My dog is on tramadol due to pain in the back. Has not had a bowel movement since early on 12/30/13.
How is constipation treated in dogs who are on tramadol?
Question posted by SethK on 1 Jan 2014
Last updated on 22 May 2014 by Delila
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5 Answers
Delila
22 May 2014
Hi, i've always used liquid paraffin. It is very safe. And also i agree with the statement about feeding wet, canned dog food to help move things along
andi555
1 May 2014
Mineral oil.
kathyhanson
1 Jan 2014
Provided your dog is not diabetic, my vet told me to put a tablespoon of white Karo syrup in my cat's food twice a day, which means to split their food up and feed them twice a day. Don't leave food down for them. Karo syrup also works for babies if they are constipated.
Dumpster Diver
18 Jan 2014
kathy--- Does your cat like his food with the Karo syrup on it? Do you use dry or canned cat food? Mr, Chubbs, my cat has constipation alot. Plus now he's on a diet and is mean and cranky, and Bad spunky... My baby Fatty Boy... really Smokey:)
kathyhanson
18 Jan 2014
The two girls love it. My big boy, Thor, is insulin dependent diabetic, so I can't give it to him. But, thank God, he hasn't had a problem with constipation so far. If he did, I would probably use KM's suggestion and give him mineral oil. My cats are all on the Prescription diet, both dry and canned. Thor gets the Diabetic formula, Athena, who has ulcerative colitis, gets the Digestive Tract formula, and Baby gets the same as Athena. I have to separate the girls from Thor, because he will eat his food and theirs. I give Baby the same food as Athena because she won't eat in a room by herself. Plus, it's easier to have only 2 special diets. It has been good for her. I usually put the syrup in the canned food so I can mix it in easier, but you can stir it in the dry food too. What we won't do for our animals/babies! Right?
Dumpster Diver
18 Jan 2014
Thank you for your knowledge, kathy, about cats. I was always a dog person, but
someone got sick of Fatty and just abonded him at my cat-friendly apt. complex...
of course He found his way to my 2nd floor apt, with comfortalble deck chairs...
It was Love*, although i have no experience with a big, neutered male... dd*
Dumpster Diver
18 Jan 2014
But of course- Also thank-you Mac and KM for the mineral oil suggestion. Chubby
does not take tramadol 'tho...
kathyhanson
18 Jan 2014
DD, You might want to get Chubby checked for diabetes before you give him the syrup. Thor, a Maine Coon, weighed 28 pounds at his worst. Found out that the weight gain was due to diabetes. He now weighs 10.4 pounds since his diabetes is under control. He doesn't even look like the same cat! It's just a simple ear stick that cats don't mind. I check Thor's glucose all the time.
kaismama
1 Jan 2014
Yes, I've given my old dog mineral oil. Of course, canned dog food gets them going too.
MacIntosh12
1 Jan 2014
Hi SethK,
Your poor baby! Whatever you do, don't give your dog Pepto Bismol, as I've heard it can be dangerous for dogs.
If I were in your boots I'd call the Vet, oh no, they won't be open today! Give me a few minutes and I'll see if I can dig any info up about dogs and constipation caused by a synthetic opioid pain med.
Lara
MacIntosh12
1 Jan 2014
I found out this information, you may give your dog mineral oil, one TEASPOON for every 11 pounds. (This seems excessive to me, but I'm not a dog nor am I a vet.) You can pour it over his/her food, your dog may not mind the taste, or he/she may detest it. I do hope it's the former not the latter. Or, if you have a very laid back dog, you may want to purchase a children's liquid medicine plunger and just put small amounts on dog's tongue, see if it's tolerable for s/he. IF I can find out more, I'll come back to let you know. I did see a site called (not kidding!) Give Poop A Chance, which I do believe is a product for constipated dogs, (they just ripped off John Lennon's song, Give Peace A Chance, clever & cheeky!) just put that into your search engine and see if it will load for you, as it would not for myself, but I tried.
Another site that was useless did advise people to take their dog out quite often to see if he can do his business, like when the mood strikes him.
Good luck!
Lara
Related topics
constipation, pain, tramadol, bowel movement
Further information
- Tramadol uses and safety info
- Tramadol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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