Can I give my dog this?

[ApplePears]

My dog has hurt his leg or paw, he’s limping. If he’s not better tomorrow then I’ll make a vet appointment. But it’s bothering him and I’d like to help him in the meantime.

I have some leftover metacam. It’s not expired but it says on the side ‘Once opened use within 6months’. And it was opened over a year ago. So I’m assuming I shouldn’t give it to him?

i would give it, it wont be as effective and worst case may make him throw up i maybe wouldnt give the full dose, maybe half just to take the edge of it

I thought the same about maybe just giving half a dose. I’ll re read the info sheet.

I've used Metacam out of date. Dog was fine and it's too expensive just to dispose of (via pharmacy).

Have you had a good look in there??

There was a pharmacist who posted about human meds saying tablets would likely have reduced efficacy but that liquids should be disposed of.
I’d probably still use though and I’d only be cursing myself if it resulted in dog vomit.

I did this for 3 days and it worked, and it was fine.

In typical dog fashion he’s taken himself off for a snooze! So I’ll leave him be.

But if it continues to bother him before the morning it’s good to know that the general consensus is yes.

Inside the bottle do you mean? 🤔

I'm about to do the same - always keep my Metacam for the odd limp or sprain. It's never harmed my dogs if it's been out of date.

I took my dog to the vet today and she advised that I could give a little bit of paracetamol for pain relief if needed.

I would, just make sure he has eaten. Should never be given on an empty stomach. As pp said, paracetamol can also be given to dogs, check dose though.

I meant in-between his toes /pads!!

Yes it's fine. DH is a vet and happy to give our animals out of date metacam.

Just make sure any paracetamol doesn't have artificial sweeteners. Vet suggested I gave it to my dog (but don't tell the pharmacist or they can't sell it to you)

I wouldn't give pain relief without seeing the vet because if he starts putting it down he could make it worse His paw I mean

I wouldn’t give paracetamol without vet advice, dogs are easier to overdose than people.

Thank you for the advice everyone.

He ended up not needing it thankfully as the limp has gone and he seems himself. But I’ll keep him rested today and see how he goes.

Please don’t give half doses of medication. Give the prescribed dose or nothing.