The use of gabapentin in dogs is primarily to manage chronic nerve pain, with mild effectiveness managing seizures. As with human use, the mechanism that allows the medication to work is not well understood, however, while it is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter GABA, it does not negatively affect its function. That is not to say that there are no negative gabapentin side effects in dogs, but with regular use that is monitored by a veterinarian the benefits of gabapentin for dogs outweigh the risks. Every dog will react differently to the medication and working to find the gabapentin dosage for dogs that are similar to your own with your veterinarian will ensure the best results.
Gabapentin dosage for dogs
Gabapentin in dogs is used in varying doses depending on the severity of the pain that they are experiencing. The medication tends to be more effective when it can be used in conjunction with other types of pain relievers such as NSAIDs. Common disorders that gabapentin dogs receive treatment for include: hyperalagesia, allodynia, chronic arthritis pain, and other nerve pain disorders. Use of gabapentin in dogs, as part of the epilepsy therapy isn’t as effective as it is in humans. Most of the time the gabapentin for dogs that require therapy for seizure is just a component of the overall therapy plans. Independent of the gabapentin dosage for dogs, the delivery of the medication is usually best administered in its oral solution form. Combine the short active half-life with the rate of metabolism by gabapentin in dogs, and the oral solution is the top choice for easy regular administration.
Gabapentin side effects in dogs
While most of the gabapentin side effects in dogs are limited to mild sedation and ataxia, there are a number of more serious side effects that are associated with exceeding the recommended dosage. When an overdose of gabapentin in dogs occurs the symptoms that would occur include: severe lethargy, somnolence, depression, and intense ataxia. If you notice that your dog overdosed on this medication you can take gut emptying precautions to decrease the likelihood of severe negative side effects.
General precautions when administering gabapentin dogs
If the dogs have decreased liver function or renal complications then is it advised to take extra care with this medication, as it can negatively affect these disorders. As with human consumption, gabapentin for dogs should not be stopped abruptly because the withdrawal symptoms can cause seizure or immense pain. When securing the gabapentin dogs oral solution it is important not to use the human product as it contains xylitol, which can be toxic for their blood.
Comments
according to my vet my dog had a problem with the last disc on his spine, he could not stand on his hind legs. He was given a shot for medication and then prescribed pain medications as follows: Tramadol HCL Tab 50 mg (3 ) times daily for pain:
Carpofen 75mg Caplets by mouth twice daily &
Gabapentin Caps 300 mg once daily in the evening.
On the third day after he was already walking on his own, he eats good, he enjoys his walks and has strength to drag me, the walks are for 30 minutes.
Hi Mariano,
Am glad your dog is feeling better now. What breed and how old is your dog? I have a 2.5 Maltese-Shihtzu named Oliver, who just got diagnosed last week with L4-5 disc disease on his spine. He has a long body and the neurologist said 50% of her dog patients with spine problems are Dachshunds who have long bodies.
Last week, Oliver couldn't pee nor poo from his back pain so we rushed him to the vet who referred us to the specialist. He is now on Gabapentin, 50mg 2x a day for 2 weeks. Seems to be working and relieving his pain, but this morning he yelped while pooping so pain is coming back. How long has your dog been taking Gabapentin and did your vet mention if he needs to take it long term?
Thanks for your input,
Mary
Hi. My Maltese is 12.5 years old and has a slipped disk, lower back..the joys of aging. He has been on Gabapentin since March 2014. Other health problems does not allow for NSAIDs. Still my baby has been doing fine on just the Gabapentin, and it probably will be a long term thing.
He is getting 3X 15mns daily walks. We have noticed that with back problems, he likes to go up a little hill or anything that has a slight upward incline, he faces up and poops with more ease.!!
Hope the above helps. Good luck.
Hi Pat, my dog is 14 yrs and started having hip and hind leg issues since December. He has liver and kidney issues both under control. I' m concerned with the side effects gabapentin can cause. Nothing else seems to help, he's on tramadol and was on prednisone. What are the other health issues your dog has? I just want to see if the same as mine. Thank you in advance.
Hi Pat,
Just saw your reply, thanks for your input! What is the daily Gabapentin dosage for your 12.5 yr old Maltese please? How much does he weigh? Oliver weighs 11.5 pounds.
Oliver is now feeling better. He has been on low dosage Gabapentin 50 mg a day (no NSAID meds) since July 2014. Once in a while if he plays too much with other dogs, we increase to 100mg a day to prevent his back pain from reoccuring. The vet said 100mg a day is still considered safe and low dosage.
