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My dog can't walk on tramadol/carprofen. Side effect or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | neutered | 12 years and 6 months old | 24 lbs

Been giving my Schnauzer tramadol, carprofen and methocarpromodol....he can hardly walk...will this subside when I quit giving it?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dudley!

I think the biggest question I have is WHY he is on those medications. I commonly prescribe those 3 medications for back pain. The biggest concern for dogs with back issues is to watch them closely because if they get worse they start to walk drunk, drag a leg or both legs or even lose the ability to walk. If it is the neck that was painful all 4 legs can be affected. This is due to pressure of a herniated disk on the spinal chord.

So with out more information, I think it is imperative that you bring Dudley to an emergency hospital today to be sure that he isn't neurologic from progression or his back or neck disease.

If you think he isn't walking because he is too sedate then you can try stopping the tramadol and lowering the methocarbamol. But is better to be safe than sorry if you are not sure.

I hope this helps and I hope Dudley does well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Confirm the doses of tramadol and methocarbamol with your veterinarian. Either of these may cause lethargy and combined may increase risk of side effects. Symptoms should resolve once the course of medication is complete and out of his system.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This is a tough question to answer completely as I do need a little more background on what has been going on with Dudley (reasons for being on the medications, how long he has been on these medications, etc).

If he has just very recently started taking these medications for mobility issues (trouble walking, etc), then it may another day or so for the medications to fully kick in.

If he has been on these medications for a while and now suddenly can't walk, it is possible whatever mobility problem he has been experiencing has become worse or another issue (neurological disorder) can presented itself.

It would help a great deal if we could chat via online consult. I do need further information in order to best direct you.

I hope to chat with you soon!

0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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