Gabapentin is a prescription medication developed as an anticonvulsant medication for epileptic patients. Still, it works to help with other neurological disorders such as neuropathic pain and restless leg syndrome.
Gabapentin for dogs is now off-label (meaning you can use it for things other than its FDA-approved purpose) and prescribed to dogs that seem to display separation anxiety, noise phobia, or any different number of canine behaviors.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin comes in two forms, immediate-release and extended-release, with the latter being more common for treating dogs. This drug acts on your dog’s central nervous system to block pain signals, which in turn helps calm them down.
The medication helps with neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and shingles.
In addition, the drug has a calming effect on dogs with conditions such as noise phobias and separation anxiety, which is why it’s also sometimes prescribed for dogs that have been abused or have had traumatic experiences.
How Does It Work
Gabapentin is not a medication you can purchase from your local pharmacy as it’s typically only available by prescription from your veterinarian.
It Can Calm a Hyper Dog
Gabapentin for dogs affects the central nervous system, and that’s why experts use it as a treatment for anxiety. It slows down neurological activity, making it easier to calm hyperkinetic dogs, and this quieting effect is sometimes noticeable within 30 minutes of giving the medication.
However, it is important to remember that Gabapentin is not typically used to treat separation anxiety but rather noise phobias and other phobias. This medication isn’t a cure-all for dogs with anxiety, and it doesn’t work the same on every dog.
It Can Also Increase Appetite
The medication may help with weight gain or loss by increasing your dog’s appetite. Some dogs predisposed to pickiness or decreased needs may start eating more when treated with this drug.
Your dog might also eat more by simply sensing you’re happier and less stressed with their new easy-going demeanor. It’s not unusual for a dog who appears to be lethargic and “out of it” to start eating like they normally would when the gabapentin kicks in and brings them out of their foggy state.
How Is Gabapentin Given?
The medication is typically given to your dog orally in their food or water in tablet or capsule form. As with all medications, how often your dog needs to receive the medication and dosage depends on various factors. These factors include the dog’s weight.
Is Gabapentin Safe for Dogs?
It’s generally safe to give your dog as long as you’re giving them the correct dose for their size or weight. When presented in high enough or long-term doses, it can affect your dog’s liver, so you should avoid giving them the medication if they have a pre-existing liver condition.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, gabapentin is an effective prescription medication that helps dogs with various anxiety-related or neurological disorders. It is not FDA-approved for use in dogs, but it has helped many owners, especially those whose separation anxiety was severe.