When your dog or cat slows down, struggles with normal movement, or seems less comfortable after everyday activity, you naturally want to help them feel more like themselves again.
Metacam and CBD oil are two very different options pet owners may encounter when exploring support for discomfort, inflammation, stiffness, and mobility. Veterinarians prescribe Metacam to manage certain types of pain and inflammation. In contrast, pet owners can add hemp-derived CBD oil to a pet’s daily wellness routine.
Understanding how they differ can help you have a more informed conversation with your veterinarian and choose an approach that fits your pet’s individual needs.
What Is Metacam?
Metacam is the brand name for meloxicam, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID.
Veterinarians commonly prescribe Metacam to help manage pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, injuries, and recovery after certain surgical procedures. Because it is a medication, the dose and length of treatment should be determined by a veterinarian.
For some pets, Metacam can provide important and effective relief. However, like other NSAIDs, it may not be appropriate for every animal.
What Should Pet Owners Know About Metacam?
Metacam works by reducing substances involved in pain and inflammation. It is often chosen when a veterinarian believes a pet needs prescription-level pain management.
Possible side effects associated with veterinary NSAIDs can include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Low energy
- Changes in thirst or urination
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Kidney or liver concerns in susceptible pets
Veterinarians may recommend bloodwork or additional monitoring, particularly when an NSAID is used for an extended period.
Cats require special consideration. Repeated meloxicam use in cats has been associated with serious kidney risks, which is why it should only be administered exactly as directed by a veterinarian.
This does not mean Metacam is inherently bad. It means that it is a powerful prescription medication that requires professional guidance and responsible monitoring.
What Is CBD Oil for Pets?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the marijuana “high.” Pet owners commonly add CBD oil to their animals’ wellness routines to support:
- Everyday comfort
- Normal mobility
- Calm behavior
- Relaxation
- Healthy activity
- Senior-pet wellness
- Overall quality of life
CBD oil is especially appealing to people looking for a plant-based product that can be adjusted according to their pet’s size, routine, and individual response.
Why Are Pet Owners Choosing CBD Oil?
One of the greatest advantages of CBD oil is its versatility.
For example, pet owners can incorporate CBD into a regular wellness routine instead of saving it for a specific event. Pet owners often explore CBD when their animals begin slowing down, appear uncomfortable after activity, have trouble settling, or need additional support as they age.
CBD oil may be considered for pets experiencing:
- Age-related stiffness
- Changes in normal movement
- Reduced enthusiasm for walks or play
- Difficulty getting comfortable
- Occasional stress or restlessness
- Changes associated with senior-pet life
Veterinary research into CBD continues to grow. Studies involving dogs with osteoarthritis have reported encouraging changes in comfort, activity, and mobility, although individual results vary.
CBD Oil vs. Metacam: What Is the Difference?
Metacam and CBD oil do not work in the same way and do not belong to the same product category.
| Metacam | CBD Oil |
|---|---|
| Prescription veterinary medication | Hemp-derived wellness product |
| Used for veterinary pain and inflammation management | Used to support comfort, calm, mobility, and general wellness |
| Requires a veterinarian’s prescription | Available without a prescription where legally sold |
| Given according to a prescribed schedule | Can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine |
| May require medical monitoring | Product quality and careful measurement remain important |
| Not appropriate for every pet | Suitability can depend on the pet, product, and other medications |
For pets experiencing significant pain or a diagnosed medical condition, a veterinarian may recommend prescription treatment. For everyday wellness, age-related changes, or additional comfort support, many owners are interested in exploring CBD.
The right choice does not always have to be one product instead of the other. Some veterinarians may allow CBD to be used as part of a broader care plan, but pet owners should discuss combining CBD with prescription medications before doing so.
Is CBD Oil Better Than Metacam?
There is no single answer that applies to every pet.
Metacam may be the appropriate choice when a veterinarian determines that prescription pain and inflammation management is needed. CBD oil may be attractive to owners looking for natural, everyday support that fits easily into their pet’s routine.
