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Uses of Gabapentin for dogs, dosage and side effects
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain, seizures, and anxiety in dogs.
- Gabapentin for dogs what do you know about this drug it is used for dogs . Is it Good? How to use it, let’s find out about it
Originally developed as an anticontic (anti-epileptic) drug for humans, gabapentin is often prescribed to dogs for pain relief, anxiety relief, or seizures.
Like many medications for humans, this medication is often used “off-label” (without FDA approval) for dogs. This is a common practice in veterinary medicine due to the huge cost of obtaining FDA approval for each species and treatment.
However, it appears that gabapentin is safe and effective in dogs although there hasn’t been much specific research on dogs. Gabapentin is sold under the brand names Neurontin, Aclonium , Equipax, Gantin, Gabarone, Gralise, Neurostil, Progresse or as a generic drug.
In humans, gabapentin is used to treat focal epilepsy, neuralgia, and restless legs syndrome. For dogs, the drug is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and neuralgia. The drug works by blocking calcium channels in the brain to inhibit overstimulated neurons that cause anxiety, neuralgia, and seizures.
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Is Gabapentin safe for dogs?
Gabapentin should not be given to dogs without first consulting a veterinarian. It is not the most effective drug for many medical conditions, can interact with other medications, and has side effects.
Overall, gabapentin is safe for dogs, but it is important to follow certain precautions. Never give your dog human liquid gabapentin. The reason is not gabapentin, but xylitol that is often mixed with it. This artificial sweetener is safe for humans, but it is toxic and even fatal for dogs.
The most commonly reported side effects of gabapentin in dogs are sedation and loss of coordination, both of which can be worse when dogs first take the drug. Both side effects usually disappear within 24 hours. More rarely, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported.
Although gabapentin is only metabolized through the kidneys in humans, research shows that in dogs, it is metabolized through both the kidneys and liver. So dogs with kidney or liver problems may have longer-lasting side effects. Your veterinarian may want to monitor the blood values of the kidneys and liver when using gabapentin for a long time.
The recommended dosage varies from five milligrams every 12 hours to 10 to 30 milligrams every eight hours. Your veterinarian will likely start with a low dose and gradually increase the higher dose. Let your veterinarian know if your dog is also taking any antacids or opioids, such as hydrocodone or morphine.
Antacids can interfere with gabapentin absorption, and opiates can alter gabapentin metabolism. If your dog takes gabapentin before any procedure that requires anesthesia, it is generally safe, but your veterinarian may want to reduce the dose temporarily.
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How to give a dog Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an oral drug in the form of tablets of 100 milligrams, 300 milligrams, or 400 milligrams labeled for human use. Liquid forms are also available, but are sometimes formulated with xylitol and are therefore not safe for dogs. If your dog is extremely small or won’t take the pills, a dispensary can dispense gabapentin into smaller tablets or a liquid form that is safe for dogs.
Follow your veterinarian’s advice on dosage and timing. Your dog can take medication with or without food. The drug is most effective after one to three hours after administration. The effects of the medication will wear off after 24 hours (it may take longer if your dog has liver or kidney problems). The drug is usually taken two to three times a day.
Can you take Gabapentin and Trazodone together for dogs?
Gabapentin is often taken in combination with other medications. However, gabapentin should not be combined with other medications or supplements without first consulting a veterinarian.
A common combination is trazodone and gabapentin for the treatment of anxiety, which is also available as a pre-mixed option in a single pill. The “Chill Protocol”, a management solution for dogs that react and fear, combines gabapentin with both melatonin and acepromazine to reduce the dog’s fearful or aggressive behavior during veterinary visits.
To control seizures, veterinarians often prescribe gabapentin with a mixture of other antiepileptic drugs. The drug can also be combined with tramadol or NSAIDs, such as carprofen or grapiprant, to relieve pain. Since these medications target different pain mechanisms, they work together to manage pain more effectively than a single medication.
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Alternatives to Gabapentin for dogs
If a veterinarian prescribes gabapentin to your dog, it is because they believe it is the best option for your dog’s specific condition. While gabapentin is relatively safe, be aware that it doesn’t work for all dogs in every situation. If your dog’s condition doesn’t improve after a week, don’t hesitate to report your concerns to your veterinarian. There may be other dosages or medications they may recommend.
- This article is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute health advice or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to seek appropriate advice from qualified professionals in applicable jurisdictions. We do not make any representations or warranties in relation to any action taken by any of the following persons or use of the information provided or provided in this article, including any information relating to and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may arise, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.