Meloxicam Dosage Calculator for Dogs by Weight
Not sure how much meloxicam your dog needs? Our Meloxicam Dosage Calculator estimates the recommended dose based on your dog’s weight using common veterinary dosing guidelines.
Enter your dog’s weight in pounds or kilograms to estimate the first-day loading dose, the following-day maintenance dose, and view an easy-to-read dosage chart. The calculator also provides equivalent tablet and oral suspension doses to help you measure the correct amount more easily.
Meloxicam Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Enter your dog’s weight and treatment day to calculate the recommended first-day loading dose, maintenance dose, and equivalent tablet and liquid doses.
Meloxicam Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight
The chart below shows the typical meloxicam dosage for dogs by weight, including both the first-day loading dose (0.2 mg/kg) and the following-day maintenance dose (0.1 mg/kg).
It also includes the equivalent volume for 0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL oral suspensions. For a more precise estimate based on your dog’s exact weight, use the meloxican dog dosage calculator above.
| Dog Weight | 0.2 mg/kg – Day 1 | 0.1 mg/kg – Day 2+ | 0.5 mg/mL – Day 1 | 0.5 mg/mL – Day 2+ | 1.5 mg/mL – Day 1 | 1.5 mg/mL – Day 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) | 0.5–0.9 mg | 0.2–0.5 mg | 0.9–1.8 mL | 0.4–0.9 mL | 0.30–0.60 mL | 0.15–0.30 mL |
| 11–20 lb (5–9 kg) | 1.0–1.8 mg | 0.5–0.9 mg | 2.0–3.6 mL | 1.0–1.8 mL | 0.67–1.20 mL | 0.33–0.60 mL |
| 21–30 lb (9.5–13.6 kg) | 1.9–2.7 mg | 1.0–1.4 mg | 3.8–5.4 mL | 2.0–2.8 mL | 1.27–1.80 mL | 0.67–0.93 mL |
| 31–40 lb (14–18 kg) | 2.8–3.6 mg | 1.4–1.8 mg | 5.6–7.2 mL | 2.8–3.6 mL | 1.87–2.40 mL | 0.93–1.20 mL |
| 41–50 lb (18.6–22.7 kg) | 3.7–4.5 mg | 1.9–2.3 mg | 7.4–9.0 mL | 3.8–4.6 mL | 2.47–3.00 mL | 1.27–1.53 mL |
| 51–60 lb (23–27.2 kg) | 4.6–5.4 mg | 2.3–2.7 mg | 9.2–10.8 mL | 4.6–5.4 mL | 3.07–3.60 mL | 1.53–1.80 mL |
| 61–70 lb (27.7–31.8 kg) | 5.5–6.4 mg | 2.8–3.2 mg | 11.0–12.8 mL | 5.6–6.4 mL | 3.67–4.27 mL | 1.87–2.13 mL |
| 71–80 lb (32.2–36.3 kg) | 6.4–7.3 mg | 3.2–3.6 mg | 12.8–14.6 mL | 6.4–7.2 mL | 4.27–4.87 mL | 2.13–2.40 mL |
| 81–90 lb (36.8–40.8 kg) | 7.4–8.2 mg | 3.7–4.1 mg | 14.8–16.4 mL | 7.4–8.2 mL | 4.93–5.47 mL | 2.47–2.73 mL |
| 91–100 lb (41.3–45.4 kg) | 8.3–9.1 mg | 4.1–4.5 mg | 16.6–18.2 mL | 8.2–9.0 mL | 5.53–6.07 mL | 2.73–3.00 mL |
Note: This chart shows the typical meloxicam dosing schedule for dogs, including a 0.2 mg/kg loading dose on the first day followed by the 0.1 mg/kg maintenance dose once daily. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions, as the appropriate dose may vary depending on your dog’s medical condition.
How Often Should Dogs Take Meloxicam?
In most cases, meloxicam is given once every 24 hours (once daily). Treatment typically begins with a higher loading dose on the first day (0.2 mg/kg), followed by a lower maintenance dose of 0.1 mg/kg once daily. This dosing schedule helps provide pain relief quickly while reducing the dose needed for ongoing treatment.
The length of treatment depends on why your dog is taking meloxicam. For short-term pain or post-surgical recovery, treatment often lasts 3 to 7 days. Dogs with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis may take meloxicam for weeks, months, or even long-term, provided they are regularly monitored by their veterinarian. Never stop, extend, or change your dog’s treatment without veterinary guidance, as the appropriate duration depends on your dog’s condition and response to treatment.
Typical Meloxicam Dosing Schedule
- Day 1: 0.2 mg/kg once on the first day.
- Day 2 onward: 0.1 mg/kg once every 24 hours.
- Do not give extra doses unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
Can I Give My Dog Human Meloxicam?
