Tramadol (Ultram®)

Tramadol (Ultram®) Pain Medication for Dogs & Cats

Tramadol (Ultram®) is a pain medication used in dogs and cats, either alone or in combination with other pain relief medications. Veterinarians may include tramadol in a broader pain management plan to support comfort during recovery or when additional pain control is needed.

Tramadol Dosing & Administration

Always follow the prescription label and the plan your pet’s veterinary team provides.

Missed doses & Changing medications

If your pet misses a dose of tramadol, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not administer double doses.

Contact your pet’s veterinary team before making changes to a tramadol plan.

Special precautions

Keep tramadol well out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Potential side effects of Tramadol in Dogs & Cats

While tramadol can be effective for managing pain, it can cause side effects, including the following:

  • Constipation: Constipation is common. To help ease constipation, add 1–2 teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) per 10 pounds of body weight to your pet’s diet. If your pet is on a special diet, consult your veterinary team before adding pumpkin.

  • Sedation and mobility issues: Some pets may appear sleepy or have difficulty walking while taking tramadol.

  • Dysphoria: Some pets may become agitated, whine frantically, and pant, especially at higher doses or when combined with sedatives. This can be mistaken for pain. A dose adjustment or a timing change may be needed, and if so, and these symptoms continue afterward, contact your veterinary team.

  • Behavior changes: Rarely, tramadol can cause behavior changes such as mania or aggression. If this occurs, isolate the pet for safety, discontinue the medication, and contact your veterinary team.

  • Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is rare at normal doses, but it can occur. Monitor breathing and seek veterinary care if you have concerns.

  • Seizures: Seizures haven’t been reported in dogs and cats due to tramadol. However, it’s important to monitor pets with existing seizure conditions. Discontinue use and consult your veterinary team if seizure frequency increases.

Tramadol (Ultram®) FAQs

  • Tramadol is a pain medication used either alone or in combination with other pain relief drugs.

  • If your pet misses a dose of tramadol, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not administer double doses.

    It’s important that the primary caregiver and decision-makers are available during the appointment. If someone can’t attend in person, we’re happy to include them by phone. If they’re unavailable and would like a detailed review afterward, we may recommend scheduling a telemedicine consultation, which may involve a separate fee.

  • Reported side effects include constipation, sedation, and mobility changes. Side effects are more likely at higher doses.

  • Yes. Dysphoria (agitation, frantic whining, panting) can occur, especially at higher doses or when combined with sedatives. Rarely, behavior changes such as mania or aggression have been reported.

  • Seizures haven’t been reported in dogs and cats due to tramadol, but pets with an existing seizure condition should be monitored. Discontinue use and consult your pet’s veterinary team if seizure frequency increases.