Metacam® Oral Suspension for Dogs and Cats

Metacam is a veterinary NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation in pets. It helps manage osteoarthritis in dogs and short-term discomfort in cats. You can compare options, understand dosing, and explore Metacam® without insurance with US delivery from Canada.

What Metacam Is and How It Works

Metacam® contains meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. By moderating these signals, the treatment can ease swollen joints, stiffness, and discomfort so pets can move more comfortably. It belongs to the same broad class as carprofen and robenacoxib, with veterinary-only labeling and dosing tools tailored for animals.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

In dogs, this medicine is widely used for chronic osteoarthritis care and for controlling pain after certain procedures when a veterinarian recommends it. In cats, prescribers may use the oral suspension for short courses under close supervision. Always follow your veterinarian’s plan and the product insert.

To support your research on joint health, you can also explore condition pages such as Inflammation, Osteoarthritis, and Pain.

Who It’s For

This therapy is intended for dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis or other veterinarian-confirmed painful inflammatory conditions. It may also be used in cats for short-term relief, usually around musculoskeletal discomfort or postoperative care when appropriate. The choice to start meloxicam is individualized by the prescriber based on history, exam, and lab work.

Pets with stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, liver problems, dehydration, or bleeding disorders may not be good candidates. Very young animals, pregnant or nursing animals, and those on other NSAIDs or steroids require special caution. Discuss risks and benefits if your pet is older or has concurrent diseases. Educational reading for cat owners is available in Cat Pain Signs.

When a clinician recommends it, Meloxicam oral suspension for cats can be part of a short, monitored plan. Do not extend use beyond your veterinarian’s instructions.

Dosage and Usage

Your veterinarian will provide a weight-based schedule and demonstrate how to measure doses with the included syringe or dropper. Shake the bottle well before each dose to ensure a uniform suspension. Many dogs start with an initial amount and then continue on a once-daily maintenance plan, though your pet’s regimen may differ. Cats often receive a single dose or a very short course only when indicated.

Give each dose precisely as directed. It can be given with or without food, but staying consistent may help reduce stomach upset. Provide fresh water at all times. Do not combine this therapy with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless your veterinarian specifically directs it. If questions arise about timing, contact your pet’s clinician or refer to the official labeling.

For canine regimens, your vet may prescribe Meloxicam for dogs oral suspension and guide you on measuring by weight using the supplied syringe.

Strengths and Forms

Veterinary oral suspensions are commonly available in species-specific concentrations. The dog formulation is often dispensed as Metacam 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension for dogs. The cat formulation is typically a lower-strength oral liquid designed for feline dosing. Bottle sizes for dogs may include 32 mL, 100 mL, and 180 mL, while feline bottles are smaller for short courses. Actual availability can vary by pharmacy and manufacturer packaging.

Not every strength or bottle size is always in stock. Your prescriber can advise whether a different volume or a species-appropriate formulation suits your pet’s plan.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, give it when you remember on the same day. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. For cats on a one-time or very short course, ask your veterinarian how to proceed if a dose is missed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct light. Keep the cap tightly closed and the syringe clean between uses. Do not freeze the liquid. Keep out of reach of children and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion.

When traveling, keep the medicine in its original labeled container. Pack it in a leak-proof pouch to protect your bag. Bring a copy of the prescription or the pharmacy label in case you need to confirm the medication at security or at a clinic away from home. For air travel, keep it in your carry-on to avoid extreme temperatures. The pharmacy uses temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This NSAID can reduce joint swelling and discomfort so pets move more easily during daily activities. Many owners find the oral liquid convenient, especially when accurate, weight-based dosing is needed. The dosing syringe helps you measure precisely and makes it easier to give the dose consistently. Once-daily use in dogs, when prescribed, may support routine adherence and smoother care at home.

Side Effects and Safety

• Digestive upset: vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea
• Reduced appetite or increased salivation
• Lethargy or changes in activity
• Increased drinking or urination
• Behavior changes or restlessness

Serious but less common risks include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, kidney issues, or liver-related effects. In cats, the margin for error is narrower, and careful veterinary oversight is essential. Stop the medicine and contact a veterinarian urgently if your pet has black, tarry stool, persistent vomiting, bloody vomit, severe lethargy, yellowing of eyes or gums, or marked changes in thirst or urination. Regular check-ins and lab monitoring may be advised for longer-term canine use.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines and supplements your pet takes. Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids due to higher gastrointestinal risk. Use caution with certain blood pressure medicines, diuretics, or drugs that affect kidney blood flow. Pets with dehydration or preexisting organ disease may face higher risk. Your clinician may suggest adjunct options, such as Gabapentin For Dogs, to complement anti-inflammatory therapy when appropriate.

What to Expect Over Time

Some pets may seem more comfortable moving, climbing stairs, or resuming gentle play after starting therapy. With consistent dosing and activity adjustments, dogs with osteoarthritis may show steadier day-to-day function. Progress depends on the underlying condition, body weight, and lifestyle. Keep notes on your pet’s mobility and any changes in appetite or behavior. Share updates during veterinary appointments so the plan can be refined safely.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinary NSAID alternatives include carprofen products for dogs, and robenacoxib options often used for cats. Discuss how each active ingredient fits your pet’s history and monitoring plan.

Two examples we offer include Rimadyl and Onsior Dog. Your veterinarian may also consider deracoxib for certain canine cases. Choice depends on species, duration, and your pet’s medical profile.

Pricing and Access

Final pricing depends on bottle size, strength, and the quantity your veterinarian prescribes. Many pet families look for Metacam Canadian pricing because Canadian pharmacy structures can help with budgeting, especially for long-term canine care. We offer transparent listings so you can compare bottle volumes and see what aligns with your prescription.

Want to check for periodic offers? See our site updates on Promotions. For country-of-origin context, learn more at Canada. We provide clear product pages so you can review details before adding items to your cart.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and bottle size. If your pet’s exact presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a comparable veterinary NSAID or a different bottle volume of the same class. We cannot guarantee restock dates, but we will display current stock status on product pages. You can browse broader options in Pet Medications or review related conditions under Pain and Osteoarthritis.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with confirmed osteoarthritis or other painful inflammatory conditions who can be safely monitored. Cats may receive only brief courses under strict veterinary direction. Pets with active gastrointestinal disease, kidney or liver problems, or prior NSAID reactions may need different approaches. Your veterinarian will assess risks and discuss monitoring plans, including lab work when indicated.

To save on ongoing care, ask about multi-month quantities when appropriate, since fewer refills can simplify routines. Set calendar reminders for reorders so you do not run out unexpectedly. If your pet’s weight changes, reconfirm dosing with your veterinarian before continuing the same amount. Keep a record of your pet’s response and any side effects between refills.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this NSAID suitable given my pet’s diagnosis and lab results?
• How long should my pet stay on therapy, and when should we review?
• What signs of stomach upset or kidney issues should I watch for?
• Can I use joint supplements or gabapentin alongside this treatment?
• Which bottle size is most practical for my pet’s dosing schedule?
• How often should we check labs while on long-term care?

Authoritative Sources

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

FDA Animal Drugs: Metacam

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Metacam ships to US with prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and does not replace your veterinarian’s advice or the official label.