Metacam® Oral Suspension for Dogs

This oral suspension helps manage osteoarthritis pain in dogs. It reduces inflammation to support comfortable movement and daily activity. Access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada, which can help if paying without insurance.

What Metacam® Is and How It Works

This medicine contains meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug for canine use. It helps limit prostaglandin production, which can reduce joint pain and swelling. The treatment may improve mobility when osteoarthritis flares make walking hard. For condition background and supportive care, see our Osteoarthritis page and practical tips in Warm Up Exercises.

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

The suspension is given by mouth using the included dosing syringe. It is designed for accurate measurement across many dog sizes. Your veterinarian determines if this therapy fits your dog’s overall care plan and medical history.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It is not approved for human use. Dogs with a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding disorders, or significant kidney or liver disease may not be candidates. Breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals require careful veterinary evaluation. Do not use with other prescription or over‑the‑counter NSAIDs or with corticosteroids unless a veterinarian specifically directs this.

For broader pain topics, visit our Pain and Inflammation pages to learn how clinicians approach joint discomfort in pets.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the Metacam oral suspension dosage for dogs on the label and your veterinarian’s directions. A typical plan starts with a single loading dose on day one, followed by a lower once‑daily maintenance dose. Shake the bottle before each use. Draw up the correct amount with the dosing syringe. Place the dose directly into the cheek pouch or mix with a small portion of food. Offer fresh water. Keep the dosing routine consistent from day to day.

Do not combine this medicine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless your veterinarian advises it. If your dog is managed with additional therapies for chronic pain, your clinician may consider adjunct options. For educational reading on multimodal care, see Gabapentin For Dogs. Always defer to the official label and your veterinarian for individualized instructions.

Strengths and Forms

This oral suspension for dogs is available in two commonly published concentrations: 0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL. Bottle sizes often include 10 mL, 32 mL, and 100 mL; actual availability can vary by supplier and prescription. Syringes for weight‑based dosing are typically included in the package.

For households managing long‑term joint care, many choose Metacam 32 ml for dogs when a larger bottle is more practical.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. Try to give the suspension at about the same time each day. Contact your veterinarian if several doses are missed or if your dog’s symptoms change.

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 bottle upright. Do not allow the liquid to freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, keep the medicine in its original labeled container, pack it in a secure upright position, and carry a copy of the prescription. For general pet‑care shopping, browse our Pet Medications section. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This NSAID therapy can help:

• Pain relief: supports comfortable movement
• Inflammation control: reduces joint swelling
• Daily routine: once‑daily maintenance dosing
• Flexible sizing: weight‑based dosing for many breeds
• Liquid format: measured with an oral syringe

When arthritis management is stable and routine, dogs may tolerate exercise and daily activities better. Regular veterinary follow‑up helps ensure ongoing safety.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, reduced appetite, and lethargy. Some dogs may develop increased thirst or behavioral changes. Serious but less common risks include gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, kidney issues, and liver enzyme elevations. Stop the medicine and seek veterinary help if your dog shows black stool, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the gums or eyes, unusual bruising, or severe lethargy. Use only under veterinary supervision and disclose all current medicines and supplements to avoid interactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use this NSAID with other NSAIDs or with corticosteroids. Use caution when given alongside diuretics, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, or nephrotoxic medicines. Dehydration, pre‑existing kidney or liver disease, and a history of gastrointestinal problems increase the risk of adverse effects. Your veterinarian may recommend baseline and periodic lab work to monitor organ function during long‑term therapy. Learn more about the condition path and therapy classes in our Inflammation resource.

What to Expect Over Time

Many dogs show gradual improvement in comfort and mobility when the medicine is used as directed. Relief varies by the stage of osteoarthritis, joint involvement, and activity level. A consistent daily schedule, gentle exercise, and weight management can support joint health. If your dog’s gait worsens or appetite changes, contact your veterinarian promptly. For seasonal support ideas, see Arthritis Awareness Month.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider other approved NSAIDs based on a dog’s history. Carprofen is widely used and available as Rimadyl®. Another option is deracoxib, offered as Deramaxx®. Short‑term pain control may involve robenacoxib for dogs. Selection depends on prior responses, lab results, concurrent medicines, and individual tolerability.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can make long‑term osteoarthritis care more manageable for families. With US delivery from Canada, you can request refills through Borderfreehealth while your veterinarian oversees therapy. To compare options and streamline checkout, you can buy meloxicam oral suspension for dogs directly through our site once you have a valid prescription. Looking for current offers? Visit our Promotions page for updates.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply varies by bottle size and concentration. If a specific size is temporarily unavailable, a veterinarian may recommend an alternate package size or a different NSAID. If you prefer to manage refills digitally, you can order Metacam online after submitting the prescription for verification. Pharmacy partners will reach out to the prescriber if clarification is required.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dogs with stable hydration status and no significant kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease may be better candidates for NSAID therapy. Dogs with a history of intolerance to NSAIDs need careful evaluation. To help manage costs, consider multi‑month fills when appropriate, and schedule follow‑ups to avoid urgent refills. Automated refill reminders can reduce gaps in care. Keep a dosing log, note appetite and stool quality, and bring these notes to checkups. When traveling, keep your labeled bottle and a copy of the prescription with you.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Most appropriate starting dose and maintenance plan
• Signs of intolerance that require stopping therapy
• When lab monitoring should be done
• Safe combination with other chronic medicines
• Best timing with meals and daily routines
• Activity and weight‑management recommendations
• When to reassess or adjust the plan

Authoritative Sources

Ready to buy Metacam for dogs online with prompt, express shipping and US delivery from Canada? Start your order on Borderfreehealth. This information is educational and does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.