Metacam for Dogs
Prices, Side Effects & Alternatives
The UK's most prescribed canine painkiller. Find out what it costs, how it works, and how to save up to 60% by buying online with a prescription.
Buy Metacam at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Metacam your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is Metacam
(Meloxicam)?
Metacam is the brand name for meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It is the most widely prescribed painkiller for dogs in the UK and has been licensed for veterinary use since 2001.
Meloxicam works by blocking cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemicals that cause pain, inflammation and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, Metacam provides effective relief from arthritis pain, post-surgical discomfort and other inflammatory conditions.
For dogs, Metacam is available as a palatable oral suspension (liquid) in a honey flavour, making it easy to administer. It comes in two concentrations: 1.5 mg/ml for dogs and 0.5 mg/ml for cats. The dog formulation should never be given to cats as the higher concentration can be fatal.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory — reduces pain without steroids
Given once per day with food for ongoing pain management
Licensed in the UK since 2001 with an extensive safety record
What Does Metacam
Treat in Dogs?
Osteoarthritis
The most common reason for prescribing Metacam. It reduces joint pain, stiffness and inflammation in dogs with chronic arthritis, improving mobility and quality of life. Often prescribed as long-term daily treatment.
Post-Surgical Pain
Vets commonly prescribe Metacam after operations including neutering, dental extractions, lump removals and orthopaedic surgery. It is usually given for 3-7 days post-operatively to manage pain and swelling.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Sprains, strains, ligament injuries and soft tissue inflammation respond well to Metacam. It is often prescribed after injuries from exercise, falls or rough play to reduce swelling and pain during recovery.
General Pain & Fever
Metacam can be used short-term to reduce fever and manage pain from various causes including infections, dental disease and acute injury. Your vet may prescribe it alongside antibiotics for conditions causing both pain and infection.
Metacam Dosage for Dogs
Always follow your vet's instructions. These are standard guidelines only.
Important: The Day 1 dose (0.2 mg/kg) is double the ongoing maintenance dose (0.1 mg/kg). Metacam oral suspension for dogs is 1.5 mg/ml. Always use the graduated syringe provided and give with or after food. Never exceed the prescribed dose.
Side Effects & Warnings
Metacam is generally well tolerated, but all medications carry some risk.
Common Side Effects
- • Vomiting or nausea
- • Diarrhoea or soft stools
- • Reduced appetite
- • Lethargy or drowsiness
- • Increased thirst
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- • Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- • Black or tarry stools (blood in stool)
- • Kidney damage (especially in dehydrated dogs)
- • Liver problems
- • Allergic reaction (facial swelling, hives)
Important Warnings
Never give to cats: The dog formulation (1.5 mg/ml) can be fatal to cats. Cats require the separate 0.5 mg/ml formulation at a much lower dose.
Not for puppies under 6 weeks: Metacam is not licensed for use in very young puppies. Consult your vet for age-appropriate pain relief.
Avoid with other NSAIDs or steroids: Combining Metacam with other anti-inflammatories (including aspirin) or corticosteroids dramatically increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Kidney and liver disease: Dogs with pre-existing kidney or liver problems should not take Metacam unless specifically directed by a vet. Regular blood tests are recommended for long-term use.
Always give with food: Metacam should be administered with or after food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation and ulceration.
Metacam Price Comparison
Typical UK prices for Metacam oral suspension for dogs. Prices vary — always check current listings.
Metacam 1.5mg/ml — 32ml bottle
Metacam 1.5mg/ml — 100ml bottle
Metacam 1.5mg/ml — 180ml bottle
Prescription fee: Your vet can charge a maximum of £21 for a written prescription (CMA cap). Even with this fee, buying a 100ml bottle online saves you at least £10-£25 compared to vet dispensing prices. For dogs on long-term Metacam, this adds up to £100-£300 per year in savings.
Alternatives to Metacam
for Dogs
Loxicom (Generic Meloxicam)
Same active ingredient, same concentration, typically 20-40% cheaper than branded Metacam. Manufactured by Norbrook. An excellent cost-saving alternative — ask your vet to prescribe the generic.
Carprieve / Rimadyl (Carprofen)
Another popular NSAID for dogs. Given twice daily (vs once for Metacam). Some dogs tolerate carprofen better. Available as tablets or injection. Similar price to Metacam.
Galliprant (Grapiprant)
A newer, targeted anti-inflammatory (piprant) that may be gentler on the stomach, kidneys and liver. More expensive than Metacam but can be a better option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those needing very long-term pain relief.
Librela (Bedinvetmab)
A monthly injection for osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Not an NSAID — it is a monoclonal antibody that targets nerve growth factor. Given at the vet surgery once a month. Around £50-£80 per injection but eliminates the need for daily tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Metacam (meloxicam) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. It is most commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis, post-operative pain relief after surgery, and musculoskeletal disorders. It reduces pain, swelling and fever.
Metacam oral suspension for dogs typically costs between £25-£50 at a vet practice depending on bottle size. Online pet medicine retailers sell the same product for £14-£30 with a valid prescription. The prescription itself costs up to £21 under the new CMA cap, meaning you can still save 30-50% buying online.
Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and lethargy. More serious but rare side effects include gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney problems and liver issues. Dogs should always be given Metacam with food to reduce stomach irritation. Contact your vet immediately if you notice black or bloody stools.
No. Metacam is a POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine — Veterinarian) in the UK. You need a valid veterinary prescription to purchase it. Your vet must offer you a written prescription which you can use to buy from any UK-registered online retailer. The maximum prescription fee is proposed cap of £21.
The standard dose is 0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg once daily thereafter, given with food. Metacam oral suspension comes with a graduated syringe for accurate dosing by body weight. Always follow your vet's specific instructions as doses may be adjusted for your dog's condition.
Yes, Loxicom contains the same active ingredient (meloxicam) at the same concentration as Metacam. It is an authorised generic alternative that is typically 20-40% cheaper. Your vet can prescribe either brand, and you can request the generic version to save money.
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Save money on Metacam for your dog
Compare prices from UK-registered online retailers and find the best deal on your dog's medication.