Yes, but only if your veterinarian prescribes it. Human and veterinary meloxicam contain the same active ingredient, but they are available in different tablet strengths, formulations, and liquid concentrations. Using the wrong product or measuring the wrong amount can result in an incorrect dose and increase the risk of side effects.
Before giving human meloxicam to your dog:
- ✔ Make sure your veterinarian has recommended it.
- ✔ Confirm the correct dose for your dog’s weight.
- ✔ Check the tablet strength and liquid concentration carefully.
- ✔ Never combine meloxicam with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids unless instructed by your veterinarian.
Meloxicam Liquid Dosage for Dogs
Meloxicam liquid allows for more precise dosing, making it a common choice for small dogs and puppies. Unlike tablets, the correct dose is measured in milliliters (mL), which depends on both your dog’s weight and the concentration of the oral suspension.
Most veterinary oral suspensions are available in concentrations such as 0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL. The recommended meloxicam dose for dogs is calculated in mg/kg, then converted into milliliters (mL) based on the concentration of the product. Because the same dose in milligrams (mg) results in a different liquid volume depending on the suspension, it’s important to check the concentration before measuring each dose.
Why the Concentration Matters
For example, a dog that needs 1.5 mg of meloxicam would receive 3 mL of a 0.5 mg/mL suspension, but only 1 mL of a 1.5 mg/mL suspension. Even though the amount of medication is exactly the same, the volume is very different.
This is why you should never copy a dose in milliliters (mL) from another dog or from a different product. Always calculate the required dose in milligrams (mg) first, then convert it using the concentration of your dog’s medication. The calculator above automatically provides equivalent volumes for both 0.5 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL oral suspensions.
How to Give Meloxicam Safely
Meloxicam is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but giving it correctly helps reduce the risk of side effects. Follow these simple tips to help keep your dog safe throughout treatment.
✔ Give Exactly as Prescribed
Always give the recommended dose according to the prescribed schedule. Never increase the dose or give extra doses unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
✔ Give With or After Food
Meloxicam is often given with a meal or shortly after eating to help reduce the chance of stomach irritation. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions if a different schedule is recommended.
✔ Measure Liquid Medication Carefully
If using an oral suspension, always use the dosing syringe provided with the medication. Double-check the concentration on the bottle before measuring the dose, as different products may contain different amounts of meloxicam per milliliter.
✔ Keep Fresh Water Available
Make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water at all times, especially during longer courses of treatment.
✔ Avoid Other Pain Medications
Do not give meloxicam together with other NSAIDs (such as carprofen, aspirin, or ibuprofen) or corticosteroids unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it, as combining these medications may increase the risk of serious side effects.
✔ Watch for Side Effects
Monitor your dog during treatment for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or unusual tiredness. If you notice severe or persistent symptoms, contact your veterinarian before giving the next dose.
Side Effects of Meloxicam in Dogs
Most dogs tolerate meloxicam well when it’s given at the recommended dose. However, like any medication, meloxicam can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require prompt veterinary attention.
Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Loss of appetite
- Mild tiredness or reduced activity
- Increased thirst
Less Common but More Serious Side Effects
- Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Vomiting blood
- Extreme weakness or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of kidney problems, such as excessive thirst, reduced urination, or changes in urination
⚠️ Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog develops severe vomiting, bloody stools, vomiting blood, collapse, difficulty breathing, or any other signs of a serious reaction while taking meloxicam. Unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise, do not give another dose until your dog has been evaluated.
Meloxicam Dosage for Dogs FAQs
Yes. Meloxicam is generally safe for dogs when used as prescribed by a veterinarian. Giving too much meloxicam or combining it with certain medications can increase the risk of side effects, so always use the recommended dose for your dog’s weight.
Meloxicam does not usually make dogs sleepy. Some dogs may seem quieter or less active as their pain improves. If your dog becomes extremely lethargic or difficult to wake, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Most dogs begin to experience pain relief within a few hours after taking meloxicam. The full anti-inflammatory effect may take a little longer depending on the condition being treated.
In most cases, no. The typical meloxicam dosage for dogs is once every 24 hours. Giving meloxicam more often than prescribed can increase the risk of side effects. Always follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions.
Yes. Meloxicam for dogs may be prescribed for weeks, months, or longer to manage chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Dogs receiving long-term treatment should be monitored regularly by their veterinarian to help ensure the medication remains safe and effective.
Give the missed meloxicam dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. If so, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at the same time.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. A meloxicam overdose in dogs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, and kidney damage, so prompt treatment is important.
Yes, but only under veterinary supervision. Because puppies are more sensitive to medication, the meloxicam dosage for puppies must be carefully calculated according to their body weight and age.
Sources & References
The dosage recommendations, administration guidelines, and safety information on this page were prepared using trusted veterinary references, including:
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Veterinary reference covering meloxicam dosing recommendations, pharmacology, indications, and safety considerations in dogs.
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Meloxicam — Client education covering common uses, administration, possible side effects, and precautions when using meloxicam in dogs.