommended for long-term use.

Available Forms

liquid suspension, tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Metacam in dogs

Common side effects

decreased appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
soft stool

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
  • kidney damage
  • liver toxicity
  • jaundice

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

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

  • Dark or tarry stools
  • Vomiting or vomiting blood
  • Yellowing of gums or eyes
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours

For Cats

Looking for Metacam dosage for cats?

View the Metacam dosage chart and calculator for cats.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

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 Meloxicam.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.1 mg per kg (0.05 mg per lb) of body weight, given once daily. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Is meloxicam safe for dogs?
Meloxicam is FDA-approved for dogs and is one of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for canine osteoarthritis. It is generally safe when used at the correct dose with veterinary supervision. Regular blood work is recommended for dogs on long-term therapy to monitor kidney and liver function.
What is the difference between meloxicam and carprofen?
Both are NSAIDs used for pain and inflammation in dogs. Meloxicam (Metacam) is given once daily as a liquid, making it easy to dose precisely. Carprofen (Rimadyl) is given as a flavored chewable tablet once or twice daily. Both are effective, and your vet will choose based on your dog's specific needs.
Can I give meloxicam to my cat?
While a single injectable dose of meloxicam is sometimes used in cats post-surgery, repeated oral dosing of meloxicam is NOT approved for cats in the US and carries a significant risk of kidney failure. Cats are much more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs.
How long can a dog take meloxicam?
Meloxicam can be used long-term for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Dogs on long-term meloxicam should have blood work checked every 6-12 months to monitor kidney and liver function. Always use the lowest effective dose.

Safety · 10

More resources