Previcox for dogs - Usage & Side Effects

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A dog is a family member, and when a family member is in pain, we will do anything we can to help them deal with it. One of the ways vets help our dogs deal with specific kinds of pain is with medications, and one of those medications is Previcox. Naturally, all dog owners want to know more about the drug their doctor advised or prescribed. If that’s the case with you and your dog, here is some information about Previcox for dogs.

What is Previcox for dogs?

Previcox is the name of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID. It contains an active ingredient called firocoxib, whose job is to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs. There is a similar version of the medication that is used for horses. Veterinarians mostly prescribe this medication in cases of;

• Osteoarthritis
• Soft tissue inflammation
• Dental surgery (recovery)
• Orthopedic surgery (recovery)

VET TIP: In some cases, vets can prescribe Previcox for treating transitional cell carcinoma. This drug is not meant to be used for that, so that usage is off-label. That use was never approved by the FDA, but some vets like to use it for this particular reason.

Is Previcox safe for dogs?

One of the first questions dog owners have for their vets regarding this medication is, “Is Previcox safe for my dog?” Naturally, dog owners want to know if there are any adverse reactions possible and will their dogs have them. It makes no sense to give a dog medication for pain and cause vomiting or excessive diarrhea.

The good news is that Previcox is considered a reasonably safe medication. When the drug manufacturer had to prove the drug’s safety, they organized a study that included adult Beagles. They were exposed to higher than recommended dosages of this drug, and the researchers noticed mild adverse reactions. In controlled groups that were exposed to significantly higher dosages, they noticed adverse reactions. However, if you stick to the recommended dosages, your dog should be safe. 

Previcox side effects

Previcox might cause some side effects, but that is not something you might not expect. Your dog will be taking a medication, and it is a foreign chemical that should affect their body. The good news is that Previcox only causes mild side effects. Severe side effects were noticed in cases of an overdose. The most common Previcox side effects are;

• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Severe side effects

• Changes in bowel movement
• Changes in energy levels
• Incoordination
• Seizures
• Changes in behavior
• Changes in drinking habits
• Increased urination
• Aggression
• Yellow skin/gums
• Skin changes

If you notice severe and long-lasting side effects in your dog, you should call your vet and tell them what’s happening. The vet might tell you to discontinue the drug or adapt the dosage to your dog.

SAFETY TIP: Vets rarely prescribe this medication for dogs under 12.5 pounds. The manufacturer noticed Previcox cannot be accurately dosed for such small dogs. You should never try to medicate your dog on your own, especially if you have a small dog.

Is it effective?

The second most important question about any drug is, “Is it effective?” You don’t want to give your dog drugs that won’t help them. NSAIDs are the most common drugs prescribed for dogs in pain. As you can imagine, the manufacturer had to perform a study of drug effectiveness before it was approved by the FDA.

To prove it, the manufacturer treated overall 733 dogs in three separate studies, ranging from 10 weeks to 20 years, and 13 pounds to 175 pounds of body weight. The effectiveness was measured for arthritic issues, post-operative recovery, lameness, motion control, etc. 87% of dogs had great results, especially those with arthritic problems. That means this drug is pretty effective, and you can be sure it will help your dog.

Previcox dosage for dogs

The exact dosage of this medication will be determined by your vet. Different health issues might require different approaches and dosages. Nevertheless, the most commonly prescribed dosage is 2,27 milligrams per pound of body weight.

This drug comes in the form of a chewable tablet, so the administration is pretty easy.

Where can I get it?

The first step you will have to take to get this medication for your dog is - visit your vet. If you notice your dog has issues and think Previcox might help, you should contact your vet and ask for a checkup. After they check your dog, they might prescribe them this medication. After that, you can go to your local pet pharmacy and pick it up there. If you prefer online orders, you can order it on Chewy’s online pharmacy.

World Dog Finder team