Tramadol for Dogs Calculator
Calculate safe tramadol dosage for dogs based on weight using veterinary guidelines
Calculate Tramadol Dosage
Enter your dog's current body weight
📋 Important Information
- • Prescription medication only
- • Takes 1-2 hours to take effect
- • Effective for 24 hours
- • Standard tablet: 50mg
- • Dosing: Every 8-12 hours
Tramadol Dosage Results
Enter dog weight to calculate tramadol dosage
⚠️ Critical Safety Information
- • Prescription only: Never give tramadol without veterinary prescription
- • Human tramadol: Only use tramadol specifically prescribed for dogs
- • Drug interactions: Inform vet of all other medications
- • Side effects: Watch for sedation, vomiting, or behavioral changes
- • Overdose signs: Seizures, extreme sleepiness, fast heartbeat
- • Emergency: Contact vet immediately if serious side effects occur
📐 Calculation Formulas (BSAVA Guidelines)
Metric System:
- • Lower limit: 2 mg/kg/day
- • Upper limit: 5 mg/kg/day
- • Maximum dose: 10 mg/kg/day
Imperial System:
- • Lower limit: 0.9 mg/lb/day
- • Upper limit: 2.25 mg/lb/day
- • Maximum dose: 4.54 mg/lb/day
Example Calculation
20 lb (9.1 kg) Dog Example
Dog Weight: 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Lower Limit: 0.9 × 20 = 18 mg/day
Upper Limit: 2.25 × 20 = 45 mg/day
Maximum Dose: 4.54 × 20 = 90.8 mg/day
Dosing Schedule
Recommended range: 18-45 mg daily
Per dose (twice daily): 9-22.5 mg
50mg tablets: 0.18-0.45 tablets per dose
Note: Tablets may need to be split for accurate dosing
Tramadol Uses in Dogs
Acute Pain
Post-surgery, injuries
Medical procedures
Chronic Pain
Arthritis, cancer pain
Long-term conditions
Mild Anxiety
Secondary benefit
Not primary indication
Common Side Effects
Sedation (sleepiness)
Dizziness or confusion
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Behavioral changes (whining, crying)
Emergency Signs: Seizures, extreme sleepiness, fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing
Understanding Tramadol for Dogs
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used to treat mild to moderate pain in dogs. It works by activating opioid receptors and increasing neurotransmitters in the brain that help reduce pain perception. It's considered safer than stronger opioids like morphine.
How It Works
- •Binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord
- •Increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels
- •Blocks pain signals from reaching the brain
- •Provides analgesic and mild anti-anxiety effects
Dosing Guidelines
BSAVA Recommended Dosing
- • Range: 2-5 mg/kg every 8-12 hours
- • Maximum: 10 mg/kg/day
- • Onset: 1-2 hours
- • Duration: 8-12 hours
Important Considerations
- • Never use human tramadol formulations
- • Always follow veterinary prescription exactly
- • Monitor for side effects, especially initially
- • Do not stop suddenly - taper if discontinuing
- • Store securely away from children and pets