Medically reviewed by: Medsdog Team
Last updated: August 2026
Quick Loxicom® Dosage Guidelines: The Loxicom dosage for dogs pian and inflammation is 0.2 mg/kg on Day 1 (loading dose), then 0.1 mg/kg once daily from Day 2 onward (maintenance dose). The Loxicom (meloxicam) oral suspension should only be administrated with the syringe provided with your bottle for accurate dosing.
Loxicom Dosage For Dogs Calculator
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before giving Loxicom or any medication to your dog.
Loxicom (meloxicam) is one of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs in veterinary medicine for treating canines' pain and inflammation, and it's also one of the medications owners most often need to double-check before giving because the loading dose and the maintenance dose are different and getting the math wrong matters.
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In this guide regarding dogs Loxicom® you'll find a complete Loxicom dosage chart by weight, and a full breakdown of safety, side effects, and administration so you can dose confidently and know exactly when to call your vet.
What is Loxicom® (Meloxicam) For Dogs?
Loxicom® (meloxicam oral suspension) is an oral prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for dogs to treat pain and inflammation for 24 hours due to arthritic pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Loxicom is a sweet-tasting yellow, viscous suspension that is well tolerated by dogs and can be given directly or mixed with food. It contains 1.5 mg of meloxicam per milliliter and 1.5 mg per millilitre of sodium benzoate preservative.
Meloxicam is from the chemical class of NSAIDs known as oxicams, and is bioequivalent to the original Metacam product, providing effective pain relief. Loxicom is available in 10 ml, 32 ml, and 100 ml bottles, each with two syringes to dispense the medication: the small syringe for dogs weighing less than 15 lbs and the large syringe for dogs weighing more than 15 lbs.
It is specifically for oral use in dogs and must be used as recommended by your veterinarian. Other product names are Metacam and Meloxidyl. Be sure to discuss instructions with your veterinarian before beginning therapy and whenever the prescription is renewed.
Each milliliter contains 1.5 mg of meloxicam, plus sodium benzoate as a preservative. Loxicom is bioequivalent to the original branded product Metacam, meaning it delivers the same active ingredient at the same concentration.
Loxicom for Dogs Dosage & Administration
Loxicom dosage for dogs by weight follows a two-part structure: a higher loading dose on the first day, followed by a lower daily maintenance dose.
- Day 1: 0.2 mg/kg (0.09 mg/lb) a single dose, given once.
- Day 2 onward: 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) once daily, every 24 hours, for as long as your vet has prescribed.
Using the syringes correctly:
- The small syringe is calibrated in 1-lb increments and is for dogs under 30 lbs (13.6 kg) only.
- The large syringe is calibrated in 5-lb increments (up to 160 lbs) and is for dogs 30 lbs and over.
- Never use the large syringe on a small pup it can lead to accidental overdosing.
- Never use the bottle itself as a dropper. Always use the provided syringe.
- Shake the bottle well before every use, and replace and tighten the cap after each dose.
Loxicom Dosage Chart for Dogs By weight (1.5 mg/mL)
| Dog Weight (lbs) | Dog Weight (kg) | Day 1 Loading Dose (0.2 mg/kg) | Day 2+ Maintenance Dose (0.1 mg/kg) |
| 5.5 lbs | 2.5 kg | 0.33 mL | 0.17 mL |
| 11 lbs | 5 kg | 0.67 mL | 0.33 mL |
| 16.5 lbs | 7.5 kg | 1.00 mL | 0.50 mL |
| 22 lbs | 10 kg | 1.33 mL | 0.67 mL |
| 33 lbs | 15 kg | 2.00 mL | 1.00 mL |
| 44 lbs | 20 kg | 2.67 mL | 1.33 mL |
| 55 lbs | 25 kg | 3.33 mL | 1.67 mL |
| 66 lbs | 30 kg | 4.00 mL | 2.00 mL |
| 77 lbs | 35 kg | 4.67 mL | 2.33 mL |
| 88 lbs | 40 kg | 5.33 mL | 2.67 mL |
| 110 lbs | 50 kg | 6.67 mL | 3.33 mL |
The above Loxicom dosage chart by weight is calculated for the standard 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension only. If your vet has prescribed a different concentration, do not use these numbers recalculate the dosage according to your canine body weight, or use our Loxicom® dosage calculator for dogs above.
Loxicom vs. Metacam vs. Rimadyl vs. Previcox
Owners often ask how Loxicom compares to other common canine NSAIDs. Here's a quick side-by-side:
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Dosing Frequency | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loxicom | Meloxicam | Once daily | Osteoarthritis, post-op pain |
| Metacam | Meloxicam | Once daily | Same as Loxicom (bioequivalent) |
| Rimadyl | Carprofen | Once or twice daily | Osteoarthritis, post-op pain |
| Previcox | Firocoxib | Once daily | Osteoarthritis, post-op pain |
All four are prescription-only NSAIDs with similar risk profiles (GI upset, and rare kidney/liver effects), and switching between them should only be done under veterinary supervision with an appropriate washout period, since combining NSAIDs significantly raises the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
How Loxicom® Work for Dogs
Loxicom® for dogs (meloxicam oral suspension) has several advantages, especially those with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats the underlying causes of pain and inflammation.
Benefits and mechanism of action include:
- Pain Relief: Alleviaes pain associated with chronic or acute musculoskeletal diseases.
- Inflammation Reduction: Blocks enzymes responsible for synthesising prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause inflammation.
