{"id":632783,"date":"2025-07-22T09:30:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T13:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632783"},"modified":"2025-07-22T13:48:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:48:35","slug":"buprenorphine-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/buprenorphine-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Can dogs take buprenorphine?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buprenorphine<\/span><\/a> is a partial opioid agonist and is used to treat pain. Brand names for buprenorphine include Buprenex, Simbadol, and<\/span> Belbuca<\/span><\/a>. Buprenorphine is FDA approved for use in humans and<\/span> cats<\/span><\/a>, but not dogs. However, veterinarians often prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for dogs. Buprenorphine for dogs is used primarily to treat pain after surgeries or to treat certain chronic conditions that cause pain. It can be given by injection in a veterinary clinic by a veterinarian, or it can be given by pet owners at home, usually in the form of an oral liquid solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Here, learn everything you need to know about giving buprenorphine to your dog, including safety, dose, side effects, and how to effectively administer the medication at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is buprenorphine used for in dogs?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Buprenorphine is an analgesic that\u2019s primarily used to treat and manage mild to moderate pain in dogs, says Sabrina Kong, DVM, a staff veterinarian at WeLoveDoodles. \u201cAs a partial opioid agonist, it binds strongly to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals for 6\u201312 hours per dose,\u201d Dr. Kong explains. It\u2019s especially helpful for dogs with kidney disease since it’s metabolized by the liver and only minimally excreted through the kidneys. This makes it safer than<\/span> NSAIDs for dogs<\/span><\/a> with kidney disease, Dr. Kong adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of the time, buprenorphine is administered by injection at your veterinary clinic or at an animal hospital, <\/span>Krista Hight, DVM<\/span><\/a>, veterinarian at Central Maui Animal Clinic at Thrive Pet Healthcare, explains. It can also be administered orally at home, \u201cbut absorption is not as predictable in dogs and often has to be used at a higher dose for absorption to occur,\u201d Dr. Hight notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

In particular, buprenorphine is used to treat pain that happens after surgical procedures, such as after spays, orthopedic procedures, or dental extractions. In fact, it\u2019s commonly given along with an anesthetic during surgery. At times, buprenorphine is used to treat chronic conditions in dogs, including osteoarthritis and cancer-related discomfort, <\/span>Dr. Kong<\/span><\/a> adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is buprenorphine safe for dogs?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most veterinarians agree that buprenorphine is safe for dogs. \u201cBuprenorphine is very safe for dogs,\u201d Dr. Hight says. \u201cSide effects are rare and usually consist of sedative effects.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there isn\u2019t much data on the safety of buprenorphine in dogs, though many vets prescribe it confidently. One small study published in<\/span> the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics<\/span><\/i><\/a> looked at the effects of buprenorphine in a sample of five dogs. None of the dogs experienced adverse effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Kong notes that buprenorphine is generally safe when dosed correctly and when given under the close supervision of a veterinarian. \u201cBut it carries critical contraindications,\u201d she points out. \u201cAvoid use in dogs with severe respiratory disease (e.g., advanced brachycephalic syndrome or pneumonia), as it can suppress respiratory drive.\u201d It should also be avoided in dogs with liver dysfunction, since buprenorphine is metabolized in the liver, she adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of buprenorphine in dogs<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

According to Dr. Kong, the most common buprenorphine side effects in dogs include:<\/span><\/p>\n