Regards,
Mary
My Bichon has developed a pronounced tremble which occurs without warning and seems only to stop after giving him a capsule of 100mg Gabapentin. The vet has given him a thorough physical and is certain he has nothing sinister or seriously wrong, and as long as this drug works, I am happy to give him it once daily. Within 20 minutes or so the trembling ceases and be returns to normal. He is 6 kGS and is just over 10 year old.
Hello . I have a miniature dachshund who 4 weeks ago started shaking and his neck hurt him . My vet put him on prednisone this is his 6th week on it . He has good days and bad days . We don't know if its a slipped disk or IVDD she wants me to put him on gabapentin now and I'm scared to because i don't know how he will react to it . And if i start it when will he be able to get off of it ? How do i know when he really needs it because he is in pain but doesn't cry from it . He just shakes a little bit . If anyone knows anything please let me know . Thank you
Just prescribed by our vet Gabapentin 100mg "as needed for pain". 15lb schnauzer with amputated left front leg. is it safe to start and stop "as needed"?
Hi Sid, no it is not safe to stop and start. For pain, it takes a few weeks to actually build up in the dog's system and be effective. My own experience is that vetrinarians do not know much about dosing gabapentin.
Gabapentin is a very dangerous drug
Causing mental and emotional instability in humans and dogs. I took it for a year snd my dog was perscribe for two weeks. He ecperience depression blury vision..he only has one good eye. He is also ten years old. He became very aggressive. We are still working with him to calm his aggression. He is now doing better. I have never experienced such horrible side effect with any drug. I have met others with chronic pain who take this. I'm seriously thinking about a class action lawsuit.
hello,
my mini schnauzer is 4years of age (17lbs) and never complains. Recently he has had an er vet perscribe him GABA 100mg as needed with Tramidol 50 mg as needed. When they gave me the rx I was given no post op instructions, or a confirmed diagnosis only " back pain." I tried calling the er only to be giggled at, and fill some down time of two very unperfessional females. I be very weary of such doses if prescribed on an as needed basis. I can say in my own research that the Tramidol can make pets " rigid" or " stiff" which can exacerbate their condition In my findings GABA helps to reduce that risk. Please, shouldn't I have been told?!?
Gabapentin is highly addictive to humans who experience severe withdrawal symptoms when discussing continuing it. Has any ones dog shown withdrawal symptoms? My dog has been in this for 2 weeks after an amputation. I would like to start weaning him off, wondering the best method and what you have all experienced?
My 7 yr-old dog has been on Gabapentin for several months, one pill per day, and about 2 months ago, the vet okayed an increase in dose to 2 per day because he was still in pain, it seemed. In the last month, he's become very lethargic, to the point of being depressed. I learned that extreme sleepiness, loss of balance and depression are signs of overdose, so on vet's advice, I have cut his dose to once per day. This is his second day. He is having trouble standing, his legs are shaky, and he is extremely hungry. I am wondering if these are symptoms of withdrawal from the drug. I truly hate to see him this way, and can't stand to see him in pain, but I also can't stand to see my once-happy dog depressed.
Dana after almost 26 hrs of no GABA my mini schnauzer snapped at my face when giving him his h20 bottle. He felt guilty you could see in his eyes directly after ; he wasn't himself. It was just terrible because he is so sweet and lovey, so completely out of character. I gave him 2/3 then1/3 (2days each once a day)of the capsule with yogurt ( no artificial sweeteners) he was doing fine with the 1/3 a day until the above mentioned snapping. Also he too was a two week prescription.
Yes! I just abruptly discontinued my dogs Gabapentin that he was on for 2 weeks for an amputation as well and within 12 hours he started experiencing strange behavioral changes. He wakes up from sleeping in a worried delirium; starts pacing the whole house looking up and down and does it for hours! He won't stop for anything; I've tried comforting him, saying his name, he can't make eye contact when he's like that. then it goes away for a few hours and suddenly again it appears. It's very spooky and I've never seen anything like it- esp in a young, healthy dog. I've read about Neurontin (gabapentin) and one of the withdrawals humans experience is delirium tremens and this sounds exactly like what he is going through - apparently its terrifying but commonly only last 3-4 days and will go away. I feel horrible for him and will never use this drug on him again.
How many days after being prescribed gabapentin will I see side effects? My dog (large mix) is on 300mg every 8-12 hrs & is having balance problems -primarily back legs - & has been on the med for one week. Symptoms started on day 7. Thank you !
