Metacam Alternatives for Dogs

WHAT IS MELOXICAM USED FOR IN DOGS?

Meloxicam is a drug prescribed to dogs with stiffness, pain and inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis. It also treats symptoms of other bone and muscle disorders like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Vets prescribe Meloxicam for short-term conditions as well - such as post-surgery treatment or recovery from an injury. This medication works on the dog's hormones that cause inflammation without using steroids while still being helpful in curing chronic problems too!

Metacam is something known as an NSAID. In humans, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin are used pretty regularly, but for pets, they often need to be prescribed by a vet.

These medications seek to relieve pain without adding steroids to the body. Because of this, it can be used for types of pain in pets, such as arthritis. That said, it's worth considering just how safe this medication will be for your pet's unique situation.

Is Metacam For Canines Safe?

What is nice for dog owners to know is that NSAIDs for dogs are thought to be one of the safest options out there for pain relief. Aside from NSAIDs, there are also opioid , corticosteroid or nephrotoxic medication options out there. However, most of these are known for having a number of nasty side effects, and on top of that, they can be highly addictive.

NSAIDs do not come with such a high risk of addiction, which makes them quite a bit safer. The side effects with NSAIDs like Metacam, Meloxicam, and Loxicom for dogs is usually mild but may also be less intense, but there are still side effects to be aware of for the sake of your pet.

What are the side effects of Metacam for dogs?

While NSAIDs like Metacam are typically very safe, they can still have some troubling side effects. These are worth having an understanding of so that you know what their use in dogs may experience while taking the medication.

Some of the Metacam side effects can include:

• Upset stomachs
• Nausea
• Bleeding in the stomach
• Vomiting and Soft Stool Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Ulcers
• Jaundice
• Anorexia
• Fatigue
• Heightened thirst
• Behavioral changes
• Heightened urination

Treatment with Metacam is a medication that can be used for pain and inflammation. However, it's important to remember there are risks involved with taking this drug as well. For example allergic reactions could lead to anaphylaxis, which means swelling or difficulty breathing if you notice these signs contact your vet immediately! Additionally, Metacam medication should be avoided in pregnant or lactating dogs currently either; let your veterinarian know about existing conditions and currently prescribed medications - especially renal or cardiovascular conditions- before starting on this medicine because they may react poorly with the pill prescribed by their vet. Lastly but most importantly tell them all prescription drugs (over-the-counter) even those sold without a prescription have been taken so far for anything from allergies

Dosage Of Metacam Oral Suspension For Dogs

An overdose of Metacam can lead to serious side effects such as vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. The usual dosage for dogs is between .09 - 0.1 mg per pound on the first day followed by a smaller dose from there at around 45-0.05mg per lb taken orally once daily thereafter (once your veterinarian has given you instructions). Metacam comes in oral suspension form and its strength is usually 5 mgs; if you are unsure what dosage to give please contact your vet or veterinary specialist who may be able to provide more information about how this medication should be administered properly depending on weight.

Meloxicam is a drug that may come in pill form, which can be added to your dog’s food. Your vet will advise you on the best type of Meloxicam for their individual condition. They also have instructions on how to administer it safely if needed.

NSAIDs And Kidney Damage

The anti-inflammatory drug NSAID can also be rough on your dog's kidneys. Often, kidney problems from NSAIDs are more likely to occur over long-term use, but each dog is different.

Cyclo oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs affect the kidneys by blocking prostaglandins. These are a subset of NSAIDs and as a result, the blood vessels that flow to the kidneys struggle with dilation. With this, oxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may cause injury or damage to the kidneys themselves. In addition, your dog may be more likely to have kidney problems as they age.

With long-term use, the following health issues with NSAIDS may be associated with:

• Ulcers
• Heart disease
• Renal failure
• Hypertension

Before giving your dog Metacam, it's a very good idea to make sure you have a full understanding of important safety information Metacam medications come with and how these long term issues may affect your dog's life.

Metacam Reactions And Overdosing

Understanding allergic reactions and overdoses with Metacam oral suspension in dogs can help you to avoid a potentially lethal situation for your pet.

No matter what kind of pet NSAID you're using, knowing the Metacam or Meloxicam dosage for dogs is key. Often, this dosage is based on the weight of your pet. Your vet will be able to determine the best dosage for your specific pet, so make sure to follow their guidelines closely with Metacam then monitored regularly while your dog is taking this class cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory medication.

The following symptoms can be signs of an adverse reaction or overdose:

• Heavy, quick breathing
• Fits of diarrhea
• Delusion and stumbling
• Vomiting and soft stool

Keep in mind that this medication was initially intended for humans So with use in dogs, if you see any of the above signs, get them to a vet quickly.

