Metacam Dosage Calculator for Dogs
Enter your dog's weight to see the correct Metacam (meloxicam) dose in milligrams, the volume of oral suspension in millilitres, and an equivalent tablet count. The calculator shows both the Day 1 loading dose and the lower Day 2 and beyond maintenance dose, based on the FDA-approved label: 0.2 mg/kg loading and 0.1 mg/kg maintenance. Switch between kg and lb, choose your suspension concentration (1.5 mg/mL standard or 0.5 mg/mL small-dog), and the results update instantly. Always follow your veterinarian's specific instructions.
Formula
Worked example
A 20 kg Labrador: Day 1 loading dose = 20 × 0.2 = 4.0 mg. Using the 1.5 mg/mL suspension that is 4.0 ÷ 1.5 = 2.67 mL. From Day 2 onward: 20 × 0.1 = 2.0 mg = 2.0 ÷ 1.5 = 1.33 mL once daily.
What is Metacam and how does it work?
Metacam is the brand name for meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the FDA for use in dogs. It works by blocking cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that produce prostaglandins, the chemical messengers responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin production, Metacam relieves pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis, post-operative discomfort, soft-tissue injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. The oral suspension is flavoured and most dogs accept it readily when mixed into food.
How the dosage is calculated
The FDA-approved dosing protocol for Metacam oral suspension (1.5 mg/mL) in dogs has two phases. On Day 1 only, the veterinarian gives an initial loading dose of 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight (0.09 mg/lb). This is twice the ongoing maintenance dose and is intended to quickly reach therapeutic blood levels. From Day 2 onward, the dose is reduced to 0.1 mg/kg (0.045 mg/lb) once daily. To find the volume in millilitres, divide the dose in milligrams by the concentration of your suspension (1.5 or 0.5 mg/mL). This calculator does all of that arithmetic for you and also shows the equivalent tablet count for the chewable tablet form.
Oral suspension vs chewable tablets
Metacam is most commonly dispensed as a 1.5 mg/mL oral suspension, and the bottle comes with a calibrated syringe whose scale begins at 5 lb (2.3 kg). For dogs under 5 lb, the FDA label directs you to use the dropper bottle instead: one drop per pound of body weight (two drops per kg) delivers the maintenance dose, because each drop of the 1.5 mg/mL suspension contains 0.05 mg. A 0.5 mg/mL concentration is available for very small dogs and puppies where finer volume measurement matters; each of its drops contains 0.02 mg, so the label rule there is two drops per pound (five drops per kg), and its syringe scale begins at 2 lb (0.90 kg). With either strength, drops must be placed on food and never squirted directly into the mouth, to avoid accidental overdosing. Chewable tablets (1 mg and 2.5 mg) offer an alternative when a liquid is inconvenient, but they are available only in some markets and the tablet SPC recommends the suspension for dogs under 4 kg. Tablet doses may result in fractional counts, so the suspension often allows more precise dosing for dogs that fall between tablet sizes.
Safety and side effects
Metacam is generally well tolerated when used at the correct dose and duration. The most common side effects involve the gastrointestinal tract: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and abdominal discomfort. Because NSAIDs can affect kidney and liver function with long-term use, dogs on extended Metacam therapy should have periodic blood tests to monitor organ health. Metacam should not be given to dogs with pre-existing kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding disorders, or dehydration, and should never be combined with corticosteroids, aspirin or other NSAIDs. If your dog shows any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black or tarry stools), significant lethargy, or changes in urination, stop dosing and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Chewable tablet dosing guide by weight (0.1 mg/kg maintenance dose)
| Body weight (kg) | 1 mg tablets | 2.5 mg tablets | mg/kg delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 - 7.0 | 1/2 tablet (0.5 mg) | - | 0.13 - 0.07 |
| 7.1 - 10.0 | 1 tablet (1 mg) | - | 0.14 - 0.10 |
| 10.1 - 15.0 | 1 1/2 tablets (1.5 mg) | - | 0.15 - 0.10 |
| 15.1 - 20.0 | 2 tablets (2 mg) | - | 0.13 - 0.10 |
| 20.1 - 25.0 | - | 1 tablet (2.5 mg) | 0.12 - 0.10 |
| 25.1 - 35.0 | - | 1 1/2 tablets (3.75 mg) | 0.15 - 0.11 |
| 35.1 - 50.0 | - | 2 tablets (5 mg) | 0.14 - 0.10 |
Tablet counts for once-daily maintenance dosing after Day 1, as published in the Metacam 1 mg and 2.5 mg chewable tablets SPC. Dogs under 4.0 kg should be given the oral suspension instead, because the tablets cannot be divided finely enough. Your vet may adjust based on clinical response.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Day 1 dose higher than the dose on subsequent days?
The higher Day 1 loading dose (0.2 mg/kg) rapidly brings blood levels of meloxicam up to the therapeutic concentration needed to control pain and inflammation. Without it, the drug would take longer to reach an effective level. Once those levels are established, the lower maintenance dose (0.1 mg/kg) is enough to keep them there with daily dosing.
Can I give my dog human meloxicam tablets?
No. Human meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg and 15 mg) are far more concentrated than veterinary Metacam, making it extremely difficult to measure a safe dose for a dog. The risk of accidental overdose and serious gastrointestinal or kidney injury is high. Always use the veterinary formulation prescribed for your dog at the dose your vet specifies.
How long can my dog take Metacam?
For acute pain (post-operative or injury-related), Metacam is typically prescribed for a short course of 3 to 5 days. For chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, it may be used long-term under veterinary supervision. Dogs on long-term NSAID therapy should have regular blood tests to check kidney and liver function. Never extend a prescribed course without consulting your vet.
What should I do if my dog vomits after a dose?
Give the dose with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. If vomiting occurs once and your dog otherwise seems normal, monitor closely. If vomiting is repeated, or is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or blood in the stool, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian. Do not re-dose unless instructed by your vet.
Is Metacam safe for puppies?
Metacam oral suspension is approved for use in dogs 6 months of age and older. It should not be given to dogs under 6 months, pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs with known NSAID hypersensitivity. For very young or small puppies where dosing must be especially precise, the 0.5 mg/mL formulation and the dropper-bottle method are typically used.
Can Metacam be given with food?
Yes, and it is generally recommended. Mixing the oral suspension into a small amount of food at mealtime improves palatability and reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. The dose should be given at approximately the same time each day.