My dog was recently stung by a bee and the veterinarian prescribed a small dose
of Tramadol for at least a week for pain. Currently he doesn't show that he's in any
pain but I have given him the medicine (today is the 2nd dose of 1/4 tablet.) Is it
safe/necessary to continue giving him this medicine. The vet also prescribed an
oral suspension to give him for pain.
Is it safe to use Tramadol when treating a dog for pain?
Question posted by Healthyone6 on 26 Sep 2014
Last updated on 19 April 2018 by Futuresphd
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
16 Answers
Futuresphd
19 Nov 2017
It's is actually not unsafe rather not effective new studies are showing for relieving pain and has more of an SSRI effect.
However, yes it is safe. Get a second opinion from vet regarding the pain relieving effectiveness and best of luck.
dhnorton
2 Aug 2017
Need thoughts on this please - my 17+ y/o cattle dog has a large inoperable tumor attached to her liver and is in renal failure. My vet took her off remadyl when they found the tumor. She does not show that she is in pain but her hips give out occassionally and she sometimes is off her food. I can't tell if she is in pain. My new vet gave me a rx for Tramadol and based on what I'm reading is that safe w/ her kidney condition? I know I will probably lose her in the too near future and want her comfortable but I can't really tell if she is uncomfortable and I don't want to hasten her demise by damaging her kidneys. ?
Briangc511
25 June 2017
I asked my vet the same question when he gave my best lil buddy a higher dose than I had been prescribed not long before back surgery. He is a very knowledgeable/qualified vet and explained to me(surprisingly) that my 4o lb dog's liver could process a much higher dose of Tramadol than himself or me. Yes it sounds crazy but I did what he said n Otis is still sitting beside me 12 yrs later!! :)
WildcatVet
25 June 2017
Brian AND HIS VETERINARIAN are absolutely correct. A large number of the human drugs we use are prescribed at larger dosages than a human would take.
Moral of the story: Never second guess a trained professional!
MrsMo1015
16 Feb 2017
First Tramadol is processed mostly by the kidneys. I know this because I suffered a bout of liver failure (multi organ failure). My kidneys were the only cleaning organ functioning and I was discharged on Tramadol for this reason. I am in perfect health now all organs work fine and it has been four years two months. So you may in good conscious give you pet Tramadol. Only give it as needed and your pet should be fine.
As you are his/her owner you know how his/her painame is expressed. I just started giving my 14 y/of dog Tramadol as well and he is back to himself! My vet recommend 1/2 table to 2x day. Good luck!
mnemsick1
22 Dec 2016
Tramadol in humans is used for pain as needed in conjunction with another pain med it is no different in dogs if he doesn't need it don't give it to him. But continue the other Medicane. Our dog recently had
And injury in her foot the vet gave her Tramadol with something else I only give
The tramadol when she needs it.
Use your best judgment. If you don't feel
He needs it then don't give it to him.
I hope he gets well soon!
M Nemsick
drsoy
3 May 2016
Tramadol is quite safe for dogs and frequently used. You however are the best judge to determine whether your dog needs it. If you dog is in obvious pain, then follow the Vet's advice. If not, then there is no reason to give a pain med when there is no pain.
Tramadol is safe for dogs. Use it when directed by the Vet if the dog is in pain.
Joy abbott
10 March 2017
my Pek is a 13 year old male. I had another that was 14 and died during a seizer. He had been taking tramadol along with other pain meds and had seizures. My 13 year old has a bulging disk in his back and walks like he is in pain and screams if he is picked up a certain way. Sometimes he just lays and whines. I know he is old but is it time to put him down or keep giving him the tramadol?
joy abbott
marylnmotasky
13 Oct 2015
is tramadols safe for dogs?
jayck
21 July 2015
My dog (14) was put on Tramadol today for a torn ACL. He has been on Novox for arthritis for 16 months w/out side effects, 2 sets of good blood work & is spry for his age. My vet is big on holistic, less invasive route, not quick to medicate. Also put him on Dasuquin. My ? is whether vet-prescribed dog food is a scam? In this case Mobility. I'm wondering why a good & healthy dog food would require a script? They previously tried to put him on an RX dental dog food. I misunderstood & bought Science Diet Oral Care, which my fussy boy loves. Any advice/thoughts? Thanks!
