Gabapentin for Dogs: A Medication to Help With Pain and Anxiety
Key takeaways:
Gabapentin is a medication that is approved for use in humans but is sometimes used off-label for dogs.
For dogs, it is used for chronic pain management and is prescribed alone or together with another sedative to reduce anxiety and fear during certain events, such as travel or fireworks.
The most common side effects of gabapentin in dogs include sedation and difficulty with balance and walking.
Table of contents
Gabapentin is a medication used to manage pain in dogs. Veterinarians also use it as a sedative to reduce anxiety during stressful events. If you’re considering gabapentin for your dog, or have questions or concerns, you’re in the right place to get the essential info.
Gabapentin for dogs at a glance
Common names | Gabapentin (Neurontin) |
What it treats | Pain, anxiety |
How it comes (forms) | Oral capsules |
Common side effects | Tiredness |
Average cost |
What is gabapentin for dogs, and how does it work?
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a type of medication that can be used in dogs to treat pain as well as reduce anxiety in certain situations. In particular, gabapentin can help with neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain refers to pain in the nerves or nervous system.
How gabapentin works is not fully understood. But it is thought to reduce calcium flow into nerve cells. This in turn reduces the release of signals in your dog’s brain that cause excitement or pain in nerve cells. This is also thought to provide sedation and anti-seizure effects. Gabapentin is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and it doesn’t treat inflammation.
Pay less for pet prescriptions with GoodRx for Pets
Save up to 80% on medications for dogs, cats, and other pets.
Gabapentin is FDA-approved for people but not for pets. In pets, gabapentin is used off-label, meaning a veterinarian can still prescribe it for a dog as needed. Off-label prescribing is very common in veterinary medicine.
Gabapentin is not a federally controlled medication. But it is a Schedule 5 controlled substance in some states. So there may be restrictions and limitations on how your vet can prescribe and refill gabapentin for your dog, depending on your state.
What is gabapentin used for in dogs?
Gabapentin is most commonly used to treat chronic pain in dogs. Examples include arthritis or back pain. Gabapentin can be useful for dogs who have trouble walking or sitting without pain.
Research does not support gabapentin’s use for acute pain in dogs. Veterinarians may still prescribe it in cases of acute pain. But this is usually alongside another pain-relieving medication, such as NSAIDs including carprofen or opioid pain medications.
Gabapentin can help reduce stress and fear responses in dogs. Most often, it is not used on its own but with another sedative, such as trazodone.
Situations where gabapentin may be helpful include:
Exams with your vet
Situations with loud noises (fireworks, construction, parties)
Ouch, that hurts! Can you recognize all the signs that your dog may be in pain? Take a look at this list of dog pain symptoms and test your knowledge.
Travel anxiety: You’re not alone if your dog gets anxious while traveling. Here are some strategies to calm a nervous pup.
Dog arthritis: Many dogs develop arthritis, especially as they age. If you’re wondering how you can help your pup, take a look at this list of ways to manage arthritis.
Gabapentin does have some anti-seizure effects. But it is not considered a first choice for seizures in dogs. Gabapentin may be considered as an add-on therapy if break-through seizures occur.
What is the dosage of gabapentin for dogs, and how is it given?
Dosing of gabapentin is based on your dog’s weight. There is a lot of variability in dog weights. So it is important to consult your veterinarian to determine proper dosing for your dog.
Gabapentin can be given every 8 to 12 hours for pain management or when used as an anti-seizure medication. When used as part of a plan to reduce dog anxiety before an event, gabapentin should be given at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the stressful event.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Gabapentin comes as oral capsules. The dose sizes most commonly prescribed for dogs are 100 mg and 300 mg.
Gabapentin capsules are usually best given inside soft food or a treat. This reduces the risk of the capsule getting stuck in your dog’s mouth or throat. A small amount of water may also help after giving your dog a capsule by mouth, so it goes down.
If taking capsules by mouth is difficult for your dog, gabapentin capsules can be opened. The powder inside can be mixed with canned or soft food.
Your veterinarian can also help you order gabapentin through a compounding pharmacy if:
The capsules do not work well for your dog.
You have a very small dog.
Other compounded forms can include a liquid with flavoring safe for dogs, or small tablets.
The commercial liquid form of gabapentin available for humans cannot be prescribed for dogs. It contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener, which is toxic to dogs.
What are the common side effects of gabapentin in dogs?
