Gabapentin Side Effects and Warnings
Gabapentin can cause side effects in dogs including lethargy and dizziness. In addition, there are some warnings that you should be aware of when using this medication.
How is Gabapentin for dogs given?
Gabapentin for dogs is given through the mouth in the form of a capsule, tablet, or compounded liquid. It can be given with or without food. However, there are cases where a dog vomits after receiving this medicine on an empty stomach. If it does, try giving future doses with food or a treat.
The best time to give this medication is right before feeding and it’s important to carefully measure liquid formations of this medication. The effect of this medicine will set in about 1 to 2 hours and improvement should follow.
Do not give the oral liquid form made for humans to your dog. The one for humans contains xylitol, a substance that is toxic for dogs.
The gabapentin for dogs dosage is variable depending on the condition that your veterinarian is treating. Before administering any medication to your pet, you should first consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the medication is safe to give, especially for animals who have liver or kidney disease, as this medicine will take longer to metabolize.
Veterinarians usually prescribe a gabapentin dosage for dogs of 2 to 5mg per pound by mouth every 12 hours. Your veterinarian will prescribe a lower dose if your pet has liver or kidney disease.
Gabapentin should only be given in the tablet or capsule form because the human liquid version of gabapentin contains xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver toxicity and death!
Before giving your dog gabapentin, you should mention to your veterinarian any other medications that your dog is currently taking. Some medications may harmfully interact with gabapentin. When discussing medications with your veterinarian, be sure to discuss if any natural supplements could benefit your dog.
Joint supplements and fatty acids may be helpful in the treatment of pain caused by arthritis, so consider checking out Alpha Paw’s Omega Chews and Alpha Paw’s Hip & Joint Chews which both contain ingredients that may improve pain caused by arthritis.
Can my dog overdose on gabapentin?
Because gabapentin has a wide margin of safety and a wide therapeutic range, true overdoses are uncommon. In reported cases of accidental overdose, only about 20% of dogs had clinical signs of an overdose. These signs were mostly ataxia (a wobbly or unsteady gait), sedation or drowsiness, and vomiting. If you find that your dog has accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of gabapentin, please let your veterinarian know.
Gabapentin in Dogs – Safety and Side Effects – Dog Health Vet Advice
If your pet has chronic pain concerns such as arthritis or has recently had a surgical procedure, your veterinarian may prescribe gabapentin to help make them more comfortable. Gabapentin is commonly used in dogs for pain control, but it may also be prescribed as a calming agent or to help with seizure disorders. Gabapentin may also be recommended for your cat, but it’s prescribed more rarely for them compared to dogs.
Gabapentin—also known by the brand names Neurontin, Aclonium and Equipax—is not suitable for every dog and cat. For instance, it’s not usually prescribed for pregnant animals. Read on to learn when your vet may prescribe this drug and what to expect when your pet takes it.
Gabapentin is a pharmaceutical drug that may be prescribed to your dog or cat by a veterinarian after a thorough physical exam.
The primary use of gabapentin for dogs and cats is to help reduce pain, specifically chronic or acute nerve pain. Gabapentin is also used as an anticonvulsant to help control seizure disorders in dogs and cats.
Although no one in the veterinary or pharmaceutical industries knows precisely how gabapentin works in pets, the most common theory is that the drug inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. However it works, it appears to calm specific parts of the brain and helps relieve pain in many different animals.