It was prescribed to him for after a surgery, as pain relief. Two tablets three x a day for 3 days. I guess what I'm asking is does this seem like a good idea. I wanted a second opinion.
My vet prescribed tramadol 50mg tablets for my dog, He weighs 86 lbs?
Question posted by basqueo5 on 21 Feb 2016
Last updated on 1 November 2020 by JordanAckles33
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6 Answers
JordanAckles33
4 July 2020
My vet did the same and it safe your dog will be more sleepy but that's normal
Checkyaltr
24 June 2019
Don't do it, my parents dog went into seizures and died after vet prescribed 3-50mg. Tablets twice a day
sullyw
19 April 2018
Please reconsider using tramadol for pain in animals. It causes severe anxiety and panting. Worse is when owners see the panting they think pain and give more tramadol. Vets over-prescribe this drug due to manufacturers low cost. Gabapentin and high dose (1000mg+) MSM/Chrondrontin, and NSAIDS (if inflammation) work wonderfully.
WildcatVet
19 April 2018
Tramadol is prescribed by veterinarians because we know it is safe and effective.
jane14384
23 April 2018
Do you know if gabapentin is any different? Our dog was on gabapentin and I thought the same thing (anxious and panting). We switched to tramadol and it seems about the same. I would love to find something where our dog isn’t so anxious and panting all the time.
JoeAndMag
1 Sep 2018
Please don't take your pets medication, the entire comment should be removed.
Thank you WildCatVet for the pertinent information on this topic. I would never overdose my suffering dog, but wasn't sure what the proper dosage should be till I found this thread friend. Good information is what forums are all about, thanks.
WildcatVet
1 Sep 2018
And please don't try to glean PROFESSIONAL information and advice from lay people on an internet forum. If you want a second opinion get it from another licensed veterinarian who has been specifically trained in diagnosis and prescribing protocols! It's what WE do...
CarlaSueLoft
17 April 2018
I would only give it twice daily for the three days and think 1 pill would be enough
Delila
21 Feb 2016
Hi, i agree with WCV, i also worked in veterinary practice and Tramadol was commonly prescribed for analgesia. My own dog was prescribed it when he had a gastric carcinoma. The only concern i have is that the dose seems quite high?
WildcatVet
21 Feb 2016
Hi, basque! Tramadol is one of the most commonly (If not the most common) analgesic we prescribe for our canine patients because of it's efficacy, safety, and because it's so well tolerated. The dosage varies widely from 0.45mg to 1.8mg per pound given orally every 8 to 12 hours so your baby's dose is very appropriate for his weight. It could be increased if needed but you would need to consult with his veterinarian.
Best wishes to you both, WildcatVet
basqueo5
21 Feb 2016
Oh thanks , that is a relief. I have ample trust in our vet. It just seemed like a lot and the doc isn't available til Monday morning. So I feel much better now, thanks again and Peace to you ,goodnight
Delila
21 Feb 2016
Hi WCV, does this dose seem a little high to you?
WildcatVet
21 Feb 2016
D, not at all. A 90lb dog could be dosed at 50 to 150mg two to three times daily. And of course the dose would also depend on the pain level and the dog's activity level and pain threshold. If it was a difficult surgery and the dog is overly active I always dose in the upwards range..
Take care and see ya 'round!
Delila
21 Feb 2016
OK, thank you!
PetDocAbbey
12 Feb 2018
"Cats Aren’t Just Small Dogs"
That mantra was ingrained in me during veterinary school. The gist of this phrase is "each species plays by their own rules." The layman's translation is closer to "don't assume what works for one species necessarily works the same way for another species." In this case, read it as "dogs aren't just small, furry humans."
Each species (actually each individual animal/person) metabolizes chemicals in a different manor.
VETERINARY drug doses for domestic animals are largely based off of extensive efficacy safety testing.
Examples:
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
-Safe for humans at appropriate doses
-WILL KILL A CAT! Don't EVER give a cat or dog Tylenol!
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) - OTC 25mg tabs or capsules
-ADULT HUMAN (~100-300#) dose: 1-2 tabs/caps (25-50mg)=0.08-0.5mg/lb
-DOG & CAT dose: 1mg/lb
12# cat or dog gets a 1/2 tab (12.5mg)
50# dog gets 2 tabs (50mg)
75# dog gets 3 tabs (75mg)
100# dog gets 4 tabs (100mg)
My point...
Trust that your veterinarian knows what (s)he's doing when prescribing meds. BUT at the same time, we are human and we and our staff members are bound to make a mistake on occasion. Feel free to question ANYTHING that seems "off" to you for any reason. Most vets are also animal lovers and pet parents, and this isn't just a business to us... we would be devastated if something bad happened to your pet if we gave you incorrect instructions or didn't explain something well enough for you to understand.
We (vets) know drugs we prescribe are often commonly used human meds, so pet parents recognize the drug names. We also know that some of the doses seem quite "off" according to human common sense when they are compared to a human's dose of the same thing. I personally try to inform every owner of a pet to whom I am prescribing a common human medicine that "YES, the dose seems higher than might make sense; but YES, that is actually the effective dose for your pet."
If possible, voice your concerns to your vet/vet's staff first. If your vet's answers don't satisfy your concerns, go looking for second opinions. If it's during "normal business hours," try calling other vet clinics to confirm what dose they would have prescribed for your pet. Pharmacists often have a veterinary drug reference and MAY be able to confirm the dose. After hours, try calling emergency clinics/hospitals/university vet school hospitals (they don't need to be even in your time zone to answer most common questions) to see if you can get some reliable answers. GOOGLE info is also not as unreliable as some may have you beleive... just watch the source! Veterinary school and clinic websites are good sources. PetMD isn't a bad option.
Hope that helps,
Dr. Abbey
Mjblackburn1971
4 March 2018
Our dog was limping earlier today and now is refusing to get up (I don't think she can) is it ok to give her one of my tramadol? I can't stand seeing her in pain but can't go to the vet till Monday. Please help.
WildcatVet
4 March 2018
The dosage varies widely from 0.45mg to 1.8mg per pound given orally every 8 to 12 hours
Related topics
pain, tramadol, surgery, prescription, veterinarian, pain relief, tablet, 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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