Gabapentin for Dogs: Uses and Side Effects

Last updated on August 2nd, 2023

Veterinarians increasingly recommend Gabapentin for dogs since it has many applications in veterinary medicine. In humans, Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that effectively manages neuropathic pain. Extra-label usage is used with other therapies in veterinary medicine to address neuropathic pain, anxiety, and seizures when different medications are ineffective or hazardous. To encourage deliberate usage in dogs, this review is intended to explain the pharmacokinetics and use of Gabapentin. Gabapentin proved effective in treating epilepsy, chronic neuropathic pain, postoperative pain, and anxiety.

Here is all the information you want on Gabapentin for dogs.

Table of Content

What is Gabapentin for Dogs?

Veterinarians widely advise the anticonvulsant and analgesic drug gabapentin to treat dogs’ seizures, pain, and anxiety. Although Gabapentin’s precise mode of action is unknown, it is thought to stop the production of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Basic Information

GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, has a structural counterpart in Gabapentin. Although Gabapentin does not change GABA binding or reuptake or serve as a GABA agonist, its mode of action is not well known. In human medicine, Gabapentin is used to treat seizures and various pain conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, malignant pain, central pain, and complicated regional pain.

What is Gabapentin Used for in Dogs?

The use of Gabapentin in veterinary medicine is “off-label,” meaning that the FDA has not authorized its use in animals. Gabapentin is a human pharmaceutical. But experiencing anxiety, discomfort, or seizures may be administered Gabapentin.

Preventing Seizures: advantageous as an additional therapy for dogs with refractory seizures or those whose present pharmaceutical regimen is no longer sufficiently effective since it contains anticonvulsant qualities.

Controlling Pain: Also functions as an analgesic, relieving neuropathic and chronic pain. The persistent discomfort brought on by degenerative joint diseases like arthritis is where it is most frequently utilized.

It has also demonstrated efficacy when combined with other painkillers, such as no steroidal anti-inflammatory or opioids, to lessen postoperative pain.

Easing Anxiety: Can treat anxiety in general and conditions like thunderstorm phobia and anxiety brought on by veterinary appointments. They feel more “chilled-out” due to the reduced release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, which prevents pressure from building up.

Owners should not give Gabapentin to their dogs for the following reasons

  • The canine has a gabapentin allergy.
  • The breastfeeding or pregnant.
  • The dog has a severe liver or renal illness.
  • The vet is unaware that the dog is on other medications.
  • Dogs should never be fed human liquid gabapentin because it includes the harmful ingredient xylitol.

What Is a Safe Dosage of Gabapentin for Dogs?

The weight and intended use will determine a safe gabapentin dosage, among other things. Fleck points out that your veterinarian will choose the safe and most effective dosage.

How Does Gabapentin Function in Dogs?

Although it is unclear how exactly Gabapentin reduces seizures, pain, or anxiety, it is believed to do so by preventing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is naturally present and participates in transmitting nerve signals inside the brain and spinal cord, is similar to Gabapentin.

Medications and Gabapentin Interactions

When used with another painkiller like hydrocodone or morphine at the beginning of treatment, Gabapentin is frequently more effective in managing pain. After some time, the second narcotic can be removed from the therapy, leaving only Gabapentin as a painkiller.

How long does it take for Gabapentin to begin to work in dogs?

Within an hour or two of administration, Gabapentin will take effect in most dogs. Typically, it lasts for six hours. However, every unique. If Gabapentin does not appear to be helping your dog, consult your veterinarian.

How does a dog feel after taking Gabapentin?

Your dog may feel tired and a little unsteady after taking it. They should get used to these side effects within a few days, especially if the dosage is low and increases gradually.

Does Gabapentin cause drowsiness in dogs?

Yes, Gabapentin can initially cause your dog to feel sleepy, but by beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing it, your dog should become resistant to this effect.

What is the dosage of Gabapentin for dogs?

Depending on the condition it is being used to treat, Gabapentin’s dose range varies considerably.

There are various human-labeled versions of Gabapentin available:

  • (Capsules and Tablets) 100 mg
  • (Capsules and Tablets) 300 mg
  • (Capsules and Tablets) 400 mg

A 250 mg/5 mL oral solution is available; however, it occasionally contains the deadly xylitol for dogs. You can order this medicine in a way that is safe for your dog with the assistance of your veterinarian.

A dog may occasionally be too tiny to use human formulas. If your veterinarian wants a specific form or dose for your pet, a compounding pharmacy can create it.

Two to four oral doses of Gabapentin are typically administered daily, with or without meals. If you need clarification about the recommended dosage for your dog, check the directions on the package or see your veterinarian.

Ought to begin working pretty soon, and alleviation ought to be felt within a few hours of administration. The effects of this short-acting medication will wear off after 24 hours. However, the treatment could last longer in dogs with hepatic or renal dysfunction.

When taking this medication to treat seizures, it’s essential to avoid sudden stopping because doing so might cause withdrawal seizures. Always speak with your veterinarian before quitting any drug.

Can dogs have diarrhea or constipation with Gabapentin?

Except when taken at high dosages, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation is not frequent adverse effects of Gabapentin. Call your vet if your dog has any of these harmful effects.

Drug Interactions and Warnings for Gabapentin

Using Gabapentin alongside several other prescription medications is safe. If your dog is also receiving morphine and hydrocodone, use caution. Each medicine can alter how others act on the body. Antacid dosages should be spaced out by at least two hours since they may reduce the effectiveness of Gabapentin.

Potential Gabapentin Side Effects

The most often reported side effects of Gabapentin include moderate drowsiness, ataxia, and infrequent diarrhea. Sedation can be reduced by gradually increasing the dosage from a lower starting dose to the target level. It is best to slowly wean off the medication while treating seizures to lower the chance of withdrawal seizures. Additionally, this medication may result in a false-positive urine protein test result.

Can Dogs Take Gabapentin in Overdose?

Although significant side effects are infrequent, gabapentin overdose in dogs is possible. Most frequently, a gabapentin overdose results in ataxia, excessive sedation, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs need veterinarian care even though overdoses are often not dangerous. Ask your vet for advice; you may be instructed to induce vomiting in your or to take him to the clinic for supportive care.

Conclusion

When used correctly, Gabapentin is a safe and reliable treatment. To protect their dog’s safety, pet owners should be informed of the possible adverse effects and measures. Before administering any new medicine to your pet, including, always get advice from a veterinarian.