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
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Answers Page 2
balbanese
26 Sep 2014
No, first off, dogs don't show pain unless is extreme. If you see no obvious discomfort, give his liver a break and don't give it. Pain meds for a dog, even post-surgery.
Healthyone6
28 Sep 2014
Thanks for your response. As of this writing, my dog isn't showing any pain or dis-
comfort. However, when the problem occurred, he DID scream in pain. So, I think
he was stung by a bee because I found a dead one on his cushion after we returned
to the house. It wasn't there before we left for the walk. But two vets told me they
couldn't find evidence of a sting!? Also, the lameness he exhibited in his leg have
disappeared!!
balbanese
29 Sep 2014
Then all is well, no need to put a strain on his liver with meds he doesn't need.
Healthyone6
29 Sep 2014
My vet checked him out and told me to continue the Metacam until it's finished. I'm
taking him for a recheck on Tuesday. So far he's OK. Thank you for your information.
balbanese
29 Sep 2014
Then go with the Vet's orders. I would not have gone against them had known. Hope all turns out ok, sounds as though it will!
Vetsceptic
14 May 2015
Steer well clear of vets ! They are businesses aimed at making money at a cost to your beloved pet ! My dog ( a rescue) has NEVER been inside a vet and he's 12. He has now been prescribed Tramadol ( I share him with a neighbour) who is concerned about him. Tramadol are human drugs. I would rather crush a paracetomol and an ibuprofen up at a cost of pennies than feed the mouths of greedy vets ! After only 3 doses of Tramadol he has compromised breathing. Thanks but no thanks.
Delila
21 July 2015
Hi, i've only just seen your comment, and i'm only posting because i would hate any harm coming to your dog... Please read the following quotes regarding giving pets Paracetamol & Ibuprofen:
"Some everyday, over the counter human medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly toxic and can lead to stomach ulceration, kidney or liver failure and death".
"Human NSAIDs can be toxic to all animals, but particularly to dogs where they can cause severe and acute kidney or liver failure".
Vetsceptic
25 Oct 2015
Hi Delila
Thanks for your reply.
The Tramadol prescribed ARE a human drug. The Patient Information Leaflet was aimed at humans. Lots of drugs used to treat animals are human drugs.
Unfortunately I had to have the old boy put to sleep soon after the vets involvement.
Delila
25 Oct 2015
I'm so sorry to hear that, i lost my dog a couple of months ago, it's devastating isn't it. Yes, i am aware that Tramadol are a human drug, many veterinary prescribed medications are. I worked as a veterinary nurse for many years.
Delila
25 Oct 2015
... I forgot to mention, that the quote I posted is aimed at OTC analgesics
Mister_Rod
25 Oct 2015
What qualifications do you have - to say this? Blog's are very often - incorrect.
I have been a veterinarian technician and chemist - for 50 years. TRAMADOL is a very safe medicine for pain. Yes - like ANY medication, only when REALLY needed and if anything - a little below the dose. It is one of the best meds. to COMBINE with other, soft pain meds (non narcotic) . Gabapentin is another good one with Tramadol. They work BETTER together than alone. AGAIN I SAY - use ONLY when you see pain indications in your dog. Restlessness... not comfortable... having a hard time sleeping without getting up and down. Meloxicam or Metacam - to me... is NOT a good choice. VERY HARD on Kidneys... Liver of dogs. For SHORT term maybe. AND AT ALL COSTS - unless the pain is very severe and your Vet. has tried everything else - maybe... use Steroids. Prednisolone (ahead of Prednisone) is always better.
PLEASE only give advice when you have the research to back it up, experience AND education...
My own two cents worth - after 50 years in the pet business, EMT., and Medic with people...
Rod in Ottawa, CANADA
Delila
1 Nov 2015
Just to stand up for my advice, i worked in pharmacy for 6 years and a registered veterinary nurse for 9 years. It's not kind to judge someone when they are using their experience to help others
LoriQ
20 Aug 2016
Forget the meds for a bee sting! Apply a pea size amt. of any white toothpaste on bee sting and it instantly removed the pain! I tried this on myself as well and it worked!
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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