If your pet has chronic pain concerns such as arthritis or has recently had a surgical procedure, your veterinarian may prescribe gabapentin to help make them more comfortable. Gabapentin is commonly used in dogs for pain control, but it may also be prescribed as a calming agent or to help with seizure disorders.
Gabapentin—also known by the brand names Neurontin, Aclonium and Equipax—is not suitable for every dog. For instance, it’s not usually prescribed for pregnant animals. Read on to learn when your vet may prescribe this drug and what to expect when your pet takes it.
Gabapentin is a pharmaceutical drug that may be prescribed to your dog by a veterinarian after a thorough physical exam.
The primary use of gabapentin for dogs is to help reduce pain, specifically chronic or acute nerve pain. Gabapentin is also used as an anticonvulsant to help control seizure disorders in dogs.
Although no one in the veterinary or pharmaceutical industries knows precisely how gabapentin works in pets, the most common theory is that the drug inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. However, it appears to calm specific parts of the brain and helps relieve pain in many different animals.
Gabapentin was initially created for use in humans, but it has since been introduced into veterinary medicine. It’s often considered an extra-label drug, which means the instructions required for your pet’s use may differ from those on the manufacturer’s label. Your vet will assess the other drugs your pet is on and give you personalized guidelines for dosage and scheduling.
As mentioned above, an exam is required before prescribing gabapentin, as some and dogs may not be good candidates for it. Pets who are pregnant, lactating or experiencing concurrent diseases may need an alternative solution.
Your veterinarian may suggest gabapentin for the following issues:
Gabapentin can be used to treat all these conditions in dogs. However, there are some species-specific prescription patterns.
The appropriate dose for your dog depends on a few different factors. If you have a prescription for one pet in your home, it’s usually not recommended to use the same pills for another animal.
Gabapentin dosage for dogs depends on:
Gabapentin is usually administered every eight to 12 hours. The medication will typically start to take effect within one to two hours, so you should plan your dose appropriately if you want it to take effect before traveling with your pet.
As with any medication, your pet can take too large a dosage of gabapentin. An overdose may be indicated by pale or dark gums, depression, more staggering than usual, and vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian immediately for emergency care. You can also talk to them about reducing the dose in the future.
Common gabapentin doses include gabapentin 100 mg, gabapentin 300 mg and gabapentin 800 mg. Doses are most often given in capsule or tablet form. You can administer the medication with or without food. If your dog becomes nauseous after taking this pill, you may want to try hiding it inside a tasty pill pocket.
An oral solution is available, but it’s typically recommended for people only since it often includes xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Do not give your excess liquid gabapentin to your pet as it may be unsafe.
Gabapentin's side effects in dogs are typically mild. Sleepiness is the primary side effect, but that may be beneficial depending on your pet’s condition. Your pet may also experience some incoordination and staggering. If you don’t want your pet to grow sleepy, your vet may be able to recommend a smaller dose.
Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and swelling of the limbs. If your pet experiences any of these side effects, tell your vet immediately. Side effects should go away after 12 hours but may linger if your pet has kidney or liver problems.
Most gabapentin for dogs can be stored at room temperature. As long as you keep the medication away from humidity and moisture, it can be kept in any room. If you are using a liquid solution, your vet may ask you to store it in the refrigerator.
Gabapentin tablets can be handled with your bare hands. If your pet is not able or willing to swallow the medication in pill form, you can utilize pill pockets or pill wraps to ease dosing
Here are some additional tips for giving your dog gabapentin. Knowing how to handle a missed dose and what to do if your pet also takes CBD can help you appropriately administer this medication.
Giving your pets the proper medication can be crucial in helping keep them well and promoting overall health. Gabapentin can be used to treat pain and seizures, and it may even help your dog enjoy their next car ride. If you’re looking for other ways to help keep your pet happy and healthy, check out our selection of dog vitamins and dog first aid.
References
Sponsored
Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!