Welcoming a pet in your home comes with a lot of responsibilities. Pet care involves feeding, exercising, grooming and routine health care. You may be wondering if puppy crates or beds are better for your beloved dog or whether you should give them dry food or canned, however, always keep in mind that your pet’ needs will change over the years, evolving at each stage of their life.
That’s why it’s important to do regular check-ups, even if your pet hates visiting the vet, and follow your vet’s advice to raise a happy and healthy pooch or feline. General care routine for your pet includes routine veterinary checks for vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, grooming and more. But you need to make sure to always watch your dog carefully for subtle signs of illness, such as decreased activity or lack of appetite and more specific signs, including diarrhoea, vomiting, urinating frequently, coughing, sneezing or a discharge from the eyes, nose or ears.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe certain pet medication, which you can order online, such as Meloxicam for dogs and cats. But is it used the same way in cats as it is in dogs? Let’s take a better look at it, so every responsible pet owner will know where they stand.
All You Need to Know About Meloxicam
Meloxicam is a non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation and fever in dogs and cats. You can find Meloxicam for dogs and cats to ease pain, inflammation and stiffness from osteoarthritis, but to also ease the symptoms of other muscle or bone disorders or treat pain associated with surgery. It’s also known by the brand name Metacam or Loxicom, depending on the manufacturer.
Meloxicam should only be given to a dog or cat after getting a veterinary prescription and your vet should give you instructions on proper dosage and administration techniques. It can be found in a liquid version as well, that can be added to your pet’s food, or in a solution that can be injected. Your vet can advise on which form of Meloxicam is ideal for treating your dog’s condition. Make sure to follow your vet instructions properly to ensure the best care for your pet’s condition and make their life easier.
Give Meloxicam with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Like all prescriptions, Meloxicam may cause side effects. The most common side effects include vomiting and decreased appetite. Others include changes in bowel movement, increased thirst or urination, fatigue or weakness, itchiness, abdominal pain, weight loss, behaviour changes, jaundice and more.
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your vet immediately, so they can adjust the dosage or suggest an alternative treatment. The most serious side effects include stomach ulcers, unusual bleeding and loss of kidney function or kidney failure. That’s why it’s important to talk to your vet about any side effects before continuing the treatment.
As with almost any medication, there is a risk of an allergic reaction, so if you see any signs of it, such as swelling, difficulty breathing or hives, contact your vet immediately and follow his or her advice.
Is the Treatment Same for Dogs and Cats?
Meloxicam is used for pain relief successfully in humans as well, but the development of safe NSAIDs for dogs and cats has been achieved recently. Ask any person with osteoarthritis and they will tell you how much it hurts. Your furry friend, on the other hand, can’t tell you if he or she is in pain, but you can notice if they are acting like their joints are aching.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease of the joints that begins with damage to the cartilage in the joint which then leads to inflammation and pain. As time goes by, further damage occurs and new bone begins to form around the joints, which leads to the joint becoming stiff and reduces the range of movement in the particular joint. Furthermore, it may lead to muscle loss.
There are many signs of canine arthritis. If your dog is old, don’t assume these signs are down to his or her age and ignore them, instead make sure you make an appointment with your vet. The most common signs include limping or stiffness when walking, reluctance to play, jump and exercise, licking at joints and slowing down on walls, resting more than usual.
Each dog shows the signs differently. Some dogs may show most of them, whilst others may only show a few and that’s why it’s important that you pay attention and react to any changes in your dog’s behaviour and habits.
Canine arthritis treatment can improve your furry friend’s life and one way to help them is to give them medication to ease the pain. While more humans are tolerant of NSAIDs, dogs and cats are more sensitive. Especially cats, as they metabolise some drugs slower than dogs, potentially increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Meloxicam is safe for cats, but it’s not used the way in cats as it is in dogs. In dogs, it treats pain associated with osteoarthritis, while in cats it’s used as before certain surgeries, such as spay, neuter and orthopaedic surgeries, to make them more comfortable during recovery.
