Tramadol dosage for dogs: Standard and maximum dosages

Tramadol (sold as ConZip, Rybix, ODT, Ultram, and Ultram ER) is an opiate (narcotic) medicine for moderate to severe pain relief in humans, dogs, and cats. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the opioid tramadol for human uses, veterinarians may use it off-label to treat dogs.

According to Ray Spragley, DVM, CVA, CCRT, the founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York, tramadol may be prescribed to treat chronic pain from medical conditions, surgical pain, and anxiety.

In addition, tramadol may also be beneficial for dogs dealing with chronic coughing, but research is needed to confirm.

In veterinary medicine, there is no standard dose of tramadol for dogs. However, Dr. Spragley states that the typical dosage given to canines is 5 milligrams/kilograms (mg/kg) orally twice to three times daily.

It is important to note that, like many prescription drugs, the opioid analgesic tramadol may cause adverse reactions in dogs.

RELATED: Save up to 80% on tramadol

How much tramadol can I give my dog?

While there’s no standardized tramadol dosage for dogs, Dr. Spragley explains that this prescription drug is typically 5 mg/kg by mouth two to three times daily, but it may vary depending on the dog’s weight and health conditions. 

Pet owners can ask their vet about dosage instructions for oral tramadol for their dog’s health.

RELATED: Where to fill your pet’s prescriptions

Arthritic Pain

Arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, is a common health condition among dogs, with about a quarter of the canine population having it. Osteoarthritis is a chronic medical condition due to loss of joint cartilage, joint capsule thickening, and new bone formation around the joint, known as osteophytosis.

Symptoms of canine arthritis include:

• Difficulty getting up and down
• Walking stiff
• Lameness in one or more legs
• Reluctance to go up and down stairs
• Reluctance to jump up or down off of furniture or vehicle
• Loss of stamina
• Unexplained aggression toward other dogs or humans

“Osteoarthritis occurs when the joints become inflamed, and tramadol can help by working on opioid receptors to decrease the pain sensation,” says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian advisor for Betterpet.com based in Marietta, Georgia.

Pet owners can give their dogs the human form of tramadol tablets, which have a dosage strength of 50 mg. A pharmacist may cut the pills into small pieces, or pet parents may have to do this at home.

While a veterinarian may prescribe tramadol to a dog for pain management, research suggests taking the medicine alone is ineffective for pets with chronic pain. 

However, tramadol may help boost the performance of other treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like carprofen, meloxicam, deracoxib, firoxocib, robenaxocib or grapiprant for dogs dealing with pain.

• Standard dosage of tramadol for dogs with arthritic pain: 4-6 mg/kg

• Maximum dosage of tramadol for dogs with arthritic pain: 10 mg/kg

Surgical Pain

Typically, tramadol is prescribed for chronic or long-term pain. However, in some instances, a veterinarian may prescribe this pet medication for dogs experiencing acute or short-term pain after major surgery. 

Opioids, like tramadol, are often the first-line treatment for dogs with acute post-operative (after-surgery) pain. 

“For post-surgical pain, tramadol can be an additive for additional pain meds and can work synergistically with them to decrease overall pain and recovery time,” Dr. Alleyne says. 

With postoperative pain, veterinarians usually prescribe NSAIDs or gabapentin to help dogs recover instead of tramadol. Or, they may use a combination of tramadol and NSAIDs for more effective pain relief. 

• Standard dosage of tramadol for dogs with surgical pain: 4-6 mg/kg

• Maximum dosage of tramadol for dogs with surgical pain: 10 mg/kg

Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotion encompassing feelings of tension, worry, and even physical changes, like increased blood pressure and heart rate. 

Other symptoms of anxiety in dogs can include:

• Destructive behaviors, such as destroying furniture
• Drooling
• Ears are pulled down or back
• Excessive barking
• Licking lips
• Shaking
• Panting
• Whining
• Whites of the eyes showing

Anxiety is quite prevalent among canines. According to a research study involving 13,715 survey responses from 264 breeds, 72.5% of dogs showed at least one anxiety-related behavior, with noise sensitivity being the most common risk factor.

Aside from noise, dogs can develop anxiety from the following situations:

• Moving 
• A new pet
• A new owner
• Changes in schedule
• Too much or inconsistent handling
• Inadequate care
• Pain and discomfort

While tramadol is a pain relief medication, it is also a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, meaning it can increase serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in a dog’s brain. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, sleep-wake cycle, and memory.

Because of this effect, tramadol as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be prescribed for anxiety-related behaviors in dogs. Still, there’s a need for more research to confirm this potential benefit.

There’s not any data available on the dosage guidelines for canine anxiety. However, the standard and maximum dosage for anxiety in dogs will likely vary depending on the dog’s weight and condition. 

RELATED: What’s important to know about treating dogs with anxiety

Coughing

Another potential benefit of tramadol for dogs is its ability to reduce coughing. Opioids are often used as cough suppressants. However, more research is needed to determine the true effectiveness of tramadol as a cough-suppressing agent for dogs.

Currently, there are no guidelines on tramadol dosage for coughing in dogs. A pet owner may ask their pet’s veterinarian for guidance on dosage for this condition. 

How often can I give my dog tramadol?

Pet parents must follow the proper dosing schedule for their dogs for tramadol. According to Dr. Spragley, a safe tramadol dosage is typically given two to three times a day, depending on which condition the dog is being treated for.

Dr. Alleyne adds that these dosages should be given every eight hours depending on the dog’s response to the medication. 

The starting dose of tramadol for dogs can vary, but according to Dr. Alleyne, the average is about 2 mg per pound of body weight, with the maximum dose being around 6 mg per pound. 

Pet owners can seek the guidance of a veterinarian for more insight on using tramadol for their dogs. 

Side effects

Like any pain medication, tramadol can have unpleasant side effects for dogs. Typically, dogs tolerate high doses of tramadol; however, some canines may still experience adverse side effects. 

According to a review of studies, common side effects of tramadol in dogs can include the following:

• Nausea
• Salivation
• Drug-induced anorexia
• Sedation

The same research review reports more serious adverse effects that may occur for dogs who take higher doses of tramadol for a year or more, including:

• Mydriasis (dilated pupils)
• Reduced body weight
• Restlessness
• Difficulty walking
• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Seizures 

If pet owners notice any of these side effects in their dog, they should seek immediate medical care.

Also, if your dog is already taking medications that increase serotonin levels, such as tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome in your pet. It is crucial to notify your pet’s vet of any pre-existing conditions and current medications so they’re aware of any drug interactions that could occur.