Tramadol for Dogs: A Medication That Can Help Treat Pain

Nobody likes to see their precious dog in pain. Pain not only negatively impacts a dog's well-being. It also causes stress that slows healing and accelerates aging.

Whether it's addressing pain caused by a surgical procedure or chronic condition, good pain control is considered a crucial part of pet healthcare and animal welfare. And there are many options for addressing pain in dogs, including the medication tramadol.

Tramadol for dogs at a glance

What is tramadol for dogs and how does it work?

Tramadol is a human pain medication that is used off-label to control pain in dogs. But due to recent studies that question its effectiveness in dogs, tramadol is now prescribed by veterinarians less often than it was in the past.

Tramadol is available as a generic and under the brand names:

• Qdolo

• Conzip

• Ultram

Tramadol is classified as a type of opioid. Opioids reduce pain by attaching to opioid pain receptors on nerve cells. When opioids attach themselves to these receptors, it triggers a series of chemical reactions that block pain signals from the brain. As a result, an opioid, like tramadol, can help prevent your dog from feeling pain.

Tramadol also reduces pain by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, chemical messengers that help regulate mood and pain, in the bloodstream.

Tramadol has been considered safe for dogs in the past. However, a number of recent studies have questioned tramadol's effectiveness for pain in dogs. In addition, tramadol is now classified as a Schedule 4 medication by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its potential for dependence and abuse in people.

What is tramadol used for in dogs?

Tramadol seems to work best for pain in dogs when it plays a supporting role alongside other pain medications. For arthritis pain in dogs, for example, tramadol is often taken in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as:

• Carprofen (Rimadyl)

• Grapiprant (Galliprant)

• Deracoxib (Deramaxx)

• Meloxicam (Metacam)

Veterinarians sometimes also recommend combining tramadol with a muscle relaxer, such as methocarbamol (Robaxin) or gabapentin, to enhance pain relief.

When combining medications, remember there are a lot of factors that can impact safety and effectiveness. Never combine medications without the guidance and supervision of a veterinarian.

What is the typical dosage of tramadol for dogs, and how is it given?

Tramadol is available in oral and injectable forms. The injectable form of tramadol is occasionally used in veterinary hospitals to manage pain related to surgery.

The typical tramadol dosage for dogs is 4 mg to 10 mg per kilogram of a body weight, every 8 to 12 hours. Your veterinarian will calculate your dog's tramadol dosage based on their weight and unique needs.

The oral form of tramadol can be given at home, and usually comes in 50 mg tablets. Tramadol can also be formulated by a compounding pharmacy into a tasty liquid or treats.

What are the common side effects of tramadol in dogs?

Generally speaking, tramadol is considered to be safe for most dogs and is typically well tolerated. Mild sedation and dilated pupils are the most common side effects of the medication.

There's also the potential for other, more rare side effects, including:

• Heavy sedation

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Slow heart rate

If you notice any of these side effects, stop giving your dog the medication and call your veterinarian.

Tramadol tablets have a bitter taste that may make your dog gag or drool after taking it. If this is the case, give your dog the medication in a pill pocket. Or talk to your veterinarian about having tramadol compounded into a tasty liquid or treats.

In humans, tramadol is known to cause seizure activity. If your dog has a history of seizures, tramadol is not recommended.

What are the most serious risks of tramadol for dogs?

Though rare, the most serious risk of tramadol for dogs is serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when serotonin levels in the body are too high. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation and hyperactivity that can progress to tremors or seizures if not treated.

If you notice your dog being hyperactive or behaving abnormally after they take tramadol, stop giving them the medication and call your local veterinarian or a pet poison hotline.

Ultracet, a version of tramadol that should only be taken by humans, contains acetaminophen, which is considered toxic to dogs. This formulation of tramadol should never be given to dogs.

Does tramadol interact with any other dog medications?

Tramadol can interact with certain medications that are used to treat dogs. If your dog is taking any of the following medications, use caution when giving them tramadol:

• Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Itrafungol)

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)

• Cyproheptadine

• Heart medications

• Ketamine

• Liver supplements, including SAMe, milk thistle, and St. John's wort

• Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin

• Mirtazapine (Remeron)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Ondansetron (Zofran)

• Other opioids

• Quinidine (Quinine)

• Selegiline (Anipryl)

• Trazodone (Desyrel)

• Warfarin (Coumadin)

• Yohimbine (Yobine)

If your dog takes one of these medications, let your veterinarian know before your dog is prescribed tramadol. In addition, use caution when giving tramadol to a dog who is nursing or pregnant or who has heart, liver, or kidney disease. Be sure to let your veterinarian know about any health conditions your dog has.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of tramadol?

If you forget to give your dog a dose of tramadol, give them the missed dose as soon as possible. But if it is close to when they're supposed to take their next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, give them the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.

Never give your dog two doses of tramadol close together (less than 6 hours apart).