Tramadol for dogs—does it still have a place in veterinary medicine for treating pain in dogs? Discover the answer to this question as well as everything you need to know about the uses, side effects, benefits, and drawbacks of tramadol for dogs from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby.
For the first decade of my career, I prescribed tramadol for dogs liberally. And why not? It was inexpensive, it was safe, and it was effective.
But was it?
Unfortunately, current research has thrown shade on tramadol as a pain reliever for dogs, which is a tough pill to swallow. I’ve long considered this drug as a go-to for my senior dog patients. However, veterinary medicine has begun to cast it aside.
Despite this movement away from tramadol, there are plenty of veterinarians who echo my sentiments about tramadol for dogs. For years, we saw it help our patients in tangible ways. Thus, we are still on the tramadol bandwagon.
So why do veterinarians and scientists report varying degrees of success with tramadol for dogs? That is the million-dollar question!
If your dog has been prescribed tramadol in the past, if your dog is taking tramadol in the present, or if you just love a good mystery…read on to learn everything you need to know about tramadol for dogs.
What is tramadol?
More properly known as tramadol hydrochloride, tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) opioid. It works on opioid receptors in the brain (just like endorphins, morphine, and codeine). However, unlike some other opioids, it’s not directly derived from the opium plant.
In addition to its role as an opioid analgesic (i.e. painkiller), it also affects the way cells use two important hormones—norepinephrine and serotonin. I’ll explain this concept in detail when we look at tramadol safety for dogs. It’s also the key to unraveling our mystery!
Can dogs take tramadol?
Yes, they can! In fact, tramadol is one of the few human pain medications that does not raise red flags about toxicity in dogs. Remember—you should never give your dog Advil or other human NSAIDs.
In the United Kingdom, there are veterinary-approved tramadol formulations. However in the U.S., we use the human product in an “off label” fashion for dogs. This in and of itself isn’t a cause for concern because many drugs are safely used “off label” in animals. As you will discover shortly, the fact that it is a human drug with abuse potential does create some problems.
Tramadol comes in a variety of strengths and formulations. However, in my experience, most veterinary hospitals carry or script tramadol 50 mg tablets—a common dosage form used for humans.
What are the implications of tramadol being a human drug?
For the first decade of my veterinary career, tramadol lived in my pharmacy next to my antibiotics and eye ointments. Sadly, human abuse and misuse of the drug became rampant in the early 2000s. This led to the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) placing tramadol into schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act on July 2, 2014.
This completely changed veterinarians’ relationship with tramadol. Don’t get me wrong, it is still prescribed. But the amount of legal red tape involved and the ethical concern about inadvertently causing harm for humans has contributed to tramadol falling out of favor in veterinary medicine.
How does tramadol work?
In humans, tramadol is almost entirely absorbed and bioavailable. This means that most of it is in a form that the body can use. Once it enters the bloodstream, the liver converts it into a “metabolite” called OM1. Then OM1 binds to the opioid receptors to affect the nervous system’s perception of pain. OM1 is a much more powerful pain-relieving compound than tramadol in its original form.
Tramadol also works by blocking the “hormone of happy,” serotonin, from coming back into the cell. This means a higher concentration of the hormone remains active in the blood stream for a longer time. Thus, tramadol works in two ways in people.
What about tramadol for dogs?
There are a couple of major differences we must consider when talking about tramadol for people versus tramadol for dogs. And these differences are another reason tramadol has fallen out of favor as a pain medication for dogs.
- Tramadol is only about 65% absorbed and bioavailable in dogs—much less than in humans.
- Dogs don’t have the same ability to create the OM1 metabolite as humans do. Simply put, tramadol metabolizes differently in the dog’s liver.
Since OM1 is the metabolite that interacts with the opioid receptors to relieve pain, this would indicate that tramadol would theoretically be less effective at relieving pain in dogs. Interestingly, some dogs seem to have more of an ability to convert tramadol to OM1. For these dogs, tramadol works better as a true “pain reliever.”
Since tramadol is great at relieving arthritis pain in people, it only makes sense that dog parents commonly ask me, “What about tramadol for my dog’s arthritis?” Well, based on the research alone, tramadol is not a great choice to relieve arthritis pain in dogs. In a 2018 study from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, researchers concluded that tramadol is ineffective in alleviating signs of pain associated with osteoarthritis.
