What is Tramadol for Dogs?
Tramadol is an opioid medication used to treat pain in dogs. It can be used to manage acute and chronic pain of mild to severe intensity, as well as anxiety, coughing, and canine degenerative myelopathy.
What is Tramadol Used for in Dogs?
Tramadol may be prescribed by a veterinarian to manage pain associated with cancer, osteoarthritis, lameness, post-operative pain, non-surgical intervertebral disc disease, or general pain from injury or other conditions.
How Does Tramadol Work for Dogs?
Tramadol works by changing how the brain perceives pain. It does not treat the underlying cause of the pain and does not have anti-inflammatory properties like NSAIDs. Tramadol is often used in conjunction with other pain management medications.
Tramadol Dose for Dogs
Tramadol requires a prescription from a veterinarian and should never be dosed without their guidance. Dosages are calculated based on the dog’s weight, health condition, medical history, and other factors.
Side Effects of Tramadol for Dogs
Common side effects of tramadol for dogs include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, drowsiness, tremors, dizziness, and loss of appetite. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian.
How Long Does it Take for Tramadol to Work on Dogs?
Tramadol is a fast-acting medication that typically starts working within 1 to 2 hours for acute pain conditions. Chronic pain conditions may take one to two weeks to respond to tramadol.
Conditions that Contraindicate Tramadol Use in Dogs
Tramadol should not be given to dogs who take MAOIs or SSRIs, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of seizures, or have liver or kidney disease. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving tramadol to your dog.