Delila
21 July 2015
Hi, on the contrary, vet prescribed food is actually really helpful in preventing and treating diagnosed/diagnosable conditions in pets. My boy (staffie) was on prescription food for his teeth, coat, and weight control. And it also helped protect his stomach when he was diagnosed with (inoperable) gastric carcinoma. As long as you make sure you get the right food for your individual pet, it is a good idea. And also, because the ingredients are so pure, you only need feed half what you would of supermarket foods. So although the initial investment can seem costly, you aren't paying any more than you would for alternative 'cheaper' brands.
jayck
21 July 2015
Thanks so much, Delila. That's good to know. He gets nothing but top notch dog food anyway. My guess is (if my fussy Shiba will eat the Royal Canin) it will be ultra expensive; I was just looking for feedback that it's worth it.
Delila
22 July 2015
Royal Canin is the brand my dog was fed - really good brand! Yes the initial payout seems expensive but it really isn't much more costly than Pedigree or Bakers (for example) due to feeding them smaller meals : )
jayck
22 July 2015
Thanks again, Delila. The Tramadol must be helping because he was dancing on his hind legs and is uppity as usual. The fish oil smell of the Royal Canin is so strong I didn't think he'd go for it, but he chowed it down this morning. My favorite vet assistant also put one of her dogs on the Mobility Support with great results so I'm glad to buy it for him.
wlenored
11 Oct 2015
My dog is a 15 year old rat terrier and was also just prescribed Tramadol for a torn ACL. My parents have been scared to give it to her (I am a student and unable to have her at my apartment) and I was wondering if you could tell me what to expect as far as behavior as to help alleviate my parent's stress. I was also wondering if you opted for surgery or conservative care management. I hate to bother you, but after a few days of fighting it, I am now freaking out. She is old, but still pretty sassy, and I just felt it was strange that the vet immediately scheduled surgery without a pre-op plan, like losing weight and building muscle strength so as to not blow the other ACL. I'm sorry this is a book now, but I appreciate any words you have to offer me. I hope you and your dog are well.
Lisa0913
1 Nov 2015
Hi jayck I was wondering if you had your pet ACL repaired and mostly I'm concerned with my vet wanting to put us on tramaol for my 8 yr old lab partial acl tear? I'm worried if this med has effects on liver and kidneys like dermaxx has that is bad and reason I'm going on tramadol before surgery in 5 wk. So wanted opinion in your situation I'm scared about her in and meds.
Thank you Lisa
grannym223
29 Dec 2014
My dog has been on Tramadol for quit some time now she takes it for pain in her hips along with Rimadyl and it works very well and I have never had any trouble out of her taking Tramadol.
BrandNamesOnly
18 Feb 2015
You might want to read about the difference between dog NSAIDs i.e. Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam/Meloxicam etc. and each of their side effects per each medicine. I have always been told (by several excellent vets and other Labrador Breeders) that Rimadyl is the one with the largest amount of side effects and needs the most blood testing beginning weekly, then monthly for the first 6 months, then every 2 months, checking liver and kidney values. My vets have always recommended beginning on Deramaxx or Metacam/Meloxicam for a problem that is not a major surgery/severe pain and for very short term usage (under a week). I have heard of MANY Labradors lost to Rimadyl due to lack of keeping on top of blood testing both on the part of the owner and/or the veterinarian. Always speak to your vet before dispensing any doggie type of NSAIDs and NEVER dose Tylenol or Ibuprofen/Motrin to your dogs, they can be deadly.
whitemountains
10 June 2015
My dog was prescribed Tramadol after surgery 2 ml 3x a day. She weighs 5 lbs 8 oz. Listen to your vet, not people posting here that aren't familiar with your dog's situation.
Delila
28 Sep 2014
Hi, Tramadol is safe when prescribed by the vet for treatment by dogs. However, it does seem a bit OTT to me. If you believe your dog is in pain then by all means treat him, but a week supply for a bee sting, unless your dog has reacted unusually badly, seem too much. What was the oral suspension the vet prescribed? How is your dog now? BTW i am a veterinary nurse.
WildcatVet
28 Sep 2014
Hi, Delila! I didn't know you are in the field too! Yaay!! You say *nurse*, so are you in the UK or Europe? WildcatVet
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
The oral suspension is Metacam 0.5%. He was also given an injection of Metacam
as well. This was at an Emergency Clinic as the event happened after my regular
vet's closing hours. As of yesterday, my vet checked him and told me to stop the
Tramadol but continue using the Metacam suspension until finished. Also, when I
took him to the Emergency clinic, they ran many tests and did x-rays. Now I find this questionable (did they do this to run up a big bill?) Both vets said they couldn't
see any bee sting but I know he was stung since I found a dead bee on his cushion when we returned from the walk. (The Emergency clinic diagnosed him as "lame right leg". They couldn't tell me what caused it. Is this normal??
