Can I give my pet meloxicam on an empty stomach?

It is highly recommended to give meloxicam with a full meal. Administering this medication alongside food helps protect the lining of the stomach and reduces the risk of digestive upsets like vomiting or diarrhoea. If your pet has lost their appetite, consult your vet before giving the next dose.

Why does my vet need to do blood tests before prescribing meloxicam?

Because meloxicam is processed by the liver and kidneys, your vet needs to ensure these organs are functioning perfectly before starting treatment. This is especially important for cats and senior dogs, as underlying issues can increase the risk of side effects. Regular monitoring helps keep the treatment safe for long-term use.

Is human meloxicam safe for my dog or cat?

No, you should never give your pet medication intended for humans. Veterinary meloxicam is specifically formulated and concentrated for animal use, allowing for precise dosing based on their body weight. Human versions can lead to accidental overdose and severe toxicity in pets.

How long can my pet stay on meloxicam?

Many pets with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis stay on meloxicam for years to maintain their mobility. The duration depends entirely on your pet's specific needs and their overall health. Your vet will typically review the dose regularly to ensure they are on the lowest effective amount possible.

What are the signs of a meloxicam overdose?

Signs of an overdose can include severe vomiting (sometimes with blood), dark or tarry stools, lethargy, or increased thirst and urination. If you suspect your pet has accidentally ingested too much, or you have doubled a dose by mistake, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

Last Updated: 29/12/2025

Meloxicam (Metacam) for Dogs & Cats: Medication Guide

Meloxicam is a common anti-inflammatory used for arthritis and injury recovery in pets. Our vet-led guide covers everything you need to know about administration, potential side effects, and how to keep your dog or cat comfortable and safe.

Author: Dr Tiffany Barnsdale BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read

dog and cat looking at pill in human hand

Watching a beloved pet struggle with stiff joints or post-surgery discomfort is never easy for a pet parent. Meloxicam, often known by the brand name Metacam, is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in Australia to help pets get back on their paws. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it works by targeting the source of swelling and pain. Whether your dog is starting a long-term plan for arthritis or your cat is recovering from a dental procedure, understanding how this medication works is key to a happy, mobile pet.

How does Meloxicam work and what it's used for

Meloxicam 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, Meloxicam is used to control inflammation, pain, fever and swelling.

Meloxicam is commonly used in dogs and cats to control arthritis pain. It can also be prescribed after surgery, for injuries, cancer and dental infections.

Read more about common conditions for which Meloxicam may be prescribed:

How is it administered?

For dogs, Meloxicam is available as an oral liquid, injection and chewable tablet.

For cats it is only available as an oral liquid or injection. It is commonly administered once daily with food.

How quickly does it work?

Meloxicam should take effect in approximately 1 to 2 hours and last for up to 24 hours.

Potential side effects of Meloxicam

The most common side effect we see in dogs is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.

Meloxicam is used more cautiously in cats due to the potential for kidney damage if used in cats with undiagnosed kidney disease. Your vet will often recommend blood and urine tests to confirm the suitability before prescribing. As with dogs, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite are also side effects seen in cats.

In rare cases, pets may have more serious adverse reactions to Meloxicam including liver and kidney problems. If you notice any of the side effects mentioned above contact your prescribing veterinarian immediately.

Precautions and contraindications

Precautions:

Use Meloxicam with caution in:

Senior pets
Patients with bleeding disorders
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers
Patients with heart conditions

Contraindications:

Meloxicam should not be used in:

Pregnancy and lactation
Patients with impaired liver or kidney function
Dehydrated patients
Patients with gastrointestinal ulcers
Patients with blood in their stools

Drug interactions

Meloxicam should be used with extreme caution if the patient is already on steroids (e.g. prednisolone).

Other drugs that may cause adverse reactions if used in combination with Metacam include: diuretics, anticoagulants, antibiotics, antifungals and immunosuppressive drugs.

Storage and handling

Store meloxicam at room temperature. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the bottle.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Dosage

Initially, a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight is given. Following this, treatment is continued at 24 hour intervals at a maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight (via oral administration). It is crucial that you follow your prescribing veterinarians specific dosing instructions.

Missed dose

If you miss your pet's dose of Meloxicam 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 Meloxicam 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 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 Meloxicam, contact your prescribing veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to get in contact with them, call your local emergency veterinary clinic for advice.

Importance of Veterinary monitoring

It is important that your pet is monitored closely if on meloxicam. Blood tests before commencing a course and regular blood testing (at least annually) 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 gastrointestinal ulceration.

Related medications

Alternative NSAIDs to Metacam include:

Carprofen (Rimadyl)
Firocoxib (Previcox)
Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

Other pain medications commonly used in dogs and cats are:

Gapapentin
Opioids
Tramadol
Cortisone

FAQs

References

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/meloxicam
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102894&id=4952109
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pain-management-for-dogs

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Mon 29 Dec 2025

Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

View less history

About the Author

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.