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PetDosageChart

Ultram (Tramadol) Dosage for Dogs

Opioid analgesic ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 6-8 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator

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Ultram Dosage Chart for Dogs by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 4.5mg 11.5mg 23mg every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 9mg 22.5mg 45mg (50mg tablet) every 8-12 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 13.5mg 34mg 68mg every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 18mg 45.5mg (50mg tablet) 91mg (2 × 50mg) every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 22.5mg 56.5mg (50mg tablet) 113mg every 8-12 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 27mg 68mg 136mg every 8-12 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 36mg 90.5mg (2 × 50mg) 181mg every 8-12 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 45.5mg (50mg tablet) 113.5mg 227mg every 8-12 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 54.5mg (50mg tablet) 136mg 272mg every 8-12 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 63.5mg 158.5mg (3 × 50mg) 317mg every 8-12 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 72.5mg 181.5mg 363mg every 8-12 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 81.5mg 204mg (4 × 50mg) 408mg (8 × 50mg) every 8-12 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 91mg (2 × 50mg) 227mg 454mg (9 × 50mg) every 8-12 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 109mg (2 × 50mg) 272mg 544mg (11 × 50mg) every 8-12 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 136mg 340mg (7 × 50mg) 680mg every 8-12 hours

What is Ultram (Tramadol) used for in dogs?

moderate to severe pain post-surgical pain chronic pain cancer pain

How to give Ultram to your dog

Tramadol is a prescription-only controlled substance. Give with food to reduce nausea. The tablets are very bitter — do not crush them. Tramadol can be combined with NSAIDs for multimodal pain management under veterinary supervision. Note that recent research suggests tramadol may be less effective for pain in dogs than previously thought.

Available Forms

tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Ultram in dogs

Common side effects

sedation
nausea
constipation
panting
wobbliness

Serious side effects

  • seizures
  • serotonin syndrome
  • severe respiratory depression
  • severe sedation or collapse

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Seizures or tremors
  • Extreme sedation or difficulty waking
  • Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing
  • Severe agitation or disorientation
  • Vomiting that does not stop

Related Medications for Dogs

Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For chronic pain

View dosage chart
Antidiarrheal opioid agonist

Imodium

Loperamide

For Acute diarrhea

View dosage chart
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Rimadyl

Carprofen

For osteoarthritis

View dosage chart
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Metacam

Meloxicam

For osteoarthritis

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Tramadol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tramadol can I give my dog?
The typical dose is 2-5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 8-12 hours. For a 50 lb (23 kg) dog, this is usually 50-100 mg per dose. Tramadol is a controlled substance and must be prescribed by a veterinarian who will determine the appropriate dose.
Is tramadol effective for dogs?
Recent veterinary research suggests tramadol may be less effective for pain relief in dogs than previously believed, as dogs metabolize it differently than humans. Many vets now prefer NSAIDs or gabapentin for pain management. However, tramadol can still be useful in multimodal pain protocols.
Can tramadol and gabapentin be given together to dogs?
Yes, tramadol and gabapentin are frequently used together for multimodal pain management in dogs. They work through different mechanisms, which can provide better pain relief than either drug alone. Your vet will adjust doses when using them in combination.
How long does tramadol last in dogs?
Tramadol effects typically last 6-8 hours in dogs. Because dogs metabolize tramadol quickly, it usually needs to be given 2-3 times daily for consistent pain relief. Extended-release formulations designed for humans should not be used in dogs.

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