WHAT IS MELOXICAM USED FOR IN DOGS?
Meloxicam is a drug prescribed to dogs with stiffness, pain and inflammation caused by Osteoarthritis. It also treats symptoms of other bone and muscle disorders like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Vets prescribe Meloxicam for short-term conditions as well – such as post-surgery treatment or recovery from an injury. This medication works on the dogs hormones that cause inflammation without using steroids while still being helpful in curing chronic problems too!
Metacam is something known as an NSAID. In humans, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin are used pretty regularly, but for pets, they often need to be prescribed by a vet.
These medications seek to relieve pain without adding steroids to the body. Because of this, it can be used for types of pain in pets, such as arthritis. That said, its worth considering just how safe this medication will be for your pets unique situation.
What is nice for dog owners to know is that NSAIDs for dogs are thought to be one of the safest options out there for pain relief. Aside from NSAIDs, there are also opioid , corticosteroid or nephrotoxic medication options out there. However, most of these are known for having a number of nasty side effects, and on top of that, they can be highly addictive.
NSAIDs do not come with such a high risk of addiction, which makes them quite a bit safer. The side effects with NSAIDs like Metacam, Meloxicam, and Loxicom for dogs is usually mild but may also be less intense, but there are still side effects to be aware of for the sake of your pet.
CBD For Pain and Inflammation Relief
Due to its anti-inflammatory abilities, CBD is a fantastic option for pets who are feeling pain. Its a great choice for dogs suffering from arthritis or other chronic pain conditions, allowing them happier lives overall. Even pets being treated for cancer can receive some excellent benefits from the supplement.
Because of these abilities, its a top choice for helping your pet. Depending on your situation, you may be able to replace Metacam entirely with CBD. Otherwise, it can at least decrease the amount of Metacam your pet needs to take, which means fewer potential side effects than with just non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
The Top 5 Natural Metacam Alternatives for Dogs
If you’re worried about giving your dog Metacam, I highly recommend looking into natural anti-inflammatories as an alternative.
Some popular natural anti-inflammatories that people are using with their dogs include:
Glucosamine is a really popular supplement.
It’s mainly used to treat joint issues like arthritis, dysplasias, or other forms of joint pain and inflammation.
However, some sources suggest glucosamine can also help with digestive issues.
Glucosamine supplements are usually made from the shells of shellfish or synthesized in a laboratory.
They are believed to help increase the production of cartilage and synovial fluid which, in turn, helps to protect the joints.
How effective glucosamine really is in offering relief, however, isn’t so clear.
Some studies suggest it might be more of a placebo than a legitimate anti-inflammatory and painkiller.
Nonetheless, a lot of people use glucosamine themselves and with their pets.
For more information on glucosamine for dogs and how it works, check out this article on my blog.
Fish oil took the health industry by storm a few years ago.
Ever since, people have been using fish oil supplements to deal with all kinds of conditions, including inflammation and pain.
But, just like with glucosamine, a lot of recent research suggests that fish oil might not be as beneficial as was once thought.
In fact, some sources suggest that low-quality fish oil supplements can contain a variety of different toxins that can have all kinds of health risks for your pup.
I covered this topic in a lot more detail in a recent article on fish oil for dogs, which I recommend you read for more info on this topic.
Yucca is a plant native to Central and South America that’s believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
That’s because yucca roots (which are edible, by the way) are rich in compounds known as saponins.
Again, some studies suggest that these compounds can help reduce inflammation.
In fact, some sources say saponins can be as effective as some prescription steroid medications.
Unfortunately, yucca can also irritate the stomach in some pets, so it’s best to use it to treat acute symptoms rather than as a long-term anti-inflammatory.
Arnica is a herbaceous plant that grows naturally in temperate climates of North America and Europe.
Arnica extracts are made using the flowers of these plants, which are believed to contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
People with arthritis, for example, use topical products like arnica gel to help treat chronic inflammation in their joints.
Arnica can also be taken orally to help with pain and other symptoms.
It’s important to note, however, that arnica contains a toxin known as helenalin which, when taken in large quantities, can be toxic.
Some pet owners, however, find it can help their pets deal with inflammation and joint problems.