What Is Previcox and What Does It Treat?
Previcox is the brand name for firocoxib, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to control pain and inflammation in dogs. It is FDA-approved for dogs and is a long-established, widely prescribed canine pain reliever.
Like other NSAIDs, firocoxib works by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and reducing the production of prostaglandins — the chemical messengers that drive pain, inflammation, swelling and fever. Firocoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID (a “coxib”), which means it preferentially targets the COX-2 enzyme most involved in inflammation, with the aim of relieving pain effectively.
Veterinarians most commonly prescribe Previcox for:
- Osteoarthritis — the control of pain and inflammation associated with canine osteoarthritis, often as a long-term treatment
- Post-operative pain and inflammation — for example following soft-tissue or orthopaedic surgery
Previcox is genuinely effective and, used correctly, has a good safety record — but it is a true NSAID, and NSAIDs require care. Correct dosing and an awareness of the warning signs are essential. Use the calculator above to understand the standard dose, but a veterinarian must confirm Previcox is appropriate for your individual dog. For more, see PuppaDogs’ guide to Previcox (firocoxib) for dogs.
How the Previcox Dosage Calculator Works
The calculator converts your dog’s weight into the standard Previcox dose and then:
- Shows the 5 mg/kg once-daily dose in milligrams.
- Converts it into a number of 57 mg or 227 mg chewable tablets.
- Applies firm contraindication flags — combining NSAIDs with steroids, GI ulcers, kidney or liver disease, and pregnancy all trigger clear warnings.
Enter your dog’s weight, select the chewable tablet strength, choose the reason for use, tick any health considerations, then press Calculate Dose.
How Previcox Doses Are Calculated for Dogs
The Standard Dose
The FDA-approved label dose of Previcox for dogs is:
5 mg/kg of body weight (2.27 mg/lb), given by mouth once daily.
The once-a-day dosing makes Previcox convenient for owners, and consistent daily dosing is important for steady pain control.
Tablet Strengths
Previcox comes as flavoured chewable tablets in two strengths — 57 mg and 227 mg — both of which are scored so they can be split. Your veterinarian selects the combination that gets closest to the ideal 5 mg/kg dose for your dog’s weight.
Previcox Dosage Chart for Dogs
This chart shows the once-daily 5 mg/kg dose. It is a reference only — your veterinarian’s prescription takes priority.
| Dog weight | Once-daily dose (5 mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| 5 kg (11 lb) | ~25 mg |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | ~50 mg |
| 20 kg (44 lb) | ~100 mg |
| 30 kg (66 lb) | ~150 mg |
| 40 kg (88 lb) | ~200 mg |
| 50 kg (110 lb) | ~250 mg |
How to Give Previcox to Your Dog
- Once daily, at roughly the same time each day.
- With or without food — both are fine. If your dog gets mild stomach upset, giving it with a small meal can help.
- Use the flavoured chewables directly if your dog accepts them, or hide a tablet in food.
- Never combine Previcox with another NSAID (including aspirin) or with a steroid such as prednisone.
- Missed dose: give it when you remember unless the next dose is near, then skip it — never double up.
- Keep it secured — the chewables are palatable, and dogs have been harmed by eating a whole box.
Side Effects and Safety Warnings
Most dogs tolerate Previcox well, but because it is an NSAID, every owner should know the warning signs. The most important side effects involve the digestive system, kidneys and liver.
Stop the medication and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Black, tarry or bloody stool
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness or lethargy
- Yellowing of the gums, skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Increased thirst or urination
- Changes in behaviour
These can be early signs of gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney injury or liver problems — the serious risks associated with all NSAIDs.
When Previcox Should Be Avoided
Previcox should not be used, or used only with great caution under veterinary direction, in dogs that:
- Are taking another NSAID or a corticosteroid — a dangerous combination; a washout period is required when switching
- Have a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Are dehydrated or seriously unwell
- Are under 7 months of age — safe use in young puppies is not established
- Are pregnant, breeding or nursing
- Have a known sensitivity to firocoxib
Monitoring Bloodwork
Because firocoxib affects the liver and kidneys, your veterinarian will usually recommend blood tests before starting long-term treatment and periodically during it. This routine monitoring is a sensible precaution that catches early changes before they become a problem.