So does tramadol work for dogs?
Well, as we established above, it may not work well as an analgesic (i.e. pain reliever). However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work at all. I will go to my grave swearing that tramadol works for many dogs.
So we’re left to define the term “works.” Keep in mind that the research studies veterinary medicine is now citing to say tramadol doesn’t work looked strictly at tramadol for pain control…and in a “research setting.” The studies didn’t take into account the emotional component of pain—because realistically, how would you measure that in research on dogs?
But in clinical practice, we’re not evaluating our patients in a laboratory. We’re out running “field tests.” We don’t just look at scientifically designed measures of pain control but evaluate the whole dog!
And because of the way tramadol affects certain hormones in the body—like serotonin and norepinephrine—it seems plausible that tramadol can help dogs feel better. Biochemically, it’s totally possible that it’s functioning to elevate their mood and reduce stress and tension. This is a really nice property for my senior dog patients who are struggling physically and psychologically with aches, pains, and reduced mobility. And it likely explains my belief that tramadol is a valid and helpful drug for dogs.
How might tramadol affect the psychological aspects of pain?
Turns out it’s not just lawyers who need to be thinking about “pain and suffering.” A few years back, I was privileged to interview Dr. Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVA, who taught anesthesiology and pain management at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for decades. To hear the full interview, check out my podcast, Pain in Dogs: An Expert Interview with Dr. Harvey.
He explains tramadol’s effect on “pain and suffering” in dogs better than I ever could:
Tramadol works differently in dogs and cats and humans, and [most] dogs do not effectively convert tramadol to an active metabolite that is produced in cats and humans. But tramadol has a second, and I believe far more important mechanism, and that is to interfere with the reuptake of two neurochemicals that are important in the brain and spinal cord—the body’s own ability to control the suffering component of pain—and that is norepinephrine and serotonin…That second mechanism of action of tramadol by interfering with the reuptake of those two neurotransmitters is very powerful, and it’s perhaps more useful to think about that action almost as we might think about an antidepressant medication that would keep an animal engaged in life…in spite of the presence of pathology and disease.”
Ralph Harvey DVM, MS, DACVA
What about combining tramadol with other drugs?
One thing that veterinarians seem to agree on is that tramadol is never going to win an Academy Award for the best actor. It’s much more likely to get a nomination for the best supporting actor. Very few veterinarians use tramadol alone for pain (or should I say “suffering”) in dogs. We almost always use it in combination with other medications. One thought is that tramadol might actually potentiate (i.e. make more effective) the effect of other pain medications when they are combined.
In fact, humans may also take tramadol in combination with another drug for pain control. For example, there is a combination of tramadol plus acetaminophen on the market. This is one of the many reasons you should never give your dog tramadol which you have been prescribed personally.
Can I give my dog Galliprant (or other NSAIDs) and tramadol?
This is one of tramadol’s strengths. It is safe to combine it with Galliprant, Rimadyl, Metacam, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that veterinarians so commonly prescribe for senior dogs. Tramadol is also fine to use along with joint supplements for dogs such as glucosamine, deer antler velvet for dogs, and green lipped mussel for dogs.
What about gabapentin and tramadol for dogs?
Traditionally, both tramadol and gabapentin are pain medications we use in that supporting actor role. This means we should probably use them with other drugs that can take the lead in pain control. However, tramadol can be safely combined with gabapentin.
The great news about these two team players—gabapentin and tramadol for dogs—is they have minimal side effects and are relatively inexpensive.
We are limited in veterinary medicine to a short list of oral medications for treating pain in our patients. Sometimes NSAIDs are contraindicated for one of many reasons. Then gabapentin and tramadol may be an appropriate and reasonable tag team.
Can tramadol and methocarbamol for dogs be used together?
I will often prescribe tramadol and methocarbamol for dogs together for IVDD in dogs. In my experience they work synergistically and safely with the other drugs I’ve prescribed to help my patients “feel better.”
Is there any merit in using tramadol for anxiety?
Tramadol would not be a medication I’d choose to treat a dog whose sole issue was anxiety. There are several great options today to calm anxiety in dogs. However, pain and anxiety often go hand in hand. And tramadol’s ability to increase serotonin levels means it may be helpful in relieving anxiety for dogs in pain. Since anxiety heightens pain perception, this may explain one way tramadol appears to help dogs who are in pain.
