Previcox for dogs is a brand name formulation of the medicine known as firocoxib. This is a type of drug that has been designed exclusively for use in animals and is used as an anti-inflammatory drug and an analgesic. For this reason, Previcox is a great choice for dogs suffering from acute or chronic pain as a result of surgery, injury or other underlying health conditions. While Previcox will not completely eliminate the cause of the underlying problem, it will nonetheless help your pet to feel better and suffer from less pain throughout his recovery.
Previcox Overview
Previcox is an example of a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug, otherwise known as an NSAID. NSAIDs include common medicines like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. These drugs work by inhibiting the production of a certain type of body chemical called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible not only for maintaining blood platelet levels throughout much of the body, but also for producing the pain and inflammation responses to certain types of injury. By stopping your pet's body from producing prostaglandins in the first place, Previcox will therefore reduce the total amount of pain that your pet will feel as a result of his injury or disease.
Specifically, Previcox is commonly used for management of the symptoms of arthritis in pets. It is helpful both at reducing joint inflammation and also at reducing your pet's sensation of pain as well.
Using Previcox for Your Pet
Previcox is a prescription drug, meaning that you'll have to pay a visit to your vet with your pet in order to have him examined and to receive a prescription. The medicine itself is available in tablets which can be combined with your pet's food or given along with a treat of some kind. The exact dosage of the medicine that you'll need to give to your pet will be dependent upon your dog's:
- weight
- size
- breed
- age
- overall health condition
It's important to follow your vet's recommendations for dosage and administration schedules as best as possible to ensure an even and safe delivery of the medicine to your dog's system.
Previcox Side Effects
Previcox may cause some unforeseen effects in dogs with kidney disease, heart disease and certain other underlying conditions. It can also react poorly with some other medicines when they are simultaneously in your pet's system. For this reason, it's important that you inform your vet about any and all other medical concerns that are going on with your pet before you begin to give him Previcox.
The common side effects of Previcox tend to be very mild. They may include:
- mild lethargy
- mild anorexia or refusal to eat
- vomiting
Most dogs experience no side effects whatsoever. In very rare cases, your pet may also have a serious reaction to the medicine as well; it's important that you take him to an emergency veterinary center immediately if you notice a reaction of this type.