What Does Gabapentin Do For Dogs? Uses & Dosages

ByOlivia Jones
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Sometimes to treat pain, seizures, and anxiety veterinarians may prescribe Gabapentin to dogs. We all know that Gabapentin is an FDA-approved medication for humans. You may have questioned how human medicines are given to dogs, What Does Gabapentin Do For Dogs, or how these can be effective for my dog. Today we discuss all of the information related to Gabapentin in dogs. Many people buy Gabapentin 1600 mg online to avoid prescription problems and emergency use because it is a higher dose of Gabapentin. 

We all know what Gabapentin does for Humans but now we look at what is Gabapentin for dogs. 

What Is Gabapentin For Dogs And Works?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant medicine. This medicine is commonly prescribed by vets for dogs to help relieve pain like acute nerve pain and chronic pain and control seizures. This was basically approved by the FDA to treat humans but not animals. It is used off-label in animals, where vets still prescribe this medicine to dogs and other animals.  

Truthfully, how Gabapentin works in dogs no-one understood. However, it is thought that Gabapentin blocks the calcium channel in the central nervous system leading to the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. This neurotransmitter involved in pain transmission and seizures, decreases the pain sensation. 

Gabapentin Used For Dogs

Veterinarians basically prescribe Gabapentin to manage pain specifically nerve pain and chronic pain in dogs. It is also helpful for controlling seizures and reducing anxiety. 

  • Pain Management: Gabapentin is a pain killer who basically used to manage pain. These medicines are used with other medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help prevent pain during surgery. It is also used to relieve muscle or joint pain like arthritis.
  • Reduce Anxiety: For different reasons, dogs also suffer from anxiety. They may show fear, phobia (related to thunderstorms, fireworks, or other sounds), and some signs of stress. Gabapentin can help reduce these symptoms in your dogs. In some cases, vets prescribe trazodone-like sedatives with gabapentin for calming your dogs.
  • Prevent Seizures: Gabapentin is also used to treat epilepsy and other seizures because it has some anti-seizure effects.  It is used only when other medications don’t work well. Vets sometimes use other anti-seizure medicines with Gabapentin for better effects. 

Always monitor your dog’s condition and before giving any kind of medicine with Gabapentin consult with your vet or healthcare provider. 

Gabapentin Dosages For Dogs:

In the market, It is available in tablets and capsules in Gabapentin 100mg, 300mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg, 1200mg, and 1600mg. sizes. It’s also available in 250mg/ml oral liquid. Commonly vets prescribe a dose of 5-30mg/kg. For high doses, vets commonly prescribe 30mg/kg. Dosages for dogs can vary because it depends on the dog’s weight.

Example: 

  • Low Dose: 
    • 20 kg dog can take Gabapentin 100 mg
    • 60 kg dog can  take Gabapentin 300mg
  • High Dose: 
    • 20kg dog can take Gabapentin 600 mg
    • 50kg Dog can take Gabapentin 1600 mg

 Gabapentin is a short-acting medicine. After 24 hours medicine effects will be decreased. So before giving any dosage to your dog consult with your vet. They can provide appropriate instruction which is suitable for your dog. 

Side Effects

Gabapentin is generally safe for dogs. It occurs only when you don’t follow the prescription or without the vet’s permission discontinue the medicines. The most common type of side effect is Sedation. Side effect depends on various factors like age, weight, and how your dogs react to medicines. Now we look at side effects of Gabapentin that may occur in dogs:

  • Lethargy
  •  weakness
  • Lightheadedness
  • shakiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Excitability
  • Increased appetite
  • Loss of coordination
  • Oversleeping

Precautions: 

 There are some precautions you should follow when you give Gabapentin to your dogs. It can help you minimize the risks. 

  • Never give this medicine If your dog has an allergy to Gabapentin 
  • Avoid giving these medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Kidney and liver disease dogs can not take gabapentin. 
  • After antacids wait sometimes to give gabapentin.

Strictly follow all of this information when you give Gabapentin to your dog. We hope this topic can help to under the medicine Gabapentin for dogs. For more information contact us. 

 

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