SIDE EFFECTS OF GABAPENTIN IN DOGS
The most common side effects of Gabapentin include the following:
You should gradually increase the medication over time until you reach the recommended dosage to alleviate these side effects. Other more serious side effects may occur. If you notice the following symptoms, you should contact your vet:
As with any prescription drug, your vet will consider how your dog’s other medications might interact before prescribing Gabapentin.
Your vet will determine the dosage of gabapentin for your dog as its a prescription drug. Before giving it to your dog, it would be best if you were aware of and comfortable with the possible side effects. The following are the generally prescribed dose ranges:
Gabapentin For Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
As mentioned in this guide, gabapentin belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants, which treats seizures in dogs. The dosage can vary depending on your dog’s size, age, and the condition that needs to be treated. Only rely on your vet to determine the gabapentin dosage for your dog. In addition to treating seizures, gabapentin is also sometimes prescribed to help with reducing pain and to control anxiety in dogs.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO GABAPENTIN FOR DOGS
Nowadays, its not surprising that more and more pet parents are working with their vets to find natural ways to help their dogs.
One plant has been the subject of more research than any other in recent years, and to say it has had a profound impact on my life, my dog Biscuit, and those around me would be an understatement.
When Biscuit turned ten, she started to show visible signs of pain after trips to the dog park. The vet prescribed a drug to help, and almost immediately, it did.
The problem didnt come until a few days later when she did something entirely out of character, something she hadnt done in her ten years of life.
She snapped at Gravy, my other Dog, while eating. This act was presumably due to this new medication; for us, it wasnt a side effect we were willing to put up with.
Having to choose between Biscuit being in discomfort or her personality changing was not easy. I was determined to find a way to help her.
In my search, I was fortunate to find a study by Cornell University in which several dogs with Arthritis were given CBD at a dose of 2mg/kg twice a day. To my astonishment, over 70% of the dogs showed improved mobility and reduced signs of pain after just two weeks of use.
Not only that, but there were thousands of other small studies exploring CBDs potential to help with anxiety, seizures, and much more. I was sold.
But back in 2018, when I went to purchase an appropriate CBD oil for Biscuit, one at a dose similar to the study I mentioned, which could also improve her energy levels, I realized that it did not exist.
I wanted to find a solution for Biscuit.
After months of reading every study I could find on CBD and talking to multiple veterinarians, I decided to contact a pharmacist and attempt to make a new kind of CBD oil for Biscuit.
The result was a product that helped her live more comfortably. The best part was that it did so without the risk of any severe side effects. It was gentle but effective.
I used USDA Organic coconut MCT oil to get the CBD extract to the correct dose for her weight. I did this because it tastes great and has properties that increase the absorption of CBD and a host of other benefits related to neurological health, metabolism, and more.
After human testing was completed, it was Biscuits turn. It got the lick of approval, and she happily took her CBD oil twice a day from then on. I like to think she knew it helped.
While she has since passed, the CBD oil for dogs and other resulting products she inspired have helped many thousands of animals find natural relief from various issues.
We always recommend going to a veterinarian to diagnose and treat health issues in dogs. As a result, many veterinarians now recommend using our products alone or in combination with conventional medications.
Relievet is now funding research on CBD for dogs in hopes of changing the lives of many more animals responsibly with this wonderful plant. References
Im Chris; I started Relievet to help my dog Biscuit deal with her mobility issues naturally. Relievet is a family-owned business composed of a team of passionate pet parents that includes a Doctor of Pharmacy, a dog trainer, a writer, a psychologist, and more. We make natural products that help dogs maintain balance and deal with the issues they face, and we do our best to educate people on natural pet health. Beyond that, we are conducting research in hopes of improving the lives of many more animals.
In a world of giant corporations, we favor the personal approach. Reach out to us any time, whether just to tell us your pets story or for your vet to consult with James, our in-house Pharmacist; we would love to hear from you.
Gabapentin in Dogs – Safety and Side Effects – Dog Health Vet Advice
If your dog experiences seizures, anxiety, or chronic pain, it might feel like youre always at your veterinarians office for a new test or treatment. These conditions can be difficult to manage, and your vet might need to try a few different things in order to help your dog feel better.
In recent years, veterinarians have begun prescribing gabapentin for dogs more and more often. This drug has a several uses in both human and veterinary medicine and can help some dogs with seizures, pain, or anxiety. Depending on your dogs diagnosis, gabapentin might just end up being the right choice for your pet.