Previcox for Dogs – Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Dogs can live as long as 10 to 13 years but as they grow older, they get plagued by different health related conditions and diseases. As much as owners care for their dogs and take steps to ensure their well-being, they can still end up experiencing pain, inflammation, and other ailments. Pet parents will usually try to take care of any of these by visiting vets and administering necessary medication.

Older dogs may experience pain and inflammation in their joints which can easily become frequent and ultimately affect their movement and agility. This can be as a result of injury or just the wear and tear that comes with aging.

To help them, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), pain killers, and supplements are usually administered. One of these and an important one in this regard is Previcox. You can learn more about NSAIDs here.

What Is Previcox Used For?

Previcox is an NSAID that works as a pain reliever for the treatment of joint pains, inflammation, and conditions such as OA (Osteoarthritis) in dogs. It is fast-acting in helping relieve your pet and this enables it to move around easily.

It works by blocking or inhibiting chemical substances like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme that might otherwise be causing pain and inflammation in your canine. Previcox may also be used to treat other ailments such as fever. It is a flavored, chewable tablet that can either be crushed easily and added to your pet’s food or given directly. Best of all, it is safe for use by your pet.

Some important things to know about Previcox include the following:

  • It must be prescribed by a vet after a diagnosis which can include an orthopedic examination and x-rays.
  • Your dog must be 7 weeks or older and must weigh at least 12.5 pounds before it can be administered to it.
  • You should let the vet know if your pet has conditions like liver or kidney diseases, ulcers, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, etc. It will also be important to know if it has allergic reactions and hives after taking sulfa-based drugs, aspirin, or NSAIDs.
  • Finally, let your vet know if your dog is pregnant or on any steroids.

What is the Recommended Previcox Dosage?

The drug Previcox is available in 57mg and 227mg chewable tablets and it must be administered as directed by the veterinarian. The dosage prescribed and its frequency will usually depend on your canine’s weight and body mass.

For dogs weighing between 12.5 pounds to 36 pounds, the 57mg option is usually prescribed while the 227mg is used for larger dogs. This can be given whole or broken based on the weight range of the dog and intake frequency. This frequency is usually once daily at 2.27mg/lb. Remember to make plenty of water available for your canine.

If for any reason you miss a dose, ensure you administer this as soon as possible but if it is close to the time of administering the next dose, you can skip the missed one. You should avoid giving a double dose. If for any reason there is a case of an overdose, you should contact your vet right away.

When administering Previcox, you should avoid other drugs that contain aspirin or any other NSAID or corticosteroids.

Side Effects

With all its benefits, Previcox also has some side effects. This can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dark stools
  • An increased thirst that results in more consumption of water and increased urination
  • Flatulence
  • Skin reactions
  • Lethargy
  • Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice).

It is not unusual for some dogs to have allergic reactions when using this drug. You should discontinue its use and talk to your vet if you notice any unusual or adverse side effects.

Other medications can be used to help your pet get relief from pain. Before using any of these, it is necessary to talk to a veterinarian. You may also want to read about some natural remedies here: https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/natural-dog-arthritis-treatments/.

Conclusion

Previcox is not a cure for osteoarthritis; a condition that causes pain in a dog’s joints like elbows, wrists, knees, spine, and hips. It can only help reduce the pain and inflammation that comes with it. While administering it, take care to observe your pet’s response as this will vary from dog to dog. Ensure you keep updating and discussing with your veterinarian on your dog’s progress, reaction, or any side effect you may notice.

 

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