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
I forgot to mention it, but as of today my dog is behaving perfectly normal and shows
no signs of lameness!! (I am now over $1,000 in the hole for this event!)
LouAnnP
29 Sep 2014
i would just like to add that animals dont usually show pain - just might behave different. the vet knows best. one week on tramadol wont hurt anything. pets depend on us to keep them comfortable. our dog got stung by a bee and had an allergic reaction. they said it was like a bee sting all over her body because she was affected all over. it was hard to go throug. one tip off that it was allergic reaction, was she threw up and got diahrrea.
LouAnnP
29 Sep 2014
i would just like to add that animals dont usually show pain - just might behave different. the vet knows best. one week on tramadol wont hurt anything. pets depend on us to keep them comfortable. our dog got stung by a bee and had an allergic reaction. they said it was like a bee sting all over her body because she was affected all over. it was hard to go throug. one tip off that it was allergic reaction, was she threw up and got diahrrea.
Delila
29 Sep 2014
Hi Wildcat, yes i am in the UK. Worked as a VN for 9 years : )
Delila
29 Sep 2014
Hi Healthyone, i'm glad your vet confirmed what we suggested, to stop the Tramadol. Yes all of those tests do seem over the top. I can understand blood tests, but x-rays? For a bee sting? The lameness (if present) could have occurred if the bee stung your dogs leg? I guess the main thing is that he is OK, but hefty bill!
Delila
29 Sep 2014
Hi LouAnn, in the case of an allergic reaction and referred pain, then yes analgesia is essential. And yes, this is how an owner would identify that their pet is in pain, by it acting unusually, this would be a red flag for most people
Mygirlmax
17 Oct 2015
My dog was just diagnosed with severe arthritis. My vet gave me tramadol. My concern is she doesn't seem to want to walk. We go out and she will walk for a little bit then want to lay down. She will lay down for 20 minutes or more. I am concerned. I stopped giving her the whole pill and just give her a quarter of it. I am thinking of just stopping it altogether. Is this because of the tramadol.
lisapuebla
31 Jan 2016
I took my baby Maya to the vet yesterday and the vet seemed not worried about her pain every time she moves wrong she starts screaming I had some tramadol I have to dance for and I gave her a piece this morning is it okay
Delila
5 Feb 2016
Hi, you need to ensure you are giving the correct dose for her weight. Ideally contact your vet again and ask for instructions. Overall, Tramadol is very safe when prescribed for dogs
KariLody
27 Sep 2014
Please give your dog only what the vet recommends, and only as needed. I had my toy sheltie on tramadol for a year for her arthritis, and she died of kidney and liver problems, that were probably due to the meds.
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
Thank you for your reply. Since my dog isn't suffering from arthritis (he hasn't been
diagnosed with it), I'm not sure what to think. In the meantime, my regular vet has
checked him out and told me to stop the Tramadol completely. The dog is now
acting as normally as he was before the situation occurred.
Vetsceptic
14 May 2015
A toy Sheltie is a small dog. Tramadol is very powerful and strong. Medications are processed in the liver. Your dog died of liver failure ? Enough said
jugler68
10 Oct 2015
My 9 year old beagle Sophie has either lung cancer (in total, not lesions) or a severe fungal infection. We see oncology in two days. She experienced liver and spleen swelling from 7 doses of deramaxx, which was prescribed for fever, pain and inflammation. Was switched to tramadol but when I read about the side effects I am scared to administer because it suppresses heart rate and can effect breathing. I don't want her to be in pain, however, at this point she seems more stressed due to difficulty breathing than pain. Once we see oncologist will be better able to proceed. Has anyone any advice for how to help her breathe a little easier until we see the oncologist?
WildcatVet
13 Oct 2015
Veterinarians study longer and harder than human doctors ~ we know a little bit about what we're talking about...
peedee2zzz
6 Dec 2015
I have a 17 year old chiuhauha with hip displacia and arthritis. He was diagnosed 6 years ago. in the last 3 to 4 years I have been giving him tramadol. I open up a capsule and apply some of the tramadol to his food. he has had no side effects and he has been able to keep walking. his back end is unsteady. My vet prescribed this for him. if it wasn't for the tramadol he wouldn't be able to walk.