The most common side effects of gabapentin for dogs include:
Sedation
Lethargy (tiredness)
Poor balance and difficulty walking (ataxia)
It’s more common for your dog to experience these side effects at higher doses of gabapentin. When it’s not used as a sedative, gabapentin’s side effects, including sedation, can interfere with your dog’s daily function. Always check with your vet first for advice on how to change the dose or form of gabapentin to reduce these effects.
Some dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhea with gabapentin when used at higher doses. But these side effects are considered less common.
In most cases, any effects from gabapentin will wear off after about 8 to 12 hours.
What are the most serious risks of gabapentin for dogs?
Serious side effects in dogs are uncommon when gabapentin is used at prescribed doses. Higher doses may cause more sedation and problems with walking and balance.
Careful use of gabapentin is important for dogs with significant liver or kidney disease. Gabapentin’s effects may take longer to wear off for them.
In addition, avoid use of gabapentin in pregnant and lactating dogs. Gabapentin can cross the placenta and enter the mother’s milk. This can affect fetal or nursing pups.
And as mentioned earlier, the human liquid formulation of gabapentin must be avoided, as it contains xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Poisoning is more likely to happen if a well-meaning human family member for whom this form of gabapentin was prescribed gives it to their dog.
Can a dog take too much gabapentin?
As with any medication, your dog can take too much gabapentin. In these cases, your dog may develop serious side effects that can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s best to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and store your dog’s gabapentin where they can’t get into it.
Dogs who take gabapentin containing xylitol can become seriously ill. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Oral liquid solutions for humans commonly contain xylitol, and you want to avoid giving these to your dog. Even a dose of 100 mg of gabapentin with xylitol can cause poisoning.
If you believe your dog took too much gabapentin, a form of the medicine with xylitol, or has serious side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also contact a pet poison hotline for advice on what to do next.
Does gabapentin interact with any other dog medications?
Any of the following medications can interact with gabapentin:
Antacids and other products that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium
Central nervous system depressants, such as alprazolam (Xanax), phenobarbital, acepromazine, and cannabidiol (CBD)
Opioid pain medications, including tramadol and codeine
If your dog takes one of these medications, that does not mean it can’t be used with gabapentin. Under veterinary direction, gabapentin use together with other medications is common. This is especially the case with other sedatives.
Always check with your veterinarian when discussing gabapentin for your dog. Dosing or frequency may need to be changed.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of gabapentin?
It is best to wait until the next dose of gabapentin is due if your dog misses one. The risk for sedation can increase if another dose is given too soon.
If you are concerned your dog may be in pain following a missed dose, another could be given as long as doses are still 8 hours apart.
Frequently asked questions
Gabapentin’s effects in dogs last about 8 to 12 hours. It will usually take effect within 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Suddenly stopping gabapentin can cause side effects and withdrawal symptoms in dogs. Gabapentin shouldn’t be stopped suddenly.
Work with your veterinarian to determine how best to taper gabapentin if you need to stop giving it to your dog. A vet will help you come up with a plan to avoid gabapentin withdrawal side effects.
Gabapentin is one medication you can give dogs for pain, but there are others. Other pain medications for dogs include:
Your veterinarian will help choose the right medication to manage your dog’s pain. And never give human over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, to your dog. These are toxic for them.
The bottom line
Gabapentin is commonly used in dogs as a pain medication. It is used more often for chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain. Gabapentin may also be used with other medications to relieve fear and anxiety during stressful events. Side effects are usually limited to temporary sedation. Your dog may also experience problems with balance and walking.
Your vet can determine if gabapentin is right for your dog and help with proper dosing.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2019). Updated safety warning on xylitol: How to protect your pets.
Brooks, W. (2021). Gabapentin (neurontin). Veterinary Partner.
Cesare, F. D., et al. (2023). Gabapentin: Clinical use and pharmacokinetics in dogs, cats, and horses. Animals.
Cirribassi, J. J., et al. (2019). The use of gabapentin to help manage anxiety in dogs. DVM360.
Gruen, M. E., et al. (2022). 2022 AAHA pain management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Hovda, T. (2024). Toxicoses from human analgesics in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
McNerney, T. (2019). Heading off chronic pain with analgesics. DVM360.
Monteiro-Steagall, B. (2016). Adjuvant analgesics II – gabapentin & amantadine. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings, 2016.
Plumb, D.C. (2018). Gabapentin. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook 9th Edition.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Paws off xylitol; it's dangerous for dogs.
