Your Guide to Tramadol for Dogs

Yes, you can give your dog Tramadol but only if prescribed and instructed by the vet to do so. The veterinarian will have to prescribe the medication and then give detailed instructions on using it (exact dosage, administration method, and frequency). 

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid commonly used to relieve acute and chronic pain. In 2014 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified Tramadol as a schedule IV controlled substance. Although not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine, Tramadol is regularly prescribed by veterinarians off-label. 

Tramadol in dogs is used for hard-to-treat pain or, in other words, pain that does not respond to the standard of pain management in pets – the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Tramadol works by binding with the opioid receptors in the brain, causing altered perception and transmission of pain. It also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This leads to higher concentrations of these chemicals in the blood and an unusual feeling of happiness and euphoria. 

Unlike many painkillers that work by targeting the different aspects of pain, Tramadol changes pain perception. Here are some chronic pain management uses of Tramadol in dogs. 

Tramadol for Dogs with Post-Surgery Pain. Tramadol is efficient in managing intense pain in dogs that have undergone surgeries. Studies show that Tramadol achieves potent analgesia regardless of the administration method and timing. 

Tramadol for Dogs with Cancer Pain. Cancer pain has three components (tumorigenic, inflammatory, and neuropathic) and requires a multimodal anti-pain approach. Opioids (Tramadol) are the cornerstone of cancer pain management. 

Tramadol for Dogs with Osteoarthritis. One of the most popular Tramadol is for arthritis pain. However, recent studies show the opioid is not very efficient for chronic joint pain. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other medications such as NSAIDs and gabapentin.

Additionally, Tramadol is used to treat pain associated with nonsurgical intervertebral disc disease, canine degenerative myelopathy, and limping in dogs. Sometimes, it can also be prescribed for dog with anxiety and coughing management. 

Just like any other medication, Tramadol may cause side effects in some dogs. Some side effects are transient and benign, and others are continuous and more severe. Here are the common side effects associated with Tramadol use in dogs: 

The side effects of Tramadol are more or less manageable. However, a dog allergic to the active ingredient can develop a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock and exhibit:

We should note that same as in people, long-term use of Tramadol in dogs can cause addiction. Therefore, before giving your dog a Tramadol prescription, the vet will evaluate the overall situation and outweigh whether the benefits of using this opioid outweigh the risks. 

Even when the benefits are significant, Tramadol must not be used in dogs:

Dogs allergic or sensitive to Acetaminophen should not be given the Ultracet® Tramadol formulation because, in addition to the opioid, it also contains Acetaminophen. This medication must not be used for cats either, as Acetaminophen is extremely toxic to them. 

On the other hand, careful and closely monitored Tramadol use is warranted in dogs with:

The Tramadol dosage for dogs is between 0.45 to 1.8 mg per pound of body weight. However, the administration frequency can vary based on the underlying issue. Namely, when using Tramadol for regular pain management, it is given every 8 to 12 hours, but if using it for cancer-related pain, it can be administered every 6 hours. 

Tramadol comes in different forms, including tablets, capsules, injectable solutions, powders, and suppositories. In dogs, the most commonly prescribed form is the Tramadol tablet. It is recommended to give the tablet with food because it has a bitter taste dogs do not generally like. Plus, if given on an empty stomach, it can trigger vomiting in sensitive pups. 

If you forgot to give your dog Tramadol and it is not close to the next scheduled dose, give the dosage immediately. On the other hand, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dosing and continue with the regular schedule. 

In both cases, it is critical not to double up the Tramadol amount in an effort to compensate for the missed dose. This is because giving too much Tramadol may result in an overdose which manifests with the following signs and symptoms:

Tramadol overdoses are life-threatening situations. If you accidentally gave your dog too much or your dog ingested the Tramadol stash, immediately call your vet – a prompt treatment could be lifesaving. 

Generally speaking, Tramadol is a fast-acting drug and triggers an improvement in the dog’s pain status within 1 to 2 hours of administration. However, it may take up to several weeks in dogs with chronic pain before Tramadol achieves full efficacy. Because of its short-acting nature, Tramadol stops working after 24 hours of administration, although its effects may last longer in dogs with kidney and liver diseases. 

It is not just the Tramadol dose and administration that matter – extra caution is necessary when weaning your dog off Tramadol. This is because of Tramadol’s ability to cause addictiveness – namely, abrupt discontinuation of the medication results in withdrawal symptoms such as:

To prevent withdrawal symptoms, the vet will recommend gradual Tramadol discontinuation – using the medication at a lower dose and then administering it at a lower frequency for a couple of days. 

As with any other medication, drug interactions with Tramadol are possible. Here is a shortlist of the medications that could interact with this opioid:

If your dog is receiving some of these interacting medications or is sensitive to the Tramadol side effects, do not worry – there are other pain control options you can look into. 

NSAIDs for dogs. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the golden standards of pain management in veterinary medicine. Common NSAIDs include Carprofen (Novox® or Rimadyl® ), Deracoxib (Deramaxx® ), Firocoxib (Previcox® ), and Meloxicam (Metacam® ). 

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are suitable for managing various painful conditions and can be used in conjunction with other pain medications (including Tramadol and opioids) and supplements. It should be noted that you must not use human NSAID formulas like Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in dogs. 

CBD products for dogs. When it comes to pain management, CBD is a popular option in the holistic wellness space. Pet parents give their dogs CBD to help with occasional discomfort or occasional stiffness, whether from daily exercise, normal aging, or health issues. 

In addition to managing pain, CBD can also promote relaxation in dogs, assist the immune system, and support long-term health. CBD is also a safe option for dogs since it’s all-natural and derived from plants.

We highly recommend the Honest Paws CBD products. They are certified with The National Animal Supplement Council, have over 1,000 reviews across their products, and their CBD is made in the USA from organic hemp farms in Colorado.

Tramadol is a potent medication dispensed by veterinarians to relieve pain in dogs. It is available under several brand names – ConZip®, Ultram®, Tridural®, Durela®, Zytram®, Ralivia®, Rybix®, and Ryzolt®.

Regardless of which Tramadol product you are using for your pup, it is critical you stick to the vet’s recommended dosages and administration instructions. Tramadol is not just a regular pain killer – it is a potent opioid that requires responsible use.