In this article, we will look at the use of the drug gabapentin for dogs.
Gabapentin is originally a human drug used to treat epilepsy, but is now also used in dogs.
We explain its areas of application, correct dosage and possible side effects in dogs.
We also provide information on possible alternatives and on how to obtain the drug.
Gabapentin for dogs: what it is and what it is used for
Originally, gabapentin is a drug used in human medicine. It has been used here for years in the treatment of epilepsy.
Gabapentin is now being given to dogs for the same condition, and it’s not uncommon for human medicine products to also be ingested by animals.
IMPORTANT
Gabapentin is not approved as a veterinary drug in Germany, but is nevertheless prescribed by many veterinarians.
As an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic does gabapentin not only contribute to epilepsybut also the following diseases:
- Chronic pain
- Postoperative pain
- Neuropathic pain
In addition, it can be used to reduce anxiety in a dog.
Proper use and dosage of gabapentin
As a rule of thumb, a dog should get between 5 and 30 mg of gabapentin per kilogram of body weight per day, either every 8 or every 12 hours.
It also plays a role against which gabapentin is used in dogs. If the pain is chronic, the dose is lower.
If the dog suffers from epileptic seizures, the dosage of gabapentin is usually significantly higher.
IMPORTANT
Please note that no drug – and thus gabapentin – should not be administered to dogs alone.
Gabapentin is available in strengths of 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg. After that, of course, the dosage also depends.
In addition, gabapentin is available as a tablet or as a syrup. We recommend that you opt for the tablets. Because the syrup contains the sweetener xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs in large quantities.
You can give your dog gabapentin either before or with food. Of course, it is important that he swallows the pill.
If he is one of those furry friends who smell the pills in his food and then complain, you can give him the gabapentin directly in his mouth, for example with a pill syringe.
Using the table below, let’s take a look at what the dosage might look like for a dog receiving gabapentin as part of a pain management regimen.
body weight dogGabapentin 100 mgGabapentin 300 mgGabapentin 400 mgGabapentin 600 mgGabapentin 800 mg5 to 10 kg¼ tablet; ½ tablet––––up to 20 kg1 tablet —up to 30 kg1.5 tablets½ tablet–––up to 40 kg2 tablets–½ tablet1/3 tablet¼ tabletup to 50 kg2.5 tablets––––up to 60 kg3 tablets1 tablet–½ tablet–
How long does it take for gabapentin to work in dogs?
Gabapentin has a very fast effect already after 1 to 2 hours a first pain relief in the dog shows or stops an epileptic seizure.
Gabapentin is one of the so-called short-term drugs. The effect lasts for about 24 hours, after which it must be administered again in many cases.
What side effects can gabapentin cause in dogs?
There is hardly a drug that does not have side effects – gabapentin can in dogs including dizziness, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting.
In addition, some dogs may also experience these side effects:
- protruding eyes
- loss of coordination
- extreme tiredness
- depressions
If you notice these side effects, you should consult your veterinarian.
Under no circumstances should you stop the therapy immediately, as this can lead to a kind of cold turkey in the dog, so it must be weaned slowly.
Where is gabapentin for dogs available?
Gabapentin for dogs is a prescription drug.
You can do this by presenting one from your veterinarian issued prescription in an (online) pharmacy receive.
The costs incurred for gabapentin for dogs are as follows for a pack size of 100 tablets:
- Gabapentin 100 mg: €15.79
- Gabapentin 300 mg: €31.09
- Gabapentin 400 mg: €34.16
- Gabapentin 600mg: €53.17
- Gabapentin 800 mg: €68.43
The provider is also decisive here, the prices mentioned serve as an initial guide for you.
What alternatives are there to gabapentin?
The alternatives to gabapentin depend on the disease for which they are used should.
If your dog has epilepsy, you can use pregabalin if your dog has had bad experiences with gabapentin.
If there is chronic pain, for example from arthrosis, galliprant can be an option.
You can also find out which painkillers are available for dogs in our guide Which painkillers for dogs? remove.
Conclusion
Gabapentin for dogs is a so-called anticonvulsant that comes from human medicine.
It will, among other things in epilepsy, anxiety and various pain disorders in dogs used, for example in arthrosis.
You should discuss the right dosage and duration of use with your vet in advance to avoid additional side effects.
Because the side effects that occur anyway can include vomiting, diarrhea, extreme tiredness and protruding eyes.
If you prefer an alternative to gabapentin, you can use pregabalin or galliprant, for example.
What experiences on gabapentin for dogs can you share with us? We look forward to reading these in the comments!