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2015
Congratuations@ Mobility and freedom from pain are called quality of life. I'd rather give a dog quality of life than worry about a drug *potentially* ~although very rarely ~ sending him to demise two years AFTER he's already expired due to his old age. No offense to anyone, but keeping a miserable animal alive playing around with quack cures and preservatives is not only inhumane and cruel, but purely selfish.. WildcatVet
knbumgardner
27 Sep 2014
Please give your dog exactly what the vet recommended, for as long as the vet recommends. Your vet is more experienced in what your dog needs than laypeople. My oldest dog, a 14 year old Chihuahua, has been taking tramadol for arthritis (when she is very stiff) for a year now and has had no negative effects.
But please, do as your vet recommends. He's the expert!
copperdog2010
10 June 2016
My Chihuahua was just given Tramadol for arthritis. Do they have to stay on it forever? Every day or when needed?
Bibbi
12 June 2016
My 13yr old mastiff has been diagnosed with bone cancer. She was prescribed Tramadol & Carprofen by the vet. She is now paralyzed in her back legs & her skin has broken out in lesions. Aside from this she is well in herself & eating well. She collapsed overnight & cannot walk. I am now taking her off this medication completely. I asked for a quote for euthanasia & was quoted $260. Vets ( mine especially) are there too make money. Be very very wary about what you give your dog. I wish I had never given her any medication at all, she would still be walking.
Rhoagydc
24 July 2016
Tramadol is associated with some very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (restless-leg-syndrome and weeks long insomnia) in HUMANS and is only avoided with carefully deliberate dose-tapering when the drug is to be discontinued. I recently read a peer-reviewed paper that revealed severe diazepam as well as lorazepam withdrawal syndrome in dogs and although these are differing medications perhaps the need exists to slowly taper animals off Tramadol as well.
Poodlemom
5 Aug 2016
I'm not sure I understand why people are mad that vets need to make money. They are highly trained individuals that probably have student loans to pay back.
As for tramadol, I give it to my poodle for pain. She broke her leg at a year and a half and since has pain from compensating for that leg. We do physical therapy, water treadmill and she gets regular massages and acupuncture. Sometimes that is not enough. It is a safe drug for your dog, if needed.
brandiomg
27 Sep 2014
It is safe for you to give your dog Tramadol or else the vet wouldn't have prescribed it but don't give it to him unless he shows signs of discomfort which if he was stung, he shouldn't be in pain. My dog got stung by three bees at the same time last year and he just got a shot of Benedryl and he was fine. So, in my opinion, I wouldn't give it to him unless it's necessary.
WildcatVet
27 Sep 2014
Hi, Healthy! It's certainly safe enough. But in my experience most pet owners know their pets well enough to recognize any behavioral changes, or distress, or pain.
If your pupper seems normal to you, appetite fine, good activity level ~ don't bother giving it because he probably doesn't need it.
Some bee stings can be painful, especially for a sensitive dog, but animals don't interpret pain quite the same as we do.
Best wishes, WildcatVet
WildcatVet
27 Sep 2014
Tramadol is what we call a PRN drug ~ take as needed ~ unlike antibiotics or other drugs that have to be taken for the full course.
As an analogy if you had a headache and ten aspirin, would you take all ten or just as needed until your headache is gone?
Cheers, WildcatVet
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
After the clinic prescribed the Tramadol, my regular vet checked him yesterday and
told me that he doesn't need it!! When I brought him in to the Emergency Clinic the
other night, they performed tests such as x-rays and blood tests as well as a com-
plete history workup. Was this necessary? To date, I have been billed over $1,000
for this problem. When I asked for a diagnosis, I was told "lameness in his right leg". They didn't know what caused it even though there was evidence that he had
been stung by a bee. I found a dead bee on his cushion which wasn't there before
we left for our walk. As far as a diagnosis, you could obviously see that he was
lame before any examination as he held his hind leg in the air. As of today, he is
perfectly fine and my vet told me to stop the Tramadol but to finish up the Metacam 0.5% oral suspension. If this is for pain and he isn't showing me any,
why does he need the medicine at all? I feel that I have been "ripped off". What is
your feeling on this subject? Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
WildcatVet
28 Sep 2014
I intend to answer your questions, but if you could answer a couple for me...
Was your pup displaying any symptoms besides lameness?
Dis a technician take his vital signs before the doctor saw him?
Were you given a detailed treatment estimate to sign?
Was he given/dispensed any antibiotics?
Did you pay by check, cash, or credit card?
Let me know, okay?
WildcatVet
28 Sep 2014
Oops, PS, do continue the Metacam. It's an anti-inflammatory rather than an analgesic and may be making him comfortable enough not to show any lameness.