I can personally attest to this. My own dog Jake, was adopted years ago as a stray puppy (as told in my blog Bringing a Stray Puppy Into Your Home). He recently had a mass removed from his eyelid. My colleague who did the surgery suggested I give him an NSAID for pain, which I did. However, Jake was unsettled. I added tramadol and the difference was night and day. I’ll never know if it was related to pain control or anxiety about the whole ordeal or a combination. However it worked, tramadol made a night and day difference in his well-being as he recovered.
Recently, I had a conversation with a colleague about the brouhaha surrounding tramadol in dogs. She mentioned she remains a believer in it after observing her own dog, Ella, following her spay surgery. Even on NSAIDs, Ella was still shaking, whining, and acting painful. However, after a dose of Tramadol, Ella was back to her normal, happy self. No matter the exact mechanism, the bottom line was, it worked!
A word of caution
However, it’s worth noting that the opposite effect has also been reported. I’ve heard anecdotally from colleagues that dogs can become aggressive on tramadol. I’ve never witnessed this, but any serotonin-altering drug can affect mood and lead to behavior changes.
Does tramadol make dogs sleepy?
Some dogs do get a bit more sleepy or sedated on tramadol. However, this varies from dog to dog. It does seem like higher doses of tramadol are more likely to result in some sleepiness. When Jake had his eyelid surgery, I was hoping the tramadol would also make him sleepy. That way he could get some relief from his eye frustration. It is hard to say for sure, but I think it did work this way for him.
What are tramadol’s side effects in dogs?
From a practical standpoint, the #1 thing I think about when prescribing tramadol to my patients is its notorious bitter taste. For owners who struggle to get pills into their dog, it could be quite a battle. However, my five solutions for dogs who won’t take pills may help them be successful.
But side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, or gastrointestinal ulceration, which I DO worry about when prescribing NSAIDs are not really on my radar when prescribing tramadol. So when I’m asked by a conscientious client, “Is tramadol safe for dogs?” my answer is a qualified yes.
My drug formulary says “side effects are considered rare.” However, in the interest of being complete, I will tell you that tramadol’s side effects in dogs could include:
- Sedation (as discussed above)
- Upset stomach (possibly related to the bitter taste but uncommon)
- Constipation (which is relevant for my senior patients who struggle to posture to defecate)
- Panting
- Pupil dilation
- Mildly decreased heart rate
Tramadol is also associated with seizure activity in humans. If your dog has a history of seizures in dogs, tramadol is not recommended.
Serotonin syndrome in dogs
As we consider tramadol’s side effects in dogs, we must talk about one that is very rare but super serious. It can even result in death. It’s called serotonin syndrome, and it happens in people too. I have never seen this in my career, but it’s the stuff nightmares are made of.
Remember all our talk about tramadol impacting serotonin availability? While we said that was a good thing, like everything in life, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
Too much circulating serotonin causes a condition called serotonin syndrome. This may occur if the dog is also taking another drug or supplement that increases serotonin concentration in the brain. Alternatively, taking other drugs that alter the way tramadol is metabolized in the body along with tramadol can lead to serotonin syndrome.
Therefore, tramadol should be used very cautiously with:
- SAMe
- Milk thistle
- St. John’s Wort
- Mirtazapine (an appetite stimulant)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac for behavioral issues)
- Amitriptyline (used for behavioral disorders and also as an allergy medication for dogs)
- Selegiline (once used to treat Cushing’s Disease in dogs )
- Ketoconazole (an antifungal medication)
- Erythromycin (an antibiotic)
- Trazodone (an anti-anxiety medication)
Serotonin syndrome manifests as excitation or agitation which can progress to tremors and seizures. Treatment is aimed at supporting the dog while the drugs clear the system. If you think your dog could be showing signs of serotonin syndrome, contact your vet immediately.
So what is the tramadol dosage for dogs?
I certainly understand why readers would want to know the dosage of tramadol for their dogs, but I never provide doses for prescription medications in our blogs. For good reason, how much tramadol to give your dog needs to come from your veterinarian’s lips.
In general, the tramadol dosage for dogs is much higher than it is for people for three reasons:
- In people, virtually all of the drug is absorbed and bioavailable after being swallowed. Remember, with dogs, this is not the case. They absorb a much lower amount of the drug after oral ingestion.
