What Is Gabapentin Used For in Dogs? Everything You Need To Know

Gabapentin (also known by several brand names, including Neurontin^®, Gabarone and Gralise^®) belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants. This drug is structurally similar to a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is involved in suppressing the transmission of nerve signals within the brain and spinal cord.

It’s not fully understood how gabapentin works, but the Cleveland Clinic states it reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures, anxiety and pain signals.

Gabapentin is generally considered safe for dogs when used as directed by your vet. It’s also typically suitable for long-term use, which makes it a good option for chronic conditions, says Ray Spragley, DVM, CVA, CCRT, founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in Tuckahoe, New York.

While gabapentin is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs for use in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use, because this use isn’t described on the drug label.

A vet might prescribe gabapentin to a dog for a few reasons. These include:

Pain Management

“Gabapentin is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to help manage chronic pain in dogs,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana.

It’s effective for nerve pain and can work well for painful conditions like osteoarthritis due to its ability to suppress chronic pain by affecting neuronal pathways in the brain.

Gabapentin is sometimes used for acute pain relief in dogs along with other drugs, but more studies need to be done.

It’s also common for vets to prescribe gabapentin alongside another pain-relieving medication, such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen or opioid pain medications like buprenorphine.

Preventing Seizures

Epilepsy—a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures—is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, affecting an estimated 0.75% of the canine population. Dogs with epilepsy or other seizure disorders may be prescribed gabapentin as part of their long-term management plan to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Reducing Anxiety

If your pup experiences anxiety due to things like thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, veterinary visits or being left alone (separation anxiety), you may want to ask your vet if gabapentin could help your nervous Nellie.

It’s thought that gabapentin decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain that can contribute to anxiety. As a result, your dog may be able to maintain a more go-with-the-flow feeling when confronted with their usual triggers.

Gabapentin, like any medication, can potentially cause side effects in dogs. The good news is that, compared to other pain-relieving medications, gabapentin tends to have fewer adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system and kidneys, says Dr. Ochoa. Dogs with kidney or liver problems, however, may have prolonged side effects.

The most common canine gabapentin side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Mild ataxia (unsteadiness or incoordination while walking)

Typically, these side effects lessen or go away with continued dosing, or your dog gradually becomes used to them over time.

While not common, some dogs experience behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety, restlessness or agitation, Dr. Ochoa says. Dogs usually don’t experience vomiting, diarrhea and constipation as side effects of gabapentin unless it’s being used at high dosages.

In rare cases, a dog might have an allergic reaction to gabapentin, which would cause symptoms like swelling, hives or difficulty breathing.

Always play it safe and contact your vet immediately if you notice side effects.  

Can Gabapentin Kill a Dog?

“While gabapentin is generally safe for dogs when prescribed by a vet, excessive dosage can indeed be harmful,” Dr. Ochoa says. “It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage to prevent any adverse effects.”

If you suspect or know your dog ingested more gabapentin or a different formulation than they were prescribed, or they’re exhibiting side effects, contact your vet immediately. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Also, a word of caution: The liquid form of gabapentin often prescribed for humans can contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs. So, always stick to the gabapentin prescribed specifically for your dog.

Gabapentin is most commonly prescribed in pill form, which comes in various strengths: 100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg capsules, as well as 600 mg and 800 mg tablets. There’s also an oral liquid solution available, but, as mentioned, it commonly contains xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. If your vet prescribes liquid gabapentin and you need to pick it up from an external pharmacy, always confirm with the pharmacy that the solution is xylitol-free.

Depending on the size of the dog and what the medication is being used to treat, gabapentin can have a wide dosing range. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage, frequency and treatment plan for your specific pup.

Gabapentin is typically given two to four times per day and can be given with or without food. Be sure to follow all directions on the medication label or consult your veterinarian.

In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of gabapentin. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a pet’s particular needs. Learn more about compounded medications.

So how do you get your dog to take a gabapentin pill? You have a few options:

Use a Pill Pocket or Favorite Treat

The most tried-and-true way to get your dog to swallow a pill is by hiding it in a pill pocket, which is a soft dog treat with a hollow center. Some pet parent favorites include Greenies’ pill pockets and Milk-Bone’s pill pouches.

To use a pill pocket, simply place the pill in the center of the pill pocket; pinch the treat closed with your fingers; and feed it to your dog. Just be sure to watch your dog eat the pill pocket to ensure they swallow the pill and don’t sneakily spit it out.

Gabapentin usually starts to take effect quickly, with the full effect experienced within one to two hours of administration.

How long does gabapentin last in dogs? Although it can last for 24 hours, Dr. Spragley says the primary effects last around eight to 12 hours. That’s why it’s typically dosed two to three times a day, so benefits are continuously felt.