Gabapentin Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your veterinarian prescribed a medication called gabapentin for your dog? You likely have questions about what it is and how it works, so we’re here to discuss everything you need to know about gabapentin for dogs!

In this article, we cover the details of gabapentin uses, safe doses, and side effects. Let’s begin!

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, is a medication that is commonly used in human and animal medicine. It works by blocking the calcium channels within the patient’s brain, ultimately suppressing any overstimulated neurons. In turn, gabapentin treats seizure disorders, anxiety disorders, and nerve pain.

Is Gabapentin Safe for Dogs?

Gabapentin is safe for dogs when following your veterinarian’s guidance, and when offering a form of gabapentin prescribed by your vet. Liquid gabapentin for humans is commonly mixed with xylitol to make it less bitter, and xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. The only form of gabapentin you should give to your pup is one that comes from your vet’s office.

Why Do Dogs Take Gabapentin?

Gabapentin commonly treats nerve conditions, behavioral conditions, and neurological conditions. Let’s break down a few of its most common uses below.

Anxiety: Gabapentin treats acute anxiety in dogs. Vets often prescribe it to dogs that have anxiety around a certain event, ranging from fireworks to vet visits. Vets may prescribe it by itself but may also prescribe it alongside an antidepressant called trazadone.

Nerve pain: Gabapentin commonly manages deep nerve pain in dogs. It is often used alongside an anti-inflammatory medication, which helps to manage pain from inflamed tissues and overstimulated nerves. While it typically combats nerve pain, many vets now utilize it for chronic pain with osteoarthritis. It is possible that chronic pain can alter the pathways in the brain and make a dog more sensitive to pain, and gabapentin can suppress this response.

Seizure disorders: Gabapentin can be used alongside other seizure medications to control seizure disorders. It is not as effective when used by itself, but when added to a dog’s established seizure control plan, it can help to prevent breakthrough seizures.

How Is Gabapentin Given to Dogs?

Your vet can prescribe gabapentin in pill or liquid form, based on your dog’s size. You can give it to your dog by mouth, with or without food. However, many find it easiest to hide the pill in a pill pocket or piece of cheese. Just be sure to give your dog the dose of gabapentin as directed by your vet, as missing any doses can lead to decreased pain control or seizure control.

Dosage

Before we discuss the standard dose of gabapentin for dogs, we should mention again that you should never give your dog gabapentin without approval from your vet. Never offer your dog gabapentin for humans, as liquid gabapentin for people often contains xylitol.

The standard dose of gabapentin will vary based on the condition treated. For example, the average dose of gabapentin for seizure management can be anywhere from 10-60 mg/kg based on the severity of the seizure disorder. The gabapentin dose for anxiety is much higher than the dose for pain, as it offers mild sedation during a stressful event.

We always suggest referring to your vet for your dog’s gabapentin dose, as their dosing range will vary based on the condition treated. Your vet can offer you an appropriate dose that fits your canine friend’s needs.

Are There Side Effects?

The most common side effect with gabapentin use in dogs is mild sedation. Some dogs may experience a wobbly gait, increased sleepiness, and even mild disorientation. The severity of these side effects will vary from dog to dog, as well as with how high of a dose the dog is taking. In most cases, you will just have a sleepy pup on your hands.

Reach out to your vet if your dog seems to suffer from disoriented. Your veterinary team can adjust your dog’s dose as needed, as some dogs are just more sensitive than others.

Risk Of Gabapentin Use in Dogs

Gabapentin is a safe medication that comes with few risks. The most significant danger with gabapentin for dogs is the risk of unaware owners dispensing liquid gabapentin for humans, as it can contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. However, pet owners can avoid this risk by only using gabapentin from your vet’s office.

How Do I Get Gabapentin for My Dog?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication that your vet’s office can administer. We suggest scheduling an exam with your veterinarian if you think your canine companion can benefit from the use of gabapentin!

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