Previcox for Dogs: What You Should Know

Reviewed and approved by the biologist Cesar Paul Gonzalez Gonzalez

Written by Editorial Team

Last update: 06 June, 2023

In every good medicine cabinet, there should always be a good anti-inflammatory, as this type of drug is always useful for treating a great variety of ailments and pathological processes. These medicines can also be given to dogs, who aren’t immune from accidents. In this article, find out all about previcox for dogs.

As our readers may know, the anti-inflammatory drugs most frequently used in human medicine, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are toxic for canines. Therefore, dogs have some drugs of their own, such as previcox, that fulfill the same function. Keep reading and learn all about this medicine.

What is previcox and what is it used for?

In general, specialists don’t recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pets, since their components are usually quite toxic for them. For various veterinary pathologies, dogs have their own drugs with anti-inflammatory activity, such as the previously mentioned previcox.

However, although these drugs have been specially formulated for these animals, this doesn’t mean that they’re free of side effects, and certain aspects should be taken into account before giving the drug to the animal.

Previcox is the brand name of a drug called firocoxib. This drug, as already mentioned, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It’s used to relieve mild to medium pain and inflammation. In the clinic, it’s used for the treatment of:

• Osteoarticular processes, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis
• Muscular inflammations, for example, after a blow
• Symptomatic treatment of pain associated with surgery

Mechanism of action

Firocoxib is an active compound that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. It’s able to inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase, which is an essential molecule in the production of prostaglandins. This prevents muscle contraction, inflammation, and generalized pain due to trauma or other pathologies.

How previcox is administered in dogs

This drug is administered only once a day, as more frequent administration is contraindicated. The duration of the treatment will always be determined according to the dog’s needs or the veterinarian’s criteria.

The recommended dose is five milligrams for each kilogram (2.2 lbs) of the animal’s weight. Since there are two forms of presentation (tablets of 57 milligrams and 227 milligrams), these will be divided to adjust the corresponding dose.

In cases of very large dogs, two tablets can be administered, but they must be in the same intake, as if it were a single pill.

The tablets have an appetizing flavor coating, so that dogs that chew them will eat them without any problem. However, for the more sybaritic canines it may be necessary to trick them by wrapping the tablet in some food. The administration of this drug with other foods isn’t contraindicated, so it’s perfectly compatible with food.

Warnings and contraindications

As in the case of absolutely any medicine, previcox for dogs isn’t free from a series of contraindications and warnings. This drug shouldn’t be used in pregnant dogs, or dogs who may be pregnant, nor during the lactation period.

It shouldn’t be used in puppies under 10 weeks of age, since abnormal adverse reactions may occur.

Due to its hepatic metabolism, it should not be used in animals that have or have recently had any type of liver pathology. The use of the drug in these cases could cause relapse or recurrence of the disease. Likewise, it should not be prescribed to animals suffering from renal or cardiac insufficiency.

Like many anti-inflammatory drugs, previcox can cause lesions in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract of dogs, such as ulcers or gastritis. In sensitive animals, its administration together with gastric protectors may be necessary to minimize the harmful effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Interactions with other drugs

Regarding interactions with other drugs, it’s essential to avoid co-administration with any other anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid drugs.

The combination of these drugs may increase the risk of side effects. In addition, their synergistic effect with diuretics and drugs to treat hypertension should be properly evaluated and supervised by a veterinarian. If treatment with these drugs has been carried out, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before starting treatment with previcox.

Of course, at this point, we have to make it clear that all the information we’ve given you in this article is for informative purposes and doesn’t constitute veterinary advice nor does it replace a visit to the clinic. Previcox, like any other medication, must be prescribed and recommended by a veterinary professional, after evaluation of the animal and its clinical history.

Previcox overdose

As with any medication, an overdose could lead to intoxication. So, if you start treatment with previcox and observe any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Constant vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Black or bloody stools
• Listlessness
• Weakness

Of course, clinical signs of previcox overdosage in dogs don’t appear immediately. In fact, in doses 5 times higher than recommended, they appear after 3 months, so care should be taken throughout the treatment. As long as it’s detected in time, the intoxication won’t leave sequelae and most cases are resolved by suspending the treatment.

Medications with reservations

As you’ve seen, there are several contraindications and warnings to take into account before taking this medication. As in humans, not all medications are valid when dealing with disease or illness.

For this reason, administering this or any other drug to a pet without knowing the risks can seriously aggravate the situation. Care must be taken, and, above all, always follow the steps indicated by a specialist.