Hi everyone, my pooch has just had tramadol for the first time. The vet told us it was a pretty strong painkiller. Have any of you ever had to give it to your little one? If so, did they tolerate it well? Did you notice any side effects, and was it effective? Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.
Translated from French
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Evening all, Ulco has had a slight limp yesterday and today. The vet told us to carry on with the treatment but to make sure he gets it 3 times a day, spaced 8 hours apart. He was actually only getting 2 doses because his first one was in the middle of the afternoon, so it only worked out as twice a day. We’re going to shift the times so he can get his 3 doses in every 24 hours; the vet says it’s important and we should hopefully see a difference. We’re going to stick to that and keep an eye on how he gets on, alongside the long-acting anti-inflammatory he’s had that lasts for a week. There haven't been any side effects, except he was a bit knocked out after the first two doses. There are other painkillers out there (I don’t mean morphine), but before seeing if we need to switch, we’re doing exactly what the vet said. Obviously, if there’s no change in the coming days, we’ll touch base with him again. Big cuddles to all your doggies!
Good evening, I feel as though whenever euthanasia is mentioned, for some people it’s like you’ve thrown sh*t in their face. I wasn’t suggesting putting Ulco down, but simply making sure he can still keep going. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone—watching your most loyal companion, completely exhausted, crawling towards you one morning begging for it to be over. All because we’re waiting for some obvious sign. So no, it’s not about getting rid of the dog because it’s easier. I find your comments a bit harsh, Tania, even cruel in a way. You aren't failing in your duty as an owner by agreeing to let your dog go; quite the opposite, you’re putting your own pain and your desire to keep them with you regardless to one side. I honestly don’t believe anyone said "you have to kill Ulco". However, the judgement in what you wrote is much more vicious and mean-spirited than just saying "think about your dog, not yourself".
I’ve got two dogs who react to pain in totally different ways. My Aussie panics and acts like he’s literally dying over the smallest thing, whereas my spaniel has a really high pain threshold (the upside for the vets is that they can carry out treatments without needing anaesthesia).
As for Tramadol, when I’ve had to take it myself, it kicks in really quickly. But I have to lie down, otherwise I can’t walk straight. And the next day, I’m always sick.
Evening, as long as Ulco is still enjoying life and all those little treats that go with it, then that’s brilliant and long may it continue 😉
I completely agree with your way of thinking; personally, I’d do exactly the same. You have my full support!
He’s your dog, you love him, and you know him better than anyone else here. You’ll be able to tell when he’s had enough, and your vet will be there to guide you... in the meantime, make the most of him and all those lovely moments you’re spending together 👌
We’ll be waiting for an update tomorrow... stay strong!
Exactly Tania, you’ve hit the nail on the head, but there will always be some "naysayers" out there.
I’m with you on your advice as well, it’s always very sound.
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks; the main thing is making sure they’re happy being part of the family and staying tuned in if they’re feeling a bit off-colour, whether it’s something sudden or more gradual.
You just know, you can feel it in your gut when the time has come.
La fille du 59, keep up the wonderful care — it’s another precious day they get to spend by your side.
Treasure, you're right, once the back legs give out for good, that'll likely be the time. My mum’s two old dogs went through that and there was no other choice or hesitation about letting them go...
Pablo, I agree with Tania; I think you also have to distinguish between constant, round-the-clock pain and the kind you can manage for a while. If the dog (or cat) still has some joy and quality of life etc., why take that away from them straight away!! My dog was out on the patio this morning, nice and relaxed, sniffing the air and keeping an eye on everything around him. Since my brother has to pop to the vet's tomorrow to pick up a pack of meds, he’ll let them know how my boy is doing. He’ll check if it’s the Tramadol that’s not suiting him and see if they can switch his pain relief. Depending on his answers and his opinion (he’s very straightforward and I prefer it that way), if there’s nothing else that can be given to him, then we’ll know the time is near to let him go.
But that’s just Mother Nature, that’s life.
As for the rest, I completely disagree. An animal shows it’s suffering in all sorts of ways.
Just imagine, we’d be telling ourselves "right, he’s going to be in pain, so, quick as you like, one little jab and goodbye to everything we promised when we first took on a pet—to feed them, cherish them, and look after them as long as there’s a chance to improve their condition or stop it getting worse."
It’s also about knowing how to say goodbye when the time is right, but not while they aren't showing that pleading look or simply giving up, like when they stop eating... that’s an owner's duty, in my opinion.
I’ve nothing more to add.
We don’t see eye to eye, but it takes all sorts to make a world 🙂