Our dog is a x- large breed (137 lb) and is on Gabapentin, 300mg every 8 hours (3 times per day). It took a couple of weeks for the medicine to fully take effect; however dizziness is one of the side effects. Did your dog have balance issues before starting the G? Earlier this year, we were able to go from 3 x per day to 2 x per day. She was off it completely, eventually for 3 weeks But - then the pain started coming back, so now she has been on it 3 x per day again for 2 weeks - all is good; however the vet wants her on 3 x per day for another 4 weeks before going back to 2 x per day. I'm not sure we'll ever take her off of it again. Also, if you dog is on it long term, Costco has good prices.
My boy has been on it 3 days - his balance is not very good :(
Janice, My 5 year old boxer got the onset of severe neck pain..quite sudden. He is booked in for an MRI in a couple of days, but in the meantime he is on 300 mg of gabapentin, 3 times a day - he has been taking them for 4 days. He too was shaky and very unstable on his legs, particularly his hind legs - walking like he was drunk , but he is fine now. Hopefully your dog is feeling better.
My dog was overdosed with Gabapentin this morning. He is sleeping heavily. Should I do something?
Our vet prescribed Gebapentin for senior our dog (for arthritis). The first day she was acting kind of weird, and by the second day her hind legs were useless! We got her off of the stuff. It was horrible. She has been on Tramadol for a long time and tolerates it very well.
have 13 yr old lab with back- in issues ,, was using tramadol 50mg (2) tablets AM and PM .. our new accupuririst changed him to gabapentin 300mg ... 150mg AM and PM (every 12 hours)
been using since april 27 .. seeing that his back in now drops and
not as activve as when he was on tramadol .. also he has liver issue
that we did give him denamaein and now doctor changed to Urosodiol
i see that gabapentin is not good if you i have liver issues
please reply .. thank you
Interesting. My 6.5 year collie was put on gabapentin for 2 weeks. She was extremely lethargic for the whole time until day 11 when she vomited all her food with no sign of digestion. This is week 3 off of it. She has muscle wasting in her hind quarters, extreme pain and limping. She wasn't responding to intensive physical therapy so we did a complete blood workup and found her liver enzymes shot way up over normal range in just one month from a very low normal. I'm now spending a fortune with the vets thinking cancer but I really suspect the gabapentin, possibly aggravated by the deramaxx she's been on with no problems prior to the gabapentin. She's now off the deramaxx, using tramadol to help the pain a little, and using Sam e, choline, and milk thistle to try to knock back her liver enzymes. We are doing an expensive ultrasound to rule out any masses or liver spots and if that's clear, I'm going full hog on supplements to help the liver and her arthritis.
I asked the vet again about the gabapentin but she poo pooed it. We lot our terrific vet and these new ones are too inexperienced in my opinion. Being a collie, she is probably more sensitive to drugs anyway.
Hi, my dog a large about 90 lbs usually . he has been on cabapentin about 2 weeks almost from the start in is having balance issues back legs then front, the vet dropped to 100mg twice a day. he seams better but still hits him at least once a day . any information would be helpful.
I have a 12year old GSD, who was on 100mg 3x a day for 3 days, then 200mg 3x a day for 3days, n now she's up to 300mg 3x aday but seems to have a upset stomach, has anyone else's dog had side affects
Is it safe for a 17 lb dog to be on 2.5 mg prednisone, 50 mg of tramadol and 100 mg of gabapentin every 12 hours for back/spine pain?
My 14 lb Shih tzu is on gabapentin for seizures and spinal issues. Dosage is 50 mg twice daily. We are going on 3 weeks and like a miracle. He is just starting to get past that lazy/sleepy - side effect - so hang in there if your like me wondering about cutting dosage. Our dog is 14 so will probably keep him on it forever. We are currently off all other meds. On another note, we feel seizures were aftermath of teeth extractions and one innoculation. Hope this helps.
where did you get 50mg gabapentin from? i thought the lowest dose is 100mg capsules.
My vet just prescribed a "quad" tablet (perforated so you can break it in 1/2 or in quarters). It's a 200 mg. tablet.
I have an 18yr old husky who suffers from arthritis he takes gabepentin 3xs daily 2capsules . He also was prescribed prednisone 2 x daily morn n eve , n tramadol for extreme pain . Last night he was crying , which I had never heard him complain , I just visually saw him struggling , this am he's up n running when is it enough I'd hate hate to play God w/ him
I am worried about my little 8 year old Schnauzer Fancy13 lbs. She has been on gabapentin about 75 mg 3 times a day. I have to divide the dose of a 100 mg. capsule. She has been on lower doses but still in pain. She cannot put weight on her left leg my Vet said she is not a good candidate for surgery. Her leg is getting very atrophied. I don't know what else to do for her. She also has a problem with her eyes. I have to put a neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates bacitracin zinc and hydrocortisone ophthalmic ointment as needed for redness. Any advice I can get I LOVE her so much I don't want to loose her.
