Tramadol for dogs is an opioid painkiller drug used to treat pets who’ve gone through surgery, suffer from osteoarthritis, or have pain symptoms from other conditions. It’s one of the few painkillers that’s prescribed to both humans and dogs for treatment.
If your veterinarian prescribes tramadol for use in your dog, follow their instructions carefully. An overdose can be deadly, and suddenly stopping the use of this drug can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your vet’s guidance for giving your dog medication, including tramadol. Here’s what you should know about the uses, dosage, and side effects of tramadol for dogs.
Uses of tramadol for dogs
Vets use tramadol to treat mild to moderate pain symptoms in dogs, and they may combine it with other opioids to treat more severe pain. They commonly prescribe the drug after surgery and invasive medical procedures.
The drug works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, causing a feeling of euphoria as it reduces pain — similar to the way morphine works.
Tramadol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, and there is potential for abuse among humans. Vets watch for signs that pet parents may misuse their pets’ medication and report incidents accordingly.
Vets sometimes prescribe the drug to treat other conditions that cause acute pain, such as injuries. Tramadol can also be prescribed for conditions that cause chronic pain, such as cancer or osteoarthritis.
With chronic use, it may take several weeks for the drug’s positive effects to appear, and dogs may eventually build up a tolerance to it. For that reason, vets may prescribe other painkillers in addition to tramadol.
Dosage of tramadol for dogs
You must follow your vet’s advice when giving medication to your dog. While online dosing guidelines are available, they should never replace your vet’s advice for your pet.
The usual dosage of tramadol to treat pain in dogs is prescribed based on your dog’s body weight and is given every eight to twelve hours. For treating cancer, this dosage may be given every six hours.
Tramadol comes in tablets that you should not crush before administering. The drug also comes in capsules and compounded liquids. Your vet will help you figure out which is the best form of the drug and how to measure the proper dosage.
It is important to follow your vet’s dosage instructions closely, as an overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness, shallow breathing, weakness, fainting, or coma. You should contact an emergency vet if you suspect your dog has overdosed. Furthermore, you should also not suddenly discontinue the use of tramadol, as your pet may suffer from withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, or breathing problems.
Side effects of tramadol for dogs
Dogs may experience some side effects when taking tramadol. The most common of these is sedation. Other side effects may be more serious, and you should discuss alternative forms of treatment with your vet if they concern you.
If you see side effects in your dog, report them to your vet, as they may wish to alter the dosage or use a different medication. Here are some of the side effects that may appear with tramadol use in dogs:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Seizures
Make sure your vet is aware of any other medical conditions your dog has, as these may be worsened by tramadol. Also, tell your vet about any other medications your dog may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal or holistic treatments, as these can interact poorly with tramadol. Pets that are medications that affect brain or lung function or are hypersensitive to opioids should not take this drug.
As with almost any medication, there’s a risk of allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. If you see signs of an allergic reaction in your dog, including sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, contact your vet right away.