Key Takeaway: Previcox (Firocoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is prescribed for dogs with pain or fever. It is most frequently given to relieve osteoarthritis-related pain. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CBD in alleviating canine arthritic pain.
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called Previcox, also known as firocoxib, is used to treat pain or fever in dogs. Previcox has a unique mechanism of action that may be more specialized than older medications of the same class and reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. According to studies, several new NSAIDs, such as Previcox, carry a lower risk of developing certain side effects.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PREVICOX IN DOGS
Previcox is typically prescribed by veterinarians for pain and, less frequently, fever. Although dogs may occasionally use it for post-surgical discomfort, veterinarians typically recommend it for osteoarthritis.
ARE DOGS SAFE FROM PREVICOX?
According to the Previcox manufacturer’s prescribing notes, a few drug safety studies have been published. According to the data, researchers could only investigate the medicine in sick dogs for a total of 30 days for every particular indication. Multiple doses of the medication, 1, 3, and 5 times the recommended dosage, were tested in healthy beagles for a total of 180 days. It took 180 days to observe that the detrimental effects of the medication are dose and time-dependent. If the dog is given a dose that is higher than recommended for an extended period of time, health problems may probably arise. Other NSAIDs also exhibit this tendency.
Although the medicine was judged to be safe in these tests, it is important to note that healthy dogs ingesting the recommended dose (not an overdose) experienced liver abnormalities. The trial concluded after 180 days, however, these alterations in the liver were found to be innocuous. Previcox is marketed by the company as being “safe for long-term use,” yet the word “long-term” use does not seem to be clearly defined in these commercials.
The possibility that a dog would use the medication for more than 180 days is not implausible. There doesn’t seem to be a study that offers information on safety past that point. It’s possible that the alterations to the liver don’t advance to disease, but it’s also possible that they do. Since the liver is such a miraculously resilient organ, it can take a long time for drugs or other chemicals to seriously destroy it.
The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists also cautions against using Previcox continuously as it may be harmful. Always seek the advice of a veterinarian, pay attention to their recommendations, and report anything unusual or harmful as soon as you can. It is wise to keep an eye out for any early indications of liver, renal, or stomach issues if your pet takes an NSAID like Previcox. Ulcers are a common side effect of NSAIDs.
DOSAGE OF PREVICOX FOR DOGS
Previcox’s maker warns against giving it to dogs under 12.5 pounds because it is challenging to administer the medication accurately at that weight.
Previcox should not be administered to animals that are younger than seven months old, according to Small Animal Pediatrics. In a developing young dog, the medication can alter the liver and other organs involved in hormone regulation.
The manufacturer provides a useful dosing table calibrated for tablets because the recommended dose is 5mg/kg of body weight but this is challenging to achieve with tablets.
Note that there are two different strengths available, 57mg and 227mg.
PREVICOX SIDE EFFECTS IN DOGS
Several of the side effects are listed below:
- Digestive: Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach perforation, and ulceration.
- Behavioral: Laziness, discomfort, exhaustion, or hyperactivity.
- Bladder/kidneys: Blood indicators indicating kidney failure, irregular urination, and impaired renal function.
There are additional. These were included because they are either from official studies that have been conducted or are frequently linked to medications in this class (NSAIDs).
DOG PREVICOX OTHER OPTIONS
Additional NSAIDs
Previcox is an NSAID, as previously stated. It’s not the only one, by any means. The FDA has a list of NSAIDs that are authorized for labeled veterinary use. Other NSAIDs with a human focus have been used off-label for animals, some for a long time with a known dosage. Ibuprofen is a prime illustration.
Previcox is more or less expensive than some of these NSAIDs. They may or may not be more efficient than Previcox at reducing a particular pet’s pain. The only way to determine which NSAID will work best is the old-fashioned method: by trying them all to see which one relieves pain the most without harming you.
It’s important to keep in mind that all NSAIDs have overlapping hazards. Unless there is no other choice, it is generally advised not to use them for an extended period of time. Owners and their veterinarians must agree on this choice in advance.
All NSAIDs pose a risk to renal and stomach health, particularly with prolonged usage. Without any worries, dog owners have given their pets NSAIDs for post-surgery pain and other temporary discomfort.
CBD
Compounds that are taken from the hemp plant are known as cannabinoids. Despite the fact that cannabis and hemp share the same names (depending on the cultivar and intended use), there are several important differences between the various extracts. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD, are quite unlike substances.
A study conducted at Cornell University looked at dogs with osteoarthritis who were given 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily. The CBD-treated pups were more active and had fewer indications of discomfort. The paper continues by stating that although longer-term research is needed, the short-term effects of CBD are promising.
The same dosage range applies to our CBD oil for dogs, and the best option is CBD oil if you can put the dropper in their mouth. If not, we create CBD snacks with only two ingredients that, when consumed, provide an effective dose. These can be used safely in addition to our Mobility Chews, which are especially beneficial for dogs with mobility challenges and contain a low amount of CBD, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and a variety of other natural components.
Examine CBD as a natural Previcox substitute if your pet cannot tolerate NSAIDs. Find a reliable producer to source the medicine from, educate yourself on CBD for dog discomfort, and talk it over with your doctor.
CONCLUSION
An FDA-approved choice for canine pain management is Previcox. It shares many of the same hazards as other medications in its class and is one of several. Veterinary authorities and manuals caution against long-term use of NSAIDs due to the known risks associated with their usage, particularly with sustained use.
Buy Previcox
If you’re to buy Previcox, Better You Rx understands that pets deserve the same level of care and attention as humans. When it comes to healthcare, the well-being of our beloved pets is just as important as our own. Pets are not just animals; they become integral members of our families. Like humans, they also require medical attention and care to ensure they live healthy and fulfilling lives. Better You Rx has recognized this need and has gone beyond the conventional to provide a comprehensive range of medications not only for humans but also for our furry friends. We offer both brand name and generic equivalents. What truly sets Better You Rx apart is their dedication to catering to the medical needs of our pets.
