While the concept of offering pain medication to dogs may seem foreign to some, Tramadol is often prescribed to pup who are experiencing discomfort. When our best friends are suffering, all we want is to make their pain go away and Tramadol is one of the easiest ways for us to do just that.
The drug is what’s known as an atypical opioid, which means that it can be used to lessen instances of acute pain in dogs, without carrying the same risk of addiction that come with typical opioids. When a dog has been prescribed Tramadol, it can several weeks before the medication starts to work.
So why is Tramadol used for dogs?
Dogs have several acute and chronic conditions that can be successfully treated with the use of Tramadol. A dog that has been stricken with osteoarthritis can benefit greatly from a prescription to Tramadol. Fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy are also treated with Tramadol, as well as other forms of neuropathic pain.
Owners who do not wish to risk addiction opt for Tramadol, as it is a much safer drug than most of the ones that are typically prescribed for pets. Dogs who are experiencing mild pain benefit most from the use of the drug, but it also prescribed to dogs who are terminally ill, to provide them with much needed comfort during their final days.
However, when it is used to treat pain that is chronic or terminal, the dog could develop a tolerance. Pain stemming from an illness can worsen as the dog gets older, which reduces the amount of relief that Tramadol can provide. If this is the case for your pet, be sure to speak to a veterinarian, so that they can offer you alternative methods of medicating your animal.
Deciding on a Dosage
There are numerous factors to be considered when deciding on the suitable Tramadol dosage for your dog. The degree of pain that the pet is experiencing and the duration of usage are crucial elements in this decision. Every dog metabolizes the drug in a different way, so owners must pay close attention to their dog’s behavior after taking Tramadol, to ensure that the medication is being properly absorbed into their bloodstream.
If the dog is using other medications or there are underlying medical issues, the animal may not be able to use Tramadol. Dogs that need relief from moderate pain benefit most from a Tramadol prescription, but owners must remain cognizant of the potential side effects that tend to accompany usage of the medication.
Should the animal experience upset stomach, coughing, excess sedation, tremors, anxiety, seizures, constipation, slowed heart rate or pupil constriction, be sure to contact a trusted veterinarian immediately.
