Medication: Morphine

Your dog has been prescribed morphine for the treatment of pain.  

Key points: 
• This medication is not licensed for use in dogs. Your veterinarian will explain off-licence use of medications. 
• Morphine is an addictive and potent opioid. Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Seek rapid medical help if this product is consumed by a pet or person. 
• This medication is subject to controlled drug law (UK and US). Your veterinarian will dispose of any unused medication. 
• Morphine is poorly absorbed into the blood stream when given orally, there are more effective medications available for the management of moderate to severe pain. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name 

• Morphine (mor-feen).  

Class of medication 

• Opioid. 

Storage 

• Store at room temperature. 
• Store in a secure location away from pets and children.

Your veterinarian has prescribed morphine for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.  

Morphine is administered orally as tablets or liquid. Your pet may not like the taste, so you can try hiding it in a small amount of their favorite food. If your pet doesn’t take the medication in food and you cannot administer the medication then contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to ask for help, as your pet will be painful if they do not receive the full dose of morphine. If your pet refuses to eat food containing morphine, dispose of any uneaten medicated food promptly and securely, so that other pets (or wildlife) will not be able to access the medication. 

Possible side-effects include respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), vomiting, constipation, confusion, excitement, low body temperature, slow heart rate, tiredness and/or loss of balance.  

Use with caution with other opioid type analgesics. May have additive effects with other central nervous system depressants such as sedatives, anesthetics, antihistamines and seizure medication. 

Do not use morphine for animals with pancreatitis or head injury. 

Any side-effects should be reported to your veterinarian. Your pet may be able to continue with the drug if side-effects are mild, but it’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible so that they can decide whether continuing with this medication is appropriate.  

Morphine should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients. 

Return any unused medication to your veterinarian for disposal.  

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

If accidentally administered to another pet, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Likewise, if ingested by a human, seek immediate medical assistance. Inform the attending physician that morphine has been ingested and take the packet with you.

Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet periodically to be able to prescribe this medication safely and within prescribing regulations.  

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on morphine can be found on the package insert or by contacting your veterinarian.  

Europe & UK 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.  

US 

• There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.  

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.