Loxicom is a prescription anti-inflammatory medication used in dogs primarily to control pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. It contains the active ingredient meloxicam and is available as both an oral suspension and an injectable solution. Veterinarians also use it for acute pain from surgery, injuries, dental infections, and cancer.
How Loxicom Works
Loxicom belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the same broad category as ibuprofen in humans, though human NSAIDs should never be given to dogs. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals the body releases in response to injury or disease that cause swelling, pain, and inflammation in tissues and joints.
Meloxicam preferentially targets the form of prostaglandin production most responsible for inflammation while partially sparing the form that protects the stomach lining and supports kidney function. This selectivity has reduced stomach and intestinal side effects by roughly 50% compared to older NSAIDs in human studies, and the same principle applies to veterinary use.
Conditions It Treats
The FDA-approved indication for Loxicom in dogs is osteoarthritis, the gradual wearing down of cartilage in joints that causes stiffness, limping, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and general discomfort. For many dogs with arthritis, Loxicom becomes a daily long-term medication that helps them stay active and comfortable.
Beyond arthritis, veterinarians commonly prescribe it for short-term pain management after surgery, for injuries like sprains or soft tissue trauma, for dental pain, and as part of pain control in dogs with cancer. In these cases, treatment is typically limited to days or weeks rather than ongoing.
Available Forms and Dosing
Loxicom comes in two forms. The injectable version (5 mg/mL) is given by your veterinarian as an intravenous or subcutaneous injection, typically as the first dose to get pain relief started quickly. The oral suspension (1.5 mg/mL) is the form you’ll use at home, dispensed with a calibrated syringe so you can measure the exact dose based on your dog’s weight.
The standard protocol starts with a loading dose of 0.2 mg/kg on the first day, which is double the regular amount. After that, the daily maintenance dose drops to 0.1 mg/kg. Your vet may start with the injectable form and transition to the oral suspension after 24 hours, or begin with the oral version directly. The oral suspension can be mixed into food or given directly into your dog’s mouth using the syringe provided.
Side Effects to Watch For
Like all NSAIDs, Loxicom can cause gastrointestinal problems. The most common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and dark or tarry stools (which can indicate bleeding in the digestive tract). Most dogs tolerate the medication well, but these symptoms can appear at any point during treatment, not just in the first few days.
Less common but more serious side effects involve the kidneys and liver. Signs of kidney trouble include increased thirst, increased urination, or changes in urine color. Liver problems may show up as yellowing of the gums or whites of the eyes, lethargy, or vomiting. If your dog shows any of these signs, stop giving the medication and contact your vet promptly. Dogs that are dehydrated, on a low-protein diet, or already have compromised kidney or liver function face higher risk.
Dogs That Should Not Take Loxicom
Loxicom is not appropriate for every dog. It should not be given to dogs with known allergies to meloxicam or any other NSAID, including aspirin. Dogs with pre-existing kidney disease, liver disease, or gastrointestinal ulcers are poor candidates. Puppies under six weeks old and pregnant or nursing dogs should also avoid it.
One of the most important safety rules with Loxicom is that it cannot be combined with other NSAIDs (such as aspirin, carprofen, or deracoxib) or with corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone). Using two anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time dramatically increases the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and other serious complications. If your dog has recently been on a steroid or another NSAID, your vet will typically require a washout period of several days before starting Loxicom. Be sure to tell your vet about any medications, supplements, or herbal products your dog is currently taking or has recently taken.
Long-Term Use and Monitoring
Many dogs with osteoarthritis take Loxicom for months or years. This is generally safe, but it requires regular veterinary monitoring. Most vets recommend baseline blood work before starting the medication, then periodic rechecks to assess kidney and liver function. The typical schedule is a blood panel within the first few weeks, then every six to twelve months for dogs on continuous therapy, though dogs with risk factors may need more frequent testing.
At home, the most useful thing you can do is watch your dog’s behavior closely. Changes in appetite, water intake, energy level, stool consistency, or urination patterns are the earliest clues that something may be off. Keeping a simple mental note of what’s normal for your dog makes it much easier to catch problems before they become serious.