Overdose — Signs and What to Do
NSAID overdose is a genuine emergency. Eating too much firocoxib — often from a chewed-open box of palatable chews — can cause severe stomach ulceration, kidney failure and, at very high doses, neurological signs. If your dog eats more Previcox than prescribed, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately, and bring the packaging.
Previcox as Part of Arthritis Care
For osteoarthritis, Previcox works best as part of a multimodal plan. Weight control, appropriate exercise, joint supplements and other supportive therapies all reduce how much an arthritic dog relies on medication. If your dog ever needs to switch between Previcox and another NSAID such as carprofen, your veterinarian will build in a drug-free washout period to protect the stomach and kidneys.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring
For acute or post-operative pain, Previcox may be needed for only a short course. For osteoarthritis, long-term daily use is common and appropriate under veterinary supervision, with periodic rechecks and bloodwork. Report any change in your dog’s comfort, appetite or behaviour between visits.
Conclusion
Previcox (firocoxib) is an effective, FDA-approved NSAID for canine pain and osteoarthritis, dosed simply at 5 mg/kg by mouth once daily. The calculator above gives you that dose and converts it into chewable tablets. But Previcox is a medicine that demands respect: it must never be combined with other NSAIDs or steroids, needs caution in dogs with kidney, liver or GI disease and in young puppies, and every owner should know the warning signs that mean “stop and call the vet.” Used correctly, under veterinary guidance and with the recommended monitoring, Previcox can greatly improve the comfort of a dog living with pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Previcox do I give my dog?
The FDA-approved dose of Previcox (firocoxib) for dogs is 5 mg/kg of body weight, given by mouth once daily. As a guide that is roughly 50 mg for a 22 lb dog and 100 mg for a 44 lb dog. Previcox chewable tablets come in 57 mg and 227 mg strengths. Always confirm the dose with your veterinarian.
What is Previcox used for in dogs?
Previcox (firocoxib) is a COX-2 selective NSAID used in dogs to control the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, often long-term, and to manage post-operative pain and inflammation after surgery. It is given once daily and is a prescription medication.
What are the side effects of Previcox in dogs?
Most dogs tolerate Previcox well, but as an NSAID it can affect the stomach, kidneys and liver. Stop the medication and contact your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhoea, black or tarry stool, loss of appetite, lethargy, yellow gums or increased thirst. Giving Previcox with food can reduce the risk of mild stomach upset.
Can Previcox be given with other pain medications?
Previcox must never be combined with another NSAID (including aspirin) or with a corticosteroid such as prednisone – the combination greatly increases the risk of severe stomach ulcers, GI bleeding and kidney damage. When switching between these drugs a washout period is essential, and only your veterinarian should manage it.
How long does Previcox take to work in dogs?
Previcox usually begins easing pain and inflammation within hours of a dose, with a fuller effect over the first day or two. For osteoarthritis, give it consistently for a week or two before judging the overall benefit, as steady control builds with regular daily dosing.
Does my dog need blood tests while taking Previcox?
Yes, this is recommended. Because firocoxib can affect the liver and kidneys, veterinarians usually run blood tests before starting long-term treatment and periodically during it. This routine monitoring is a sensible precaution that allows any early changes to be detected and addressed quickly.
Related PuppaDogs Calculators
Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:
- Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
- Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
- Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
- Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)
References & Further Reading
The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.
- Previcox (firocoxib) – FDA-approved veterinary label and prescribing information, Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2023 – firocoxib monograph.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in animals. merckvetmanual.com.
- U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Get the Facts about Pain Relievers for Pets. fda.gov.
- PuppaDogs. Previcox (firocoxib) for Dogs: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. puppadogs.com.
