The positive effects of Metacam for dogs include pain and inflammation relief in the case of canine osteoarthritis. This medication (generically known as Meloxicam) is a great treatment to help your dog get back to its regular mobility so that it can once again enjoy its active lifestyle.
However, despite the effectiveness of this drug, it’s important to note any risks associated with administering it to your pup. Most notably, you should be aware of how frequently you can give Metacam to your dog.
One of the most common questions dog owners have regarding Metacam is can I give my dog Metacam twice a day? Metacam is a 24-hour pain relief medication for dogs, meaning you don’t need to administer it to your pup more than once daily.
Further, you really shouldn’t, as this could lead to an overdose or toxicity, especially in smaller dogs. As an NSAID drug, Metacam can lead to kidney failure and stomach ulcers if your dog receives too high of a dose (Meloxicam poisoning).
Because of these serious health risks associated with Metacam overdose, dog owners should stick to the recommended daily dose. Below, we’ll further explore the risks of Metacam overdose in detail.
We’ll also look at alternative treatment routes you can take if you find that one daily dose is not effective enough to treat your dog’s discomfort. Keep reading to stay informed on the safest ways to keep your dog happy and healthy when giving them Metacam medication.
Can I Give My Dog Metacam Twice A Day?
You shouldn’t give your dog Metacam more than once a day. As a rule of thumb, you should always stick to the recommended dose or the dose your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog to avoid overdose and negative side effects.
Metacam is a once-a-day medication for pain relief in dogs, and the dose even goes down in the days following the initial dose.
To be sure of the proper dosage of Metacam for your dog, you should contact a veterinarian or pet professional. If you can’t get into the vet’s office in person, you can always make a video call with a veterinarian via online telemedicine veterinary services or through your veterinarian if they offer such services.
Many telemedicine veterinary services online offer free trials so you can contact a professional in a pinch for advice on your dog’s medication free of charge.
They will be able to advise you on the best Metacam medication schedule for your dog, including tips on what size dose you should be using each day.
What Are The Risks Of Giving Your Male Dog Too Much Metacam?
There are several different health risks of giving your dog too much Metacam. One of the biggest concerns is that it will become poisonous to their bodies, leading to symptoms such as poor appetite, tarry stool, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, malaise, stomach pain, and seizure.
This is especially true in male dogs, who may exhibit symptoms as extreme as stomach ulceration or kidney failure. The ultimate risk of Metacam overdose, however, is that it could end up being fatal since the kidney is such a vital organ.
Furthermore, the risk of urinary tract infections increases in dogs who experience kidney failure. So, if your dog experiences kidney failure as a result of Metacam overdose, it could potentially lead to more issues with their urinary tract.
When it comes to male dogs, it’s important to note that if they aren’t neutered, they may be prone to specific health issues that un-spayed female dogs are not. Neutering your male dog is an effective way to reduce certain health risks that could otherwise develop over time.
It is especially effective if you get your male dog neutered in a timely manner. Keep this in mind when giving your male dog Metacam, as your veterinarian may have input regarding how different doses will affect them depending on whether they’re neutered or not.
What Should I Do If The Normal Metacam Dose Is Not Helping My Dog?
The typical prescribed dose of Metacam is an oral or injection administration of 0.2 mg per kilogram of your dog’s weight on day one, followed by a 0.1 mg per kg daily dose in the next days. Note that signs of Metacam toxicity tend to develop when daily doses reach the range of 0.3-0.5 mg per kilogram of the dog’s weight.
However, if this dose is not helping reduce your dog’s pain and inflammation, you should contact your veterinarian for advice, which might include several alternative treatments like massage or physical support for your dog.
Some ways to further reduce arthritic pain in dogs if Metacam is not enough include starting your dog on a healthy exercise regimen with a veterinarian’s approval. You may also turn to physical therapy methods or massage to work out pain and stiffness in your arthritic dog’s joints.
Aside from these solutions, some veterinarians also suggest taking extra measures to make your dog comfortable throughout the day and night, including a soft place to lay and easier access to food, water, and toys.
You may even install some sort of ramp where necessary so that your dog can avoid walking up and down the stairs too often. Additionally, you should avoid turning to human medications such as aspirin, which are not approved for use in animals.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s safe to give your dog Metacam twice a day, keep in mind that this is strictly a once-a-day medication. And while the suggested dose may not be enough to relieve your dog’s osteoarthritis symptoms, you should avoid overdosing your dog. Doing so could lead to serious health issues such as kidney failure and fatality. Instead, consult a veterinarian regarding the alternative, non-medication treatments that you can use to supplement your dog’s dose of Metacam. You may turn to physical therapy, massage, or added support to comfort your dog’s painful joints.