While there are versions of Metacam that are suitable for humans, but it's not recommended that you give human pain meds to dogs. These medications are often not in the correct dosages for pets, and it can easily result in an overdose. To keep your pet safe, it's best to use NSAIDs that are safe for dogs, under the direction of your veterinarian.

5 Natural NSAID Alternatives

If your dog doesn't react well to Metacam, or you'd prefer to avoid finding out, then these Metacam alternatives are options worth considering. If you're interested in using any of them, make sure to discuss it with your vet, they can provide information on the options.

Fish Oil

Fish oil for dogs can be an option that assists with pain relief for dogs as well as providing a number of other benefits. Keep in mind that this option may not be quite as effective as standard medications, but it can still be a useful tool for dogs who are experiencing discomfort.

Furthermore, you will need to make sure the fish oil you get for your dog is high quality. Low-quality options can not only be less effective, but they can also include toxins that may not be good for the health of your canine companion.

Arnica

The flowers that come from Arnica plants are used in creating Arnica extracts. These extracts can be useful when used topically for the sake of relieving inflammation in the body. Because of that, it can be especially useful for joint problems. Otherwise, it can also be ingested orally.

If you're interested in trying out this option for your pup, keep in mind that Arnica does contain a toxin called helenalin. In high doses, this can be somewhat dangerous to your pet. That said, in the correct amounts users can find that it's rather helpful for joint issues. 

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a well-known supplement that can assist in a number of ways, including addressing dysplasia, joint pain, digestive issues, arthritis, and general inflammation. Typically, this supplement comes from shells taken from shellfish, which is certainly an interesting place to find a supplement!

Many think that Glucosamine is useful for helping the body to produce more synovial fluid and cartilage to keep joints healthy. That said, it's not incredibly clear how effective the supplement is, so you may need to keep an eye on your dog for improvements while providing it to them. Many pet owners do use it, so it's likely there is something to gain from it!

Yucca

Some can also find that yucca offers inflammatory properties that can be useful in handling pain. This is due to the high levels of saponins that can be found in the roots of the plant. These saponins can be found to be quite effective, rivaling even some prescribed medications out there.

However, it's also worth noting that this supplement can irritate your pet's stomach. Because of that, it's typically best to try to only use it for short-term issues. That way, your pet can receive the benefits without too many stomach problems resulting from the use.

CBD For Dogs: The Top Metacam Alternative

CBD has been rampantly gaining popularity in recent years, and there are plenty of reasons for that! This fantastic supplement is great for pets with epilepsy, cancer, anxiety, arthritis, and much more. It's capable of relieving nausea, boosting appetite, and allowing them to move around with more ease.

On top of that, this is an option that has minimal side effects and be used as a Metacam alternative. At most, users have found that it can make their pet a little drowsy if the dosage was too high. Aside from that, it's considered to be safe, natural, and highly reliable for a wide range of situations.

Not only can CBD help pets with illnesses or conditions, but it can also help healthy pets to continue feeling great. It's a fantastic preventative measure for those who want to keep their pet healthy and youthful for as long as possible. There's really no reason not to give it a shot for your pet!

CBD For Pain and Inflammation Relief

Due to its anti-inflammatory abilities, CBD is a fantastic option for pets who are feeling pain. It's a great choice for dogs suffering from arthritis or other chronic pain conditions, allowing them happier lives overall. Even pets being treated for cancer can receive some excellent benefits from the supplement.

Because of these abilities, it's a top choice for helping your pet. Depending on your situation, you may be able to replace Metacam entirely with CBD. Otherwise, it can at least decrease the amount of Metacam your pet needs to take, which means fewer potential side effects than with just non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.

Metacam For Dogs: The Bottom Line

Knowing that your dog is in pain can be such a difficult thing, but it helps to know that there are options. Whether you choose to give your dog standard medications or natural supplements for pets, most of us are just trying to find the most effective option with the fewest risks.

That is precisely why CBD has become such a popular option on the market today. It's great for a number of different issues and can even work to protect pets with good health. Furthermore, it's also known to have few side effects, which is a huge benefit over many medications out there.

We know you want what's best for your pet, and the information here is designed to help you with getting it. It can also be helpful to talk to your vet about the options out there to help your beloved pet.

Sources:

Metacam

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Use in Canines for Osteoarthritis

Should I Give Fish Oil To My Pet?

 

Approved by:

Dr. Ivana Vukasinovic

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade

Ivana Vukasinovic grew up in Serbia and attended the University of Belgrade where she received a degree in Veterinary medicine in 2012 and later completed surgical residency working mostly with livestock. Her first year of practice was split between busy small animal practice and emergency clinic, and after two more years of treating many different species of animals, she opened her own veterinary pharmacy where an interest in canine and feline nutrition emerged with an accent on fighting animal obesity. In her free time, she acts as a foster parent for stray animals before their adoption, likes to read SF books and making salted caramel cookies.

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Sincerely,

The Innovet Team

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