- Tramadol has a significantly shorter half life in dogs than it does in people—meaning the body clears it out of the bloodstream faster so it doesn’t stick around to have a lasting effect.
- Research supports that there is a progressive decline in effect with long-term use. In other words, the body seems to develop some tolerance to the drug. This may mean a dog taking the medication for chronic pain and suffering would require higher doses to get a similar effect.
It’s worth noting that the liver clears 70% of the tramadol dose from the body. The kidneys excrete the remaining 30%. Thus, veterinarians use caution when dosing dogs with significant renal (kidney) dysfunction or liver disease.
Tramadol in dogs—both sides of the coin
If you collected one hundred vets in a room and asked them their feelings on tramadol, you would probably get 107 different answers! Some would roll their eyes. Others would proclaim undying love. And some would likely abstain from voting.
On one hand, tramadol has some “cons”. It will probably always be a supporting actor, at best, for pain relief in dogs. Not to mention, it is quite literally a “bitter pill to swallow”, so getting some dogs to take it is a challenge.
Plus, tramadol carries a legitimate concern among veterinarians about being misused or abused if it falls into the wrong hands. It is classified by the DEA as a controlled drug, in the same class as Valium®, Xanax®, and Ativan®. This classification relates to the care that should be exercised in prescribing, storing, and using this medication. When a veterinarian prescribes this drug they must do it with special caution and documentation.
On the other hand, there are “pros”. It appears to have efficacy in relieving the “suffering” aspect of pain. Plus, it has minimal side effects. Since we are limited to a short list of oral medications for treating pain in dogs, tramadol can be a valuable option for dogs who can’t take NSAIDs or need multimodal pain relief.
Ultimately, I come back to the potential benefit for my senior patients, who are often grey muzzled and arthritic. If tramadol can help them feel better, engage more readily in family life, and reduce the anxiety associated with chronic pain, I’m all in.
Has your dog taken tramadol?
Please comment below with your thoughts on how it worked for your dog. It is always helpful to learn from the experiences of others.
Your site is helpful and very much appreciated. It a great spot to read how all the other senior dog owners are coping with the anxiety associated with their beloved dog’s pain, etc. I am currently giving my 16.5 year old Bassett Hound X Pekingese (but known for arthritis) a combo of tramadol and gabapentin and he also receives monthly injections of Cartrophen. I have just started adding the gabapentin to the tramadol dose and find he is having diarrhea. Though not common I see it can be a side effect. Is there another med that I can sub the gabapentin with? Also – he gets restless during the night sometimes so I bought him a calming chew but after reading about the ‘serotonin syndrome’ I am inclined to stop. Here are the ingredients:
Chamomile (75 mg) Valerian Root (65 mg) Passionflower (50 mg) Ginger Root (35 mg) Thiamine (30 mg) Colostrum (22 mg) (GABA) L-Tryptophan (20 mg)L-Theanine (15 mg)
Do you recommend stopping this supplement so we do not over produce the serotonin?
Appreciate your feedback!
Hi Dee Dee,
I am sorry the gabapentin seems to be causing some GI issues for your pup. These symptoms may resolve on their own after your dog’s body has a chance to become acclimated to the medication. With that being said, I think it would be best to contact your vet and let them know your concerns. They will be able to offer options for pain control and advise you on the safety of using the calming supplement. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to make specific recommendations. I will attach links to other articles with more information on ways to relieve arthritis pain. Hoping you will find the answers you need to give your senior guy some relief. Wishing you both the best.
1. Amantadine for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know About This Pain Medication
2. Adequan for Dogs: Don’t Just Treat Arthritis, Slow it Down
3. Gabapentin Side Effects in Dogs Are Nothing to Fear
4. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
5. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
Ask your vet about pregabalin as a potential alternative to gabapentin. I’m not a vet, but asked my vet after watching this series on arthritis in dogs
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5n5B_lb0IlY&t=12s
Regarding Tramadol. My 14 year old 77 pound yellow lab has hip dysplasia. He was on Meloxipet for months (I live in Mexico) and it doesn’t seem to be helping anymore. He just changed to Previcox, day 2 and CBD 1200mg. I bought some 200mg Tramadol for him (maybe half a pill?). I asked the vet about pain medication and she only said “Previcox IS pain medication.” It is an anti-inflammatory.
