Last Updated: 29/12/2025
Firocoxib (Previcox/Prevequine) for Dogs & Horses: Medication Guide
Managing your pet's pain is vital for their quality of life. This guide explains how firocoxib works to treat arthritis and inflammation in dogs and horses, including dosage tips, potential side effects, and when to call your veterinarian.
Author: Dr Tiffany Barnsdale BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Seeing a beloved dog struggle to get up in the morning or noticing a horse stiffen in their gait can be heartbreaking. When joints grow weary or injury strikes, firocoxib (often known by the brand name Previcox (for dogs) or Prevequine (for horses) is a commonly prescribed tool in the veterinary toolkit to bring back that spring in their step. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it targets the source of discomfort by blocking the enzymes responsible for swelling and pain. Whether it's managing long-term osteoarthritis or helping a pet recover from a recent surgery, understanding how this medication works ensures your furry friend stays comfortable and safe throughout their treatment.
How Previcox/Prevequine works and what it's used for
Firocoxib is classed as a non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) medication. Medications in this class block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), this enzyme is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the substances that trigger inflammation, pain, fever and swelling. Therefore, Firocoxib is used to control inflammation, pain, fever and swelling.
Firocoxib is commonly used in dogs and horses to control arthritis pain. It is also used after surgery and for injuries.
Firocoxib is not registered or recommended for cats.
Read more about common conditions for which Firocoxib may be prescribed
How is it administered?
Firocoxib is most often administered in a tablet form by mouth (in both dogs and horses). It can also be compounded into a liquid form. Care must be taken with dosing if given as a liquid.
Firocoxib can cause stomach upsets (e.g. vomiting) if given on an empty stomach. So it is often recommended to give with food.
How quickly does it work?
Firocoxib takes effect in 1 to 2 hours.
Potential side effects
The potential side effects of Firocoxib are the same as others in their drug class (NSAIDs). These include:
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Anorexia
Precautions and contraindications
Precautions:
Firocoxib should be used with caution in animals that:
- are dehydrated
- have liver, kidney or heart disease
- have low blood pressure
- are on diruetic medications
Avoided or used with caution in pets with gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding disorders.
Contraindications:
Not to be used in pets that are:
- younger than 7 months old
- known to have an allergy to Firocoxib or other NSAIDs
- currently prescribed corticosteroids
- currently prescribed NSAID
The safety of Firocoxib has not been evaluated for pregnant, lactating or breeding pets.
Does Firocoxib interact with other drugs?
Firocoxib should not be given in combination with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids as these drugs can interact and lead to severe side effects like gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding.
Storage and handling
Store firocoxib at room temperature. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the bottle. Store compounded liquid according to bottle instructions.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Dosage
Dogs: Firocoxib is dosed at 5mg per kg of body weight, once per day.
Horses: 0.1mg per kg of body weight, once per day.
Follow your treating Veterinarian's instructions regarding dosing for your pet.
Missed dose
If you miss your pet's dose of Firocoxib and it is MORE than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose, give the missed dose immediately.
If you miss your pet's dose of Firocoxib and it is LESS than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose, either:
- Skip the missed dose and give regular dose at normal time OR
- Give the missed dose and then wait the normal dosing interval before giving it again (i.e. continue to give dose at new time)
Never give your pet more than prescribed dose (i.e. NEVER double dose or give at more regular intervals).
Stopping the medication
It is recommended that you follow your treating veterinarians instructions in terms of duration of treatment. There is no need to taper off when the course of Firocoxib is finished. Any cessation or change to your pet's medication should only be done under the close supervision and recommendation of your treating Veterinarian.
Overdose
If you suspect your pet has overdosed on Firocoxib, contact your prescribing veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to get in contact with them (or it is after clinic hours), call your local emergency veterinary clinic for advice.
Importance of Veterinary monitoring
As with other NSAIDs, it is important that your pet is monitored closely if on meloxicam. Blood tests before commencing a course and regular blood testing (at least anually) if used long term is recommended. These blood tests will help to monitor liver and kidney function and can also help to detect signs of gastointestinal ulceration.
Related medications
Alternative NSAIDs to Firocoxib include:
- Carprofen (Rimadyl)
- Meloxicam (Metacam)
- Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
- Phenylbutazone (Bute) - horses
- Flunixin meglumine (Benamine) - horses
Other pain medications commonly used in dogs and horses include:
- Gapapentin
- Opioids
- Tramadol
- Cortisone
- Ketamine
FAQs
References
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/firocoxib
https://bi-animalhealth.com/pets/canine/products/therapeutics/previcox
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/firocoxib
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 30 Dec 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Tiffany Barnsdale BVSc (Hons)
Contributing Author, BVSc (Hons)
Dr Tiffany Barnsdale is one of Pet Circle's qualified veterinarians. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2017 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours. After graduating, Dr Tiffany moved to New Zealand where she worked in a mixed animal practice in the lower South Island. Tiffany, her young family and their 2 dogs moved back to Brisbane at the start of 2021! She has a special interest in bovine medicine and surgery, small animal preventative medicine and nutrition.
