Does Metacam Make Dogs Sleepy?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Does Metacam Make Dogs Sleepy?“.

The amount of pain and discomfort associated with arthritis is well known to all pet parents whose pets suffer from it. 

Inflammation injury pain or osteoarthritis can all be treated with Metacam in pets. 

Pet owners do not want to give their pets a medication with unpleasant side effects even though Metacam helps manage pet arthritis. 

Metacam is a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication that is safe for pets. 

As with most medications it does have some mild side effects in pets but it does not cause sleepiness or negative reactions. 

Are you interested in learning more about Metacam? 

Stay tuned for a few more minutes!

What is Metacam?

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Metacam (Meloxicam) relieves pain inflammation and fever in dogs cats and other animals. 

The drug is prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis in cats and dogs.

Pain relief is also provided by meloxicam after surgical operations. 

You can give it to your dog either as chewable tablets or as an easy-to-give oral liquid. 

Due to the fact that most cats and guinea pigs do not readily accept tablets Metacam is only available in a convenient liquid formulation.

Vets commonly prescribe this medication to treat arthritis in dogs and cats in the UK. Humans can also use it under the brand names Mobic® and Mobicox®.

How is it used in dogs?

Dogs suffering from inflammation and osteoarthritis are treated with Meloxicam (Metacam). 

In dogs with osteoarthritis the cartilage in joints wears down over time causing painful swelling and fractures in the bones attached to the affected joints. 

Osteoarthritis is the primary cause of chronic discomfort in older dogs affecting approximately 1 in 5 of them. 

In Metacam meloxicam is the active ingredient that inhibits the production of the hormone cyclo-oxygenase (COX). These enzymes produce prostaglandins a class of molecules that contribute to inflammation and pain. 

It works by inhibiting the production of the chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in dogs. 

Why can it make dogs sleepy?

Metacam does not commonly cause sleepiness. 

Metacam overdose however may result in mild drowsiness. 

Make sure you use only the dosage prescribed by your veterinarian when administering Metacam (or any other medication). 

The following dose should not be doubled but rather missed completely if a dose is missed. 

In order to prevent undesirable side effects from an overdose never give your dog more than what your vet recommended. 

In spite of the fact that drowsiness is not one of the negative effects of Metacam you should contact a veterinarian right away if you suspect an overdose or are experiencing a negative reaction to the medication.

What are the other main side effects of Metacam?

Meloxicam commonly causes gastrointestinal distress in dogs including vomiting loose stools and loss of appetite. 

It is possible for more severe negative consequences to occur occasionally.

If your dog is on a Metacam prescription these are some of the most common side effects to watch out for: 

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea black or bloody stool)
• A shift in behavior (aggression seizure increase or decrease in energy levels)
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the white areas of the eyes  pale gums and skin)
• Increase in water intake or frequent urine (including change in urine color or smell)
• Skin sensitivity (redness scabs or scratching)
• Stomach ulcers could develop
• Weight loss

It is not recommended to administer Meloxicam to puppies lactating dogs or dogs allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Your veterinarian should be contacted if you suspect your dog is experiencing any negative effects or medical issues while taking Meloxicam.

Are there alternatives to Metacam?

In addition to Metacam there are a few non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can be used to treat pain and inflammation. 

As alternatives to Metacam here are the 4 most commonly used NSAIDs. 

Carprofen (brand names: Novox or Rimadyl):

Carprofen is used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and a variety of animals. It is clinically effective for the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms in dogs and it has been approved by the FDA for the management of pain and inflammation in dogs. Carprofen may cause gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs including minor vomiting diarrhea constipation and momentary loss of appetite. 

Deracoxib (brand name: Deramaxx):

Deracoxib is administered to dogs after a surgical procedure (such as orthopedic and dental procedures) to lessen the discomfort caused by surgery and to treat osteoarthritis and other painful disorders or injuries. Deracoxib is available as a chewable tablet for oral administration. As with other NSAIDs deracoxib can negatively affect the digestive system causing diarrhea vomiting weight loss and appetite loss. 

Firocoxib (brand names: Previcox or Equioxx):

Firocoxib is used to relieve pain and inflammation in dogs and other animals. Pain following injury or surgery and arthritis are the most common conditions for which it is used. Orally firocoxib is taken as a chewable tablet or oral paste although it can also be taken as a liquid. There are two main side effects of this medication: vomiting and a decrease in appetite. Additionally there are more severe side effects such as persistent nausea or vomiting changes in bowel movement behavioral changes  frequent urination and jaundice.

Grapipant (brand name: Galliprant):

This is another Metacam alternative given to dogs with canine osteoarthritis who might take grapiprant to relieve their pain and inflammation. Tablets containing grapiprant are administered orally. Some of the side effects of this medication include nausea diarrhea loss of appetite blood in stools or mucus in stools.

Will these alternatives make dogs drowsy?

The majority of NSAIDs are non-drowsy for dogs just like Metacam. Dogs are generally safe to take NSAIDs because they have few negative side effects. However they can sometimes aggravate or even cause problems with the digestive system the liver or the kidneys.

You may be able to tell if your dog is reacting poorly to an NSAID by watching for these signs: 

• Changes in behavior
• Loss of appetite 
• Skin rashes and scabs
• Diarrhea vomiting and tarry stools

What is the correct dosage of Metacam?

Based on your dogs unique medical needs and body weight your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage. 

You can give Metacam to your dog in oral suspension form with a strength of about 5 mg or you can give him a pill and add it to his food. It is up to your veterinarian to advise you on the best form to use and how to administer the medication.

Typically dogs are given a dose of between 0.09 and 0.1 mg/lb on the first day followed by a smaller dose taken once daily at a rate between 0.045g and 0.05 mg/lb thereafter. You should follow the instructions given by your veterinarian and if the instructions are unclear you should ask for clarification. 

Is it possible to overdose on Metacam?

As with any medication Metacam has dosage guidelines and potential side effects so pet owners should be aware of these. When Metacam overdoses serious negative reactions can occur such as vomiting dizziness and fainting.

How long does it take for Metacam to begin to work?

Metacams fast action is one of its major advantages. In one or two hours after receiving the medication a dog can start feeling better. In most cases dogs are given Metacam orally as a liquid. The medication can be administered to your dog easily with a calibrated syringe. Based on your dogs specific medical needs your vet will determine the appropriate dosage for your dog. 

How long can a dog safely use Metacam?

The treatment for canine osteoarthritis may need to last for at least three months and sometimes a dog may need treatment for their arthritis for the rest of their lives.

If your dogs condition is severe your vet may recommend using Metacam for a predetermined amount of time as part of the recommended treatment plan. A regular report on the efficacy of the medication may also be required to determine whether to continue the treatment. 

Just like people who suffer from osteoarthritis dogs with osteoarthritis will have to live with the condition for the rest of their lives. In light of the fact that Metacam has been successfully used worldwide for more than 20 years to treat dogs with osteoarthritis you can use it with confidence.

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.