Can I give him half a pill along with his Previcox if the CBD doesn’t help? Or WITH the CBD?
Hi Tina,
I think it is great you are looking for ways to improve your dog’s pain control. He is lucky to have you advocating for his well-being. You are correct that Previcox is an anti-inflammatory, but it does also act as a pain reliever. Tramadol can be safely paired with NSAIDs such as Previcox as long as your dog does not have any other conditions that would make it contraindicated. You would need to check with your vet to make sure Tramadol is safe for your pup and get the appropriate dosage. As far as CBD oil is concerned, we really have no way of knowing how Tramadol and CBD interact with each other in dogs since it has not been studied. I would not think there is an issue but cannot make a statement of safety with any certainty. I will attach links to other articles with more information about arthritis pain management. I am hopeful you will find some great ways to improve your sweet boy’s comfort and quality of life.
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. Amantadine for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know About This Pain Medication
3. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
My dogs have tolerated Tramadol very well and I believe it has been a good pain reliever for back issues, post-surgery pain, arthritis pain. I have argued with vets about its efficacy, especially when they want to prescribe Gabapentin instead. Gabapentin made one of my dogs absolutely insane. Note: Gabapentin was an awful drug for ME too. I was completely out-of-it on Gabapentin. Maybe my dog’s reaction was genetic:-)
I have a dog with bad arthritis and Tramadol is very helpful in keeping her upbeat. I don’t overuse it with her but when she’s having bad days, it helps her immensely. For my dogs, it has been a terrific drug.
Hi Kathryn,
I am so glad you have found what works best for your pup. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Best wishes!
Hi I found this article helpful. Thank you. However my mind is still not at ease. I have a little senior doggy she weighs 4.8 kg. She is having rather bad arthritis and joint pain. When she goes to sleep she wakes up later yelping in pain and hurts her leg. It’s really distressing and my heart is breaking seeing her in pain. We took her to the vet and she is taking meloxicam however it doesn’t seem to be helping her a lot. I am thinking about giving her tramadol as well. Is it safe to mix with meloxicam and how much can I give her. I just want to see my baby well again.
Hi Maya,
I understand your concern for your senior pup and am glad you are reaching out for advice. Tramadol can be safely given with meloxicam as long as your dog does not have any other underlying issues that would be a contraindication for this medication. With that being said, and assuming you are in the U.S., Tramadol is a controlled substance, and your girl would need a prescription from your vet in her own name. If you vet is willing to prescribe this medication, they will give you the exact dosage that will work best for your sweet girl. There are also many other ways to help relieve arthritis pain in dogs. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Wishing you both the best.
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Adequan for Dogs: Don’t Just Treat Arthritis, Slow it Down
4. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
Hi! My dog is unable to get up on her own and has tried all the NSAIDs and they don’t do anything for her. My vet suggested she continue taking galliprant even though it doesn’t seem to be working. Any other suggestions to help her be able get up on her own?
Hi Shiran,
I am sorry your dog is struggling with mobility issues despite taking NSAIDs. There are many different options that could be of great benefit to your pup, but it all depends on the cause of her troubles. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific recommendations. Here are some links to other articles with more information. I hope you can find some answers and advice to guide your discussions with your vet. Best wishes!
1. Hip Support for Dogs: 7 Solutions
2. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
3. 15 Tips to Stop Your Dog Slipping on the Floor
4. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
My 10 year old chocolate lab, Marli, has arthritis, high liver enzymes, has just gotten over some gallbladder problems. No gallbladder stones.
What can I give her for arthritis pain without causing more liver problems?
She won’t eat commercial dog food. I’m feeding her a special liver diet. My Vet thinks this diet is what’s keeping her alive. She’s been on all kinds of meds. We discontinued her meds a month ago. She’s much happier and is gaining weight.
Hi Ann,
There are many options for arthritis pain in senior dogs. Some medications are considered safer for dogs with liver dysfunction, such as Galliprant and Gabapentin. You can also look into alternative therapies such as laser and acupuncture. A veterinary rehabilitation professional may have ideas of exercises to perform at home to reduce inflammation and increase mobility. Supplements are always a good idea. Have you read the information about Encor Mobility? I will attach several links to other articles with additional info and advice. They should give you some ideas of options to discuss with your vet so you can decide on what combination of treatments are best for Marli.
1. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
3. Adequan for Dogs: Don’t Just Treat Arthritis, Slow it Down
4. Dog Arthritis Treatment: 8 Ways to Help a Senior Dog at Home
5. What is Gabapentin for Dogs?
6. Amantadine for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know About This Pain Medication
Thank you for this balanced and helpful article. Our 95-lb German Shepherd mix is now over 14 years old and tramadol, added to carprofen, has helped him retain a good quality of life despite severe osteoarthritis. He’s been on carprofen for over two years, initially at 100mg 1x/day and then 2x/day after about a year. After another year, he slowed down a lot and our vet added tramadol to his regimen. The starting tramadol dose was 100mg 2x/day but it made the big guy loopy as heck, and we were able to go to 50mg 2x/day, which clearly improved his comfort and has allowed him to rebuild and maintain some strength in his back legs with mild exercise. He has a lust for life and always wants to get out and about, and is still happy to get up and greet you even though it’s a slower process. He was unfussy about taking carprofen but the tramadol definitely was bitter and we’ve had to smother it in a large gob of peanut butter, which he takes happily. These medications, along with non-prescription supplements including glucosamine and CBD, have given us and our beloved four-legged family member more than two extra years of quality time and counting!
Hi Chrissy,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am glad to hear your Shepherd boy is doing so well with his medications and living his best life. What a blessing to have added two wonderful years to his life. I hope you have many happy days ahead to continue making memories together. Best wishes to you both!
My 11 year old lab mix is on 100 mg carprofen 2x daily. Doesn’t seem to hold. I used to have him on tramadol alone but vet put him on carprofen alone. Can I give him carprofen in the a.m. and late p.m. with tramadol in mid morning and late afternoon? I know they can be used together but at the same time or at intervals as set forth above. Want the old boy comfy as possible. He was born with hip dispasia and it has worsen as he grows older. He’s a sweet old boy and I love him dearly, Just want him as pain free as possible, I have 50 mg tramadol. Do I give him one or two of them at a time ?? Please let me know how I should dispense these to him. Thank you,
Hi Marjo,
I understand your concern with your senior boy and his joint pain. Unfortunately, since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific recommendations. I think it would be a good idea to call your vet and discuss your concerns. They may have an important reason why they discontinued the tramadol. They can also advise you on what dose is appropriate based on your dog’s weight and other potential health issues if they decide to prescribe the tramadol again. You may also want to talk to an integrative vet and see if there are any additional supplements or therapies (such as laser or acupuncture) that could help reduce your dog’s pain level. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Best wishes!
Just started my 13 yr old Shar Pei on tramadol 2 50mg q8hrs. I started him with 1tab in the evening for 2 nights (panting and whining). Increased to 2 50mg tabs this morning (panting & whining). He settling after 4 hrs. I’m not sure if continuing because of side effect.
Also concerned with the addictive properties.
He has been on Galliprant for 8months without side effects
Gabapentin was caused nausea and gagging, and sporadic vomiting.
My goal is to control his back leg pain. I’m failing.
Hi Chris,
I understand your concern with these possible side effects and your senior guy. I recommend you talk to your vet and let them know about the panting and whining. There are many other medications and supplements to try that might work better for your pup. Also, it might be a good idea to consult with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist or integrative vet in your area. They have access to treatment options that may not be readily available in general practice such as laser therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustments. I hope you can find a solution that works for you and your sweet boy. He is lucky to have you as his advocate. Best wishes!
Great blog!
Our 2-year-old dog had patella luxation surgery 5 days ago. She had a fentanyl patch for 4 days that worked great to manage her pain and is also on Carprofen. After her fentanyl patch was removed yesterday, she started on Tramadol. So far so good. It does make her very sleepy though, which is not a bad thing so she won’t chew at her bandages or sutures. I think the half-life might be longer for her as she seems to be very “out of it” up to 5 hours after receiving her pill. I can definitely tell when it wears off though as she seems to be in a lot more pain. So I am glad that Tramadol is helping her through the worst of her pain.
Hi Sheri,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for the kind words about the blog. I am glad your girl is recovering well from her recent surgery. I hope she is back to living her best life very soon. Best wishes to you both!