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
Thanks for the quick response. To answer your questions: 1. No other symptoms
except for lameness in right hind leg. 2. Yes. The receptionist/technician took his
temperature and vital signs before the doctor saw him (and a $70 fee before he was
looked at by the Dr.) Everything is written up in a report that I received after all testing was done and I came back to the office to pick him up. He had been anesthetized for all procedures performed I left the office and returned to pick him
up after they called me (about 2 hours after I dropped him off.) #3 I'm not sure if
I signed a detailed treatment estimate. I don't have a copy of this-only a report on
what services/medications were performed on him and medicines sold to me. I
will be going over there as soon as possible to obtain copies of anything I did sign.
I also have a copy of test results. There is no clear diagnosis of what caused his
lameness. When questioned, they told me that they didn't know. The only written
item states under "Problem" is: lameness of right hind leg".
4.As far as I can see, there were no antibiotics dispenses to me or given to him
with the exception of a Metacam injection plus two prescriptions: the Tramadol
pills and a bottle of Metacam 0.5% suspension which he is still taking. (I've
stopped the Tramadol after 2 days.)#5 I paid the bill using a credit card.
Thank you so much for being interested in helping me with this situation. I greatly
appreciate your interest. I just hope I'm not being taken advantage of or "fleeced"
by this Emergency Clinic vet. I only used them because they were the only ones
near my home that I could get to not knowing what was wrong with my dog.He is
14+ years old and I didn't want to wait until the following day to see my vet just in
case something went wrong.
WildcatVet
9 Oct 2014
Hi, Healthy! My computer 's crashed twice now!!! Did you ever get any resolution with the hospital, or did you decide not to pursue it??
Fees vary dramatically from locale to locale, but generally they're fairly consistent within smaller demographic areas. 24HR and emergengency hospitals obviously are going to charger higher fees.
I think everything the doctor did diagnostically was well within normal parameters, I don't argue that, but if your pupper was not in great distress I think a more wait-and-see approach would have been acceptable. For instance, dispense appropriate medications and refer you back to your veterinarian for follow-up care.
If you signed an itemized estimate of charges you really have no legal recourse. I had asked about that because you should also have been asked to sign an anesthesia release.
The best approach, to my mind, is usually to speak directly to the owner of the practice (who may be the doctor). Explain that you have no complaint about the services, but that you were somewhat taken aback by the total charges. Generally, if you talk it out calmly the owner may discount charges of professional time (drugs, supplies, etc., MUST be paid) as a show of courtesy and good faith.
Let me know how things go, okay??
Healthyone6
9 Oct 2014
Thanks for your reply. As of this writing, my dog is fine! I'm finished with the Metacam oral suspension. I've tried numerous times to get in touch with the Billing
Department or Office Manager so that I can discuss what happened to my dog as
well as their billing. I also requested copies of anything and everything I signed as
related to the care they gave him. So far, no one has returned my calls or faxes or
emails. I just called their office a few minutes ago and left another message for the office manager to call me. So, now I have to wait and see if it happens!! Not a
very well-organized office. It shouldn't take weeks to have my calls/messages
returned. That's about it at this time!! Will let you know what, if anything, occurs.
WildcatVet
9 Oct 2014
Ask your family veterinarian to call them. They should respond to him and will want to save face if she/he expresses concern.
Good luck! WCV
teaktai2
30 Aug 2017
I have a cattle dog/ lab mix. He is 16 and doesn't want to quit. I have been giving him carprohen and tramidol for several years now. Not every day... only when I see the need. I also do not give him store bought food, only cooked chicken and vegetables. He's a big dog and off the graph for living.
teaktai2
30 Aug 2017
I have a cattle dog/ lab mix. He is 16 and doesn't want to quit. I have been giving him carprohen and tramidol for several years now. Not every day... only when I see the need. I also do not give him store bought food, only cooked chicken and vegetables. He's a big dog and off the graph for living.
teaktai2
30 Aug 2017
I have a cattle dog/ lab mix. He is 16 and doesn't want to quit. I have been giving him carprohen and tramidol for several years now. Not every day... only when I see the need. I also do not give him store bought food, only cooked chicken and vegetables. He's a big dog and off the graph for living.
kaismama
26 Sep 2014
It is totally safe. One thing, dogs don't take more for the high like us stupid people. I've given my old dog tramadol when he seems to have pain. All he does if he has pain is walk like its killing him to do so. Animals don't complain, they learn to take anything life throws at them.
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
Thank you for your information. As of today, my dog is fine. He's walking with no
lameness that he exhibited after the initial "sting".
Related topics
pain, tramadol, dosage, prescription, veterinarian, dog
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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