When your dog is in pain, all you want to do is make that pain go away, but pain medication made for humans isn’t safe for dogs. Tramadol is an atypical opioid, a type of pain medication, that is used to lessen acute or chronic pain in dogs. It can be used to manage several conditions, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, other neuropathic pain and even some forms of cancer. If your dog has chronic pain and has been put on tramadol, keep in mind that it may take several weeks for the drug to begin to work, says Dr. Jusmeen Sarkar, a pain management and anesthesia specialist at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Illinois.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tramadol for Dogs
Because tramadol is not a typical opioid drug, it doesn’t carry the risk of addiction that is usually associated with opioids, says Dr. Hayley Adams, an experienced veterinarian and the founder of the Silent Heroes Foundation. Because of this, it can be safer for some dogs than other opioid drugs.
Tramadol is most effective with mild to moderate pain. If tramadol is used consistently to manage chronic pain, however, especially pain that grows more severe due to a progressive illness, your dog may begin to tolerate it. At this point, it may not provide adequate levels of pain relief on its own. According to Dr. Sarkar, your veterinarian may solve this problem by adding additional pain medications, such as NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine or a stronger opioid.
Side Effects of Tramadol
Tramadol can cause various side effects in dogs. The most common side effect, according to Dr. Sarkar, is sedation, especially when tramadol is used in higher doses together with other drugs with similar potential side effects, and in dogs that are ill. Other side effects your dog might have include agitation, anxiety, tremors, constipation, pupil constriction, decreased heart rate, coughing and upset stomach. Humans on tramadol have reported seizure activity as a side effect, so if your dog has experienced seizures in the past or is taking drugs that lower the seizure threshold, use this drug cautiously.
Monitor your dog carefully after administering tramadol. “Any change in behavior or mentation should be brought immediately to the attention of your veterinarian, or contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline,” says Dr. Sarkar. Because tramadol is metabolized and passed through the liver and kidneys, your veterinarian may want to monitor the function of these organs.
Dosage of Tramadol
When it comes to determining the proper dosage of tramadol for dogs, there are several factors to consider. “The recommended dosage depends on the degree of pain your pet is in, any underlying medical issues or concomitant medications and the length of time the medication is needed,” says Adams.
“Your veterinarian can recommend a dosage that is safe for your pet based on these factors.” Several studies have looked at the procession of tramadol after its absorption into the body, and it seems that each dog’s metabolism of the drug is different. Therefore, the best way to determine whether your dog’s dosage is appropriate is through watching your dog’s response to the medication.
Curious about other medications for dogs? Learn about The Benefits of Prozac for Dogs.
Keren Perles is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about health and wellness, as well as parenting and education.
*This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.