- Increased Comfort: Reduces stiffness and discomfort, improving dogs' ability to walk.
- Better Quality of Life: Allows dogs to live their lives with improved comfort through pain and inflammation management.
- Easy Dosing: Liquid oral administration can be given directly or added to food.
- Precise Dosing: Includes two syringes (small and large) for accurate dosing according to your dog's weight.
- Long-Lasting Effect: Provides 24-hour relief with consistent therapeutic action when used as prescribed.
- Veterinary Supervision: Used under veterinary care, benefits are maximised and risks are minimised.
This combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects and ease of administration makes Loxicom dosage for dogs is a highly regarded medication to enhance your dog's quality of life.
Important Safety Information
Loxicom® dosage is safe to use in dogs when administered as recommended, but there are some important precautions that must be taken into account to protect your dog.
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Key safety information includes:
- Age Restrictions: Not evaluated for dogs younger than 6 months of age.
- Reproduction: Should not be used in breeding dogs, or in pregnant or lactating bitches.
- Medical Conditions: Use is not recommended in dogs with bleeding disorders (safety not established).
- Toxicity: As with all cyclo-oxygenase inhibitory non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Loxicom may cause gastrointestinal, renal or hepatic toxicity.
- Individual Sensitivity: Individual dogs may differ in their responses to Loxicom®, so careful monitoring is required.
Use as directed by veterinarian and contact your veterinarian if adverse effects are noted to ensure safe use of Loxicom for dogs' dosage.
Missed Dose & Overdose
What to do if you have Missed a dog Loxicom dose? Give it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your normal schedule. Never give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Suspected overdose? Signs of meloxicam overdose can include vomiting, diarrhea, black or bloody stool, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and in severe cases can progress to kidney or liver damage. If you suspect your dog has received more than the prescribed amount:
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- If it's outside clinic hours, call an animal poison control hotline (such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center).
- Have the bottle and dosing information ready to share with whoever you speak to.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
Safety Information (Including Use in Cats)
Loxicom is generally well tolerated in dogs when dosed correctly, but there are important restrictions to be aware of:
- Not for use in dogs under 6 months of age
- Not for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
- Avoid in dogs with bleeding disorders, or existing kidney, liver, or heart conditions unless specifically directed by your vet
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or certain other medications without veterinary approval
How Loxicom is Supplied
Loxicom® Oral Suspension for dogs by weight is a pale yellow suspension with a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL meloxicam.
It is supplied in bottles of 10 mL, 32 mL and 100 mL with two dosing syringes (small and large) for weight-based dosing. The dosing syringes are intended to facilitate accurate dosing for dogs of all sizes.
Side Effects & Interactions
When used correctly, Loxicom® is generally well tolerated in dogs, but as with all NSAIDs, it can have side effects and drug interactions.
Key information includes:
- Side Effects: Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite or mild stomach upset may occur.
- Serious Side Effects: Rarely, meloxicam may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney or liver problems, or changes in behavior. Particular caution should be taken in dogs with underlying conditions.
- Variability: Dogs may aslo have different sensitivities to Loxicom, and some may experience side effects at therapeutic doses.
- Medication Interactions: Loxicom medication for dogs should not be used with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or drugs that impact kidney or liver function without veterinary advice. Interactions may increase the risk of toxicity or adverse effects.
- Precautions: Always disclose all medications and supplements your dog is taking to the vet before using Loxicom. Any unusual symptoms should be reported immediately.
These precautions will ensure that Loxicom is an effective treatment for your dog’s pain while being safe and not compromising its health.
Ingredients & Storage
Loxicom® Oral Suspension is an oral suspension containing meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and may contain preservatives such as sodium benzoate. It's important to store it correctly to ensure safety.
- Recommended Storage Temperature: Store at room temperature 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C).
- Allowed Excursions: Temporary excursions from 59°F-86°F (15°C-30°C) are permitted.
- Maximum Excursion: Short exposure to 104°F (40°C) is allowed but should be avoided where possible.
- Handling Advice: Minimize heat exposure and store in a controlled environment to preserve the drug's quality.
These storage conditions ensure the safety and efficacy of Loxicom®.
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FAQs
Can dogs take Loxicom dose?
Yes, Loxicom medication for dogs is safe if used as directed by a veterinarian, at the appropriate dose with regular monitoring for side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember, but do not administer if it is close to the next dose. Do not double the dose.
Can you administer Loxicom dosage with food?
It can be given directly into the mouth or mixed with food.
How long does Loxicom for dogs take to work?
Loxicom dosage for dogs begins to relieve pain and inflammation within hours and will be at full effect within a few days of regular use.
What are the side effects of Loxicom dosage for dogs?
Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite and mild gastrointestinal upset.
Can I administer other drugs with Loxicom dose?
Only if it is prescribed by a veterinarian, as it may interact with other NSAIDs and some other medications.
What if my dog has an overdose?
Contact a veterinarian immediately, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Can any dog take Loxicom medication?
It is not safe for puppies less than 6 months old, pregnant or nursing dogs, or for dogs with certain conditions unless recommended by a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Loxicom® Dosage for dogs is a potent NSAID for the treatment of pain and inflammation in dogs, such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Thanks to its accurate dosing, convenient oral administration, and 24-hour duration of action, it helps enhance mobility and quality of life.
But it requires careful dosing and administration, and ongoing veterinary oversight based on side-effects and contraindications.
When used correctly and safely, Loxicom continues to be a valuable tool in keeping dogs pain-free, mobile and happy.
