Comprehensive Guide to Previcox For Dogs
Meet the Joint Pain Reliever: Previcox For Dogs!
Previcox For Dogs is a prescription FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation in dogs that are suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, lameness, and painful post-surgery. Once-daily barbecue-flavored chewable tablet is fast-acting to get back to your pup's regular self.
How does Previcox For Dogs work?
Previcox For Dogs is a medication with one active ingredient - Firocoxib.
The active ingredient Firocoxib is a coxib-class NSAID that inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is responsible for the pain and inflammation of the joints (e.g., pain from osteoarthritis and post-surgery pain). The medication also allows the release of COX-1 enzymes that maintain the support of kidneys, GI tract, and platelet production.
How is Previcox For Dogs administered?
Previcox For Dogs barbecue-flavored chewable tablets is administered orally once daily. The prescription drug's usual dosage is 2.27 mg per pound of body weight. The tablets are scored, calculated in half increments, and can be administered with or without food. Available boxes are 57 mg and 227 mg per chewable tablet.
What are the precautions of which you should be aware?
Be cautious with the following list of dogs, in terms of using Previcox For Dogs:
- Breeding, pregnant, and nursing dogs
- Puppies and very small dogs under 12.5 pounds
Other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and nephrotoxic medications can interact poorly with Previcox For Dogs. Always be sure to disclose any medications, vitamins, and supplements that your pet may be taking when consulting your veterinarian or pharmacist.
What are the potential side effects of which you should be aware?
Previcox For Dogs's tablet's most common adverse reactions are vomiting, nausea, lethargy, seizures, aggression, itchiness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. If any of the above or any of the below occur, contact your veterinarian:
-
Abdominal pain
- Bloody stool or bloody vomit
- Jaundice or yellowing of eyes
- Unexplained weight gain
As a class, cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs may be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, or liver side effects, so it is reported that Previcox For Dogs can cause renal, gastrointestinal, and hepatic toxicity. Immediately seek emergency care if an allergic reaction occurs, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Previcox For Dogs?
Previcox For Dogs is an FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to treat joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in dogs due to arthritis. It's also used to relieve postoperative pain in dogs. Available in the form of chewable tablets, Previcox can help improve the quality of life of ailing dogs.
The active ingredient in Previcox is Firocoxib, a class NSAID that inhibits the release of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and stimulates the production of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). This, in turn, minimizes the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing joint pain and inflammation.
What Is Previcox Used for in Dogs?
Previcox chewable tablets are primarily used to treat pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The medication can also be used to treat stiffness and swelling of the joints due to canine arthritis and lameness.
It's effective in relieving postoperative pain as well. Administering Previcox a few hours before your dog is about to undergo surgery significantly reduces pain after the procedure. It improves the overall quality of life of dogs by helping them stay active.
How Long for Previcox to Work in Dogs?
Being one of the most effective class cyclooxygenase inhibitory NSAIDs, Previcox starts relieving pain and inflammation in your dog within hours of being administered. However, it'll take a few days (up to a week) before you notice any significant changes in your dog's mood and behavior.
The time taken for Previcox to work also depends on other factors, such as your dog's age, weight, and overall health. Make sure you follow the vet's instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of administering Previcox to your dog.
Even if the medication doesn't work right away, don't discontinue the chewable tablets abruptly. Instead, consult the vet to discuss any progress/changes in your dog's health and ask them to adjust the dosage accordingly.
What Are the Side Effects of Previcox for Dogs?
Previcox is an FDA-approved veterinarian-prescribed medication for the management of canine osteoarthritis, as well as postoperative pain and inflammation. However, it can cause adverse side effects, such as:
- Vomiting (with or without blood)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Itchiness
- Diarrhea (often accompanied by dark, tarry, or bloody stool)
- Abdominal pain
- Weight gain
It's recommended that you immediately consult your vet if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms in your dog. You should also watch out for symptoms of allergic reactions, including breathing trouble, facial swelling, and hives.
Moreover, cyclooxygenase inhibitor NSAIDs may interfere with kidney and liver function, leading to renal failure and jaundice. Reach out to your vet if your dog exhibits yellowing of gums and skin, or any symptoms of kidney damage.
How Much Previcox for a 70 lb Dog?
The recommended daily dosage of Previcox for your dog is 2.27 mg per pound of body weight. That means if your dog weighs 70 lb, they need 158.9 mg of Previcox once a day. While Previcox chewable tablets are scored and available in packs of 57 mg and 227 mg tablets, it's wider to consult your vet before administering the medication. Also, you'll need a licensed vet's prescription to purchase the tablets from a pharmacy.
Is Previcox Safe for Dogs?
Considering that Previcox is an FDA-approved NSAID, it's safe to administer the medication to dogs. However, you should watch out for allergic reactions and side effects, including hives, breathing difficulty, seizures, dizziness, blood in vomit or stool, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Immediately contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog.
Also, Previcox shouldn't be administered on dogs less than 7 weeks old. Exercise more caution if your dog is pregnant and nursing, or weighs less than 12.5 pounds. If your pet is also taking corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication to treat other conditions, talk to your vet about possible drug interactions.
What Is the Dosage of Previcox for Dogs?
The recommended dosage of Previcox for a dog is 2.27 mg per pound of body weight once daily. But it's wiser to ask your vet to prescribe the right dosage and duration of treatment. Administering the chewable tablets on your own could result in harmful side effects and drug interactions.
How Long Can You Give a Dog Previcox?
Previcox can be administered once daily for 3 days to treat pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. In the case of canine osteoarthritis, Previcox can be administered long-term, as prescribed by your vet. Make sure you watch out for symptoms of liver and kidney damage.
Is Previcox a Pain Killer?
Previcox is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever for dogs. Unlike analgesic painkillers, it reduces joint pain and inflammation by inhibiting COX-2 and stimulating COX-1 to hinder the production of pain-inducing prostaglandins.
Can Previcox Be Used Long-Term?
Previcox is safe for long-term use in dogs. However, like other NSAIDs, it's associated with a slight risk of gastrointestinal problems, as well as renal and hepatic toxicity in the long run. Stay in touch with your vet and monitor your dog's health to tackle any side effects, if and when they arise.
Concluding Thoughts
The most important thing that you should know about Previcox For Dogs is its ability to significantly improve almost 100% of dog's joint pain, inflammation, and overall quality of life by treating OA and postoperative pain.
DISCLAIMER: FDA law restricts Previcox For Dogs only on order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian for the best pet health care advice. Ask your veterinarian or consult with one of our pet care specialists at 1-800-844-1427, if this is a suitable product for your pet and your home. This informative article is not meant to substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, and professional advice from your veterinarian or other qualified professionals regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website. PetCareRX medications are FDA approved and/or EPA regulated when and as required by law.