CBD oil offers several practical advantages:
- It is plant-based.
- It is non-intoxicating.
- It supports more than one aspect of wellness.
- It can be measured carefully for pets of different sizes.
- It can be used as part of a consistent daily routine.
- It is available in different strengths and extract types.
- It may complement a broader wellness plan when approved by a veterinarian.
For many pet owners, CBD is not about rejecting veterinary medicine. It is about having another option available when supporting comfort, movement, calm, and quality of life.
Quality Makes a Difference
Not every CBD product is made to the same standard.
A low-quality oil may contain inconsistent CBD concentrations, unwanted residues, artificial additives, or more THC than expected. That is why the source, formulation, and testing of the product matter.
Look for pet CBD oil that is:
- Made with organically grown hemp
- Third-party laboratory tested
- Clearly labeled for CBD concentration
- Verified to contain less than 0.3% THC
- Free from unnecessary artificial ingredients
- Made by a company experienced with animal CBD
- Easy to measure according to the animal’s size
You should also be able to view a current certificate of analysis that confirms the product’s cannabinoid content and purity.
Why Choose That Pet Cure?
That Pet Cure creates premium CBD oils for dogs, cats, parrots, other pets, and people.
Our products are made for pet owners who care about what goes into every bottle. We focus on quality, versatility, and carefully crafted formulas that can become part of an animal’s everyday wellness routine.
Our CBD oils are:
- Made with organically grown hemp
- Third-party lab tested – See our lab reports
- Full-spectrum
- CO₂ extracted
- Made with quality carrier oils
- Available in multiple concentrations
- Handmade in the USA
- Produced with less than 0.3% THC
- Created for dogs, cats, parrots, and other pets
Because animals vary greatly in size, sensitivity, and wellness needs, we offer different formulas that make it easier to select an appropriate concentration for your pet.
A Natural Addition to Your Pet’s Wellness Routine
Watching a beloved animal become less active or comfortable can be difficult. Fortunately, pet owners now have more options for supporting mobility, calm, and everyday quality of life.
Metacam remains an important prescription medication for many animals. CBD oil provides a different approach: flexible, plant-based wellness support that can fit naturally into your pet’s routine.
The goal is not simply to choose between conventional care and natural support. The goal is to find the combination of care, comfort, movement, nutrition, and daily attention that helps your pet enjoy life.
Explore That Pet Cure CBD Oil for Pets
Discover carefully crafted, organic, third-party-tested CBD oils for dogs, cats, parrots, and other animals.
Shop CBD Oil for Pets
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD oil replace Metacam?
CBD oil should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a prescription medication. Metacam may be necessary when a veterinarian is managing diagnosed pain or inflammation. CBD can be explored as everyday wellness support or as part of a broader veterinarian-approved care plan.
Can dogs use CBD oil for mobility support?
Many dog owners use CBD oil to support normal movement, everyday comfort, healthy activity, and senior-dog wellness. Veterinary studies involving dogs with osteoarthritis have also produced encouraging results.
Can cats use CBD oil?
Cats can use appropriately formulated CBD oil, but the product must be measured carefully. Choose a high-quality oil with verified cannabinoid content and very low THC. Speak with a veterinarian when your cat has a medical condition or takes medication.
Can CBD oil and Metacam be given together?
Do not combine CBD with Metacam or another medication without discussing it with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can consider your pet’s health, current medications, and monitoring needs.
Will CBD make my pet high?
CBD itself is non-intoxicating. A properly made hemp-derived CBD product containing less than 0.3% THC should not produce a marijuana-like high. Always choose a third-party-tested product so you can confirm its cannabinoid content.
How do I choose the right CBD oil for my pet?
Consider your pet’s species, body weight, product concentration, carrier oil, extract type, and the reason you are adding CBD to their routine. That Pet Cure offers multiple concentrations for animals of different sizes.