My dog has redness in his eyes and used to take the meds you are using in his eyes. We found that he had dry eyes since we used your drops frequently and his eyes would clear up but start getting red after taking the drops as prescribed. Now we use cyclosporine (every day) eye drops for dry eyes are much better.
My 100 pound Shepherd was just prescribed 600 mg twice a day
Or Two 300mg pills Twice a day. He seemed to worsen by this evening
Is that dose too much? He can hardly walk now and he was at least moving this morning. He has just been lying around. I am worried. Should I question the dose size? He is also on Dasaquin.
Thanks
My golden retriever is 89lbs and the doctor precribed her 100 mg 2-3 pill two times a day.
My lurcher suffered a Fall four weeks ago and it was touch and go if she would survive,she suffered neck and brain damage,she was on gabapentin three times a day and has made a remarkable recovery only walking with a slight limp,two days ago on vets advice was told to stop the medication,she did fine first day in the evening last night she started behaving strangely panting and whimpering and pacing then all night cried,today I popped out for an hour and she poohed on the floor which she has not done for years she's nine,now she has started this behaviour again,is there a chance she is suffering withdrawals,?as she appears in no pain and eating and drinking well thankyou
you are meant to take your dog off slowly over time. it will cause your dog a lot of pain to take her straight off. Please contact your vet
My 7year old 17lb terrier/pomeranian cross developed trigeminal neuritis resulting in paralysis in his facial nerves in April, almost lost an eye due to not being able to blink and then the inflammation moved to the nerves of his legs. He began to hold up his paws, usually one or two at a time and this pain moved from paw to paw. His rear legs became very shaky and he had immense pain down his spine, and was put on 70mg gabapentin twice daily and tramadol as needed. He went from being in pain to very lethargic and weak on the gabapentin. After a Ct and MRI the vets still don't know what is causing this, nor do they have a disease name or treatment plan or prognosis as it doesn't fit anything they know. They say some sort of polyneuropathy with radiculitis possibly affecting nerve roots. Now the inflammation has settled and he no longer holds up paws but his front forelimb has lost sensation and he limps and drags the leg a bit. He can still flip the paw over to walk. I am cutting down the gabapentin trying to get him off it as he is not the same dog. He lays down most of the time and is so lacking in energy. He looks like he is just exhausted unless something particularly interesting is happening. Down to 50mg and cutting by 5mg every three or four days. So in about 5 weeks he will be off it I hope.
His Chinese medicine vet has him on milk thistle and herbs to help his diagnosis of liver qi and blood stagnation and he is on the best raw diet I can get for him, also just started on kefir 3 weeks ago to help digestive function as he has lived with chronic diahorrea for a long time. Also on medicinal mushrooms for his immune system. His diahorrea has resolved!
The ophthalmologist gave him a poor prognosis initially, as he has seen a few trigeminal neuritis patients and he said they never do well. I think the natural food therapy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine saved him but the gabapentin was a life saver for the pain he was in, which tramadol didn't even come close to relieving. Hopefully the pain will not return and I will have my happy boy back soon when he is off gabapentin.
I have a 9yr10mo Doberman....with soft tissue tumors, warts and a few hard smaller tumors. Vet put her on Deramaxx ....some little help...but also gave me Gabapentin 300mg -However after reading all the comments - I hesitate to give her ANY of the Gaba......will call vet in morning.....she still can go on short walks.... but I am sad to see her enthusiasim diminish.....tumors are beginning to change her stance with front legs.... my other Dobie lived to be 13yrs with NO health issues til the last month! (Bull Mastiff of 8.5yrs had heart surgery and died a month later....). I love dogs and do NOT want to see any suffer or being misled with MEDS by a vet.
My dog has been on gabapentin for four days and now can barely walk or stand. We are taking him off, after talking to the vet, how long will it stay in his system?
My dog has been on Gabapentin for a week and a half and seems to be acting as if he is sedated and trembles sporadically. I have taken him off the Gabapentin and he seems to be coming around very slowly after being off of it for 1 day. He is now beginning to walk and go potty on his own without help to get up. He is also beginning to eat and drink on his own again. Could this be due to an overdose of Gabapentin? He is 111 lbs. and has been taking 500 mg twice daily since last Friday.
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