Every pet owner is always worried about their pet, who experiences seizures, anxiety, and chronic pain. Sometimes, they feel frustrated by constantly visiting the veterinarian’s office for new tests or treatments. Now, there is no need to worry because the best medication is available to treat anxiety, depression, and seizures in dogs.
Gabapentin is one of the most effective medications to treat anxiety, depression, and seizures in both humans and pets. But in humans, conditions can vary so we will talk about Gabapentin for dogs and all related details. Gabapentin for dogs was initially developed as an anticonvulsant medication for humans, but now it is mainly prescribed for pain relief, seizures, and anxiety.
Now, it has become a common practice in veterinary medicine because of the vast costs of gaining FDA approval for each species and treatment. This medicine is sold under Aclonium, Equipax, Gantin, Gralise, Progresse, and Neurontin. People used Gabapentin to treat partial seizures, nerve pain, restless leg syndrome to treat seizures, anxiety, and nerve pain.
What Is Gabapentin
Gabapentin is a popular anticonvulsant drug used to treat seizures, pain, and anxiety in both humans and animals. It is similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter for communication in the CNS.
Is Gabapentin Safe for Dogs?
Gabapentin is safe for dogs, but every pet owner needs to follow certain precautions. But don’t give Gabapentin to your dog without the veterinarian’s advice. It is safe to use, and most pet veterinarians prescribe it to manage chronic pain in dogs with other pain medications such as carprofen.
It works best on the nervous system but is ineffective for conditions like osteoarthritis. Another benefit of taking Gabapentin is that it is used as a complementary treatment for seizure control with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Furthermore, Veterinary doctors have started this medication to reduce anxiety with drugs such as trazodone.
Side Effects of Gabapentin
The most dangerous side effect of Gabapentin is loss of coordination and sedation. In the beginning, a little dose is given because there is a small chance that the dog could be allergic to it. Also, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported as side effects.
But these side effects go away within 24 hours. According to research, Gabapentin is metabolized through the kidneys and liver. Dogs who have kidney or liver problems have prolonged side effects.
Gabapentin Dosage For Dogs
The Gabapentin dosage for dogs varies and is available in different forms.it is an oral medication and comes in 100 milligrams, 300 milligrams, and 400 milligrams pills labeled for humans. Moreover, the liquid form is available and formulated with xylitol. If your pet’s dog is small, then do not take pills. This medication is given two to four times a day with or without food. This short-acting drug gives 24-hour effects, and this medication stays last in dogs with kidney and liver impairment.
The recommended dose is from 5 milligrams to 30 milligrams every 8 hours to 12 hours. Be careful if your dog is taking any form of antacids or opioids like morphine and hydrocodone. Antacids can interfere with medication absorption, and opioids can change Gabapentin metabolism. Always consult your vet before giving it to your dogs because an overdose can cause complications like diarrhea, lethargy, ataxia, and extreme sedation.
Can Gabapentin and Trazadone Use together for Dogs
Gabapentin is also used with other drugs, and one of the most popular combinations is with trazodone to treat anxiety.
The mixture of both medications comes in pill form, too. This combination is best for aggressive and fearful dogs to reduce aggressive behavior in dogs. Gabapentin with a cocktail of other anti-seizure dogs is also best to use to control seizures. Veterinarians also use this with tramadol or NSAIDs like Gabapentin and carprofen to relieve pain. However, always consult your vet before giving any medicine to your dog.
Gabapentin Warnings
In a nutshell, it is safe to use along with other prescription drugs like morphine or hydrocodone. Antacids can decrease the efficacy of this medicine; therefore, always consult a veterinarian to treat your pet well.
