Metacam Dosage Calculator for Dogs

The FDA-approved label (NADA 141-213) sets the dose at 0.2 mg of meloxicam per kg of body weight (0.09 mg/lb) on the first day only, then 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) once daily from day 2 onward. For example, a 10 kg dog works out to 2.00 mg on day 1 and 1.00 mg daily after that. This is an educational estimate of the label formula — your veterinarian must confirm the dose, since they know your dog's health history.

Divide the mg dose by the suspension strength (1.5 mg/mL). A 10 kg dog: day 1 = 2.00 mg = 1.33 mL; maintenance = 1.00 mg = 0.66 mL. A 25 lb dog: day 1 = 2.27 mg = 1.51 mL; maintenance = 1.13 mg = 0.75 mL. This calculator always rounds practical amounts down, never up — and you should never exceed the calculated amount without your vet's direction.

The label prescribes a one-time loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg on day 1 so the drug reaches effective levels quickly, then drops to the 0.1 mg/kg maintenance dose for every day after. The double dose is for the first day only — do not repeat it on later days unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to.

For dogs 5 lb and up, the syringe fits on the bottle and its pound scale delivers the daily maintenance dose: pull the plunger until the black line matches your dog's weight, rounded down to the nearest 5 lb mark (a 10 kg / 22 lb dog sets the 20 lb mark = 0.60 mL for maintenance). On day 1 only, draw twice the maintenance volume. Shake the bottle well first. The syringe cannot measure doses for dogs under 5 lb (2.3 kg).

The measuring syringe cannot measure doses under 5 lb, so the label switches to drops: about 2 drops per kg for maintenance (4 drops per kg on day 1). A 4 lb dog works out to roughly 3 drops for maintenance and 7 drops on day 1 — each drop is about 0.05 mg. Put the drops on food only, never directly into the mouth, and have your veterinarian confirm the count: overdosing a tiny dog is easy and dangerous.

Do not give Metacam to dogs with known hypersensitivity to meloxicam or other NSAIDs, dehydrated dogs, dogs with kidney or liver disease, or dogs with GI ulceration or bleeding — unless your veterinarian directs it. Never combine it with another NSAID or a corticosteroid without a vet-directed washout. And never give the dog product to cats: the label carries a boxed warning that repeated meloxicam use in cats is linked to acute renal failure and death. Safety is also unestablished in puppies under 6 weeks and in pregnant or nursing dogs.

No — do not substitute. Human meloxicam tablets (typically 7.5 mg or 15 mg) are a different formulation with different dosing and inactive ingredients than the dog's 1.5 mg/mL flavored oral suspension, which is measured with a pound-calibrated syringe or drops. Metacam for dogs is prescription-only and restricted by federal law to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Ask your vet for the correct product rather than splitting human tablets.

As with any NSAID, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, black or tarry stools, increased or decreased thirst and urination, lethargy, or yellowing of the gums/eyes. These can signal GI, kidney, or liver problems. Stop the drug and contact your veterinarian promptly if any appear — severe signs (collapse, bloody vomit or stool, seizures) are an emergency. The label advises using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.

Only your veterinarian should decide duration. A clinical response is normally seen within 3-4 days; the label advises stopping if there is no improvement after about 10 days at the latest. For chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, long-term use means the lowest effective individual dose with periodic veterinary checkups and blood work to monitor kidneys and liver.

No — not without your veterinarian's direction. Combining meloxicam with another NSAID (aspirin, carprofen, etc.) or a corticosteroid (prednisone, dexamethasone) greatly increases the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney damage. Switching between these drugs requires a vet-directed washout period. Always tell your vet about every medication and supplement your dog takes.

Give the missed dose when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one — then skip it and resume the normal once-daily schedule. Never give a double dose to catch up, and do not repeat the day-1 loading dose on a later day unless your veterinarian instructs it. If you are unsure, call your vet rather than guessing.

No. This tool gives an educational estimate of the FDA label formula (0.2 mg/kg on day 1, 0.1 mg/kg daily after) with practical amounts always rounded down, but it does not know your dog's weight history, kidney or liver health, GI history, or other medications. Metacam is a prescription NSAID with real risks — confirm every dose and the treatment plan with your veterinarian.