I have tried everything I can conceive to get my old Heeler to take his Tramadol… I even made peanut butter and ground oatmeal balls for the stubborn creature!! Tried them in the balls, whole, halved then crushed!! NOPE, NO WAY IS HE GONNA TAKE IT! I tried his fav foods.. everything short of forcing it down… which would be a battle every time!
CAN YOU THINK OF ANYTHING I HAVENT? He really needs it!
Hi Bonnie,
I completely understand how frustrating it can be to fight the pill battle with your dog every day. Make sure you talk to your vet and let them know about the pilling difficulty. Some medications can be compounded into a liquid form that can be flavored to make administration easier. Also, there may be an alternative medication your vet could prescribe that might be better tolerated by your sweet guy. I am going to attach a link to another article with easy solutions for uncooperative dogs that may be of some help. There are several comments on the article made by other readers with great ideas to try as well. Best wishes and good luck!
Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
Cream cheese or a wrap a pill bacon flavor paste is our last resort.
Our 13 yr old pug was on gabapentin and deramax. The gabapentin was increased to 3x a day because she was panting and in pain and wouldn’t hardly move. So she was moved to Galliprant and Tramadol. After reading your article I realized some side effects. The first 2 months or so, she had nightmares about 3x a week. She would scream in her sleep at all hours of the day or night and wouldn’t stop until I woke her. Over this past weekend she has become aggressive towards our7 yr old Coton de Tulear who is recovering from a back injury since Aug. Three x in less than 24 hours we have had to break up fights and every time Gracie ( pug) is the aggressor. And Gracie is a submissive! It is normal for this to happen every so often maybe 3 mos or so. Gracie becomes offended at something Agape (Coton) has done. Agape quickly capitulates. Not this time. We had to separate them. I will be calling my vet in the morning.
Hi Christina,
It does sound like a phone call to your vet would be a good idea. I am sorry Gracie is having so much trouble and Agape seems to be taking the brunt of it. I hope you can figure out the right medications to keep Gracie comfortable and happy. Best wishes to you and your family!
This article has put my mind at ease for my senior dog being on these medications. I have been very concerned giving her tramadol, gabapentin, and rimadyl throughout the day, but I have seen tremendous improvement in her walking. She has been walking a lot faster now and doesn’t grunt as bad while getting up on our hardwood floors. We also use the wonderful toe grips to keep her from slipping. Loved this article!
Hi Megan,
I am thrilled to hear that the ToeGrips plus tramadol, gabapentin, and Rimadyl have made such a difference for your sweet senior pup. So glad we could play a part in helping her move better and you feel more comfortable about her treatment plan.❤
We are struggling to provide pain relief for our 11 yr old afghan hound. Vet has prescribed tramadol, tramadol with gabapentin, then gabapentin with trazadone because she is up all night whining. Not during the day though. Nothing seems to work for more than a couple days. And with the up all night we though perhaps it’s not only pain but anxiety.
. My vet is absolutely wonderful with treating her. I wondered if any other thoughts.
Also, I bought empty gelatin capsules, stuff the pill inside 1/2 the capsule and pack it and wrap it in cheese. Works like a charm and she is VERY difficult to pill. Tasted the tramadol once and that was it until I got the gelatin capsules
Hi Barb,
Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having with controlling your Afghan hound’s pain and anxiety. It can be disheartening to keep trying different options without a lot of long term success. Unfortunately, it is possible that it may take some more trial and error to find the medication combination that works best for your pup. Some dogs also respond well to other pain meds like NSAIDs or amantidine as discussed in How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide (if they aren’t contra-indicated for her), joint supplements (find out more in my article Do Joint Supplements for Dogs Work? A Vet Oughta Know…) and laser therapy (Laser Therapy for Dogs: What You Need to Know), acupuncture , or chiropractic care (Should Your Senior Dog See a Dog Chiropractor?). I also wrote an article on anxiety at night that might be helpful (Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 6 Solutions for Better Sleep). Without examining your dog, I can’t say for sure which of these might be the best place to start and which would not be recommended for her, so I will defer to your wonderful vet on this. ?
Also, thanks for mentioning the gelatin capsule trick. It is definitely a great way to get dogs to take bitter pills!
I hope you are able to find the right solution for your girl!❤