Gabapentin for Dogs

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a drug that can be used as a treatment for seizures or chronic pain in dogs. Some know this medication by the brand name Neurontin. It is important to note that Gabapentin is not FDA-approved for canine use. However, some veterinarians do prescribe it and find it safe for dogs. So, as long as dog owners obtain veterinary approval and follow specific instructions this medication may be of benefit. However, it is important to know about dosage and potentially harmful side-effects.

Some painful conditions that vets might treat with gabapentin include chronic arthritis, pain associated with cancer, hyperalgesia, which is a heightened sensitivity to pain, or allodynia, which is a sensation of pain to normally non-painful stimuli.

Vets also prescribe gabapentin to treat seizures, anxiety, and epilepsy in dogs. Because it affects the nervous system, it can be a useful medication for pain associated with neuropathic disorders. Some vets prescribe Gabapentin to calm anxious behavior. In the case of seizures, the medication mimics the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps calm excessive electrical activity in the nerves of the brain.

Dosage of Gabapentin for dogs depends on whether the drug is being prescribed to treat chronic pain or a condition such as seizures. Always check with your vet before giving your dog any type of medication. And, follow vet instructions closely. You can seriously harm your dog if you attempt treatment without professional advice.

For chronic pain, a typical dosage of Gabapentin is 1.4 to 5 mg of medication per pound of weight. Your vet may adjust the dosage based on its effectiveness in your dog, as well as your dog’s reaction to the medication.

Side Effects And Risks Of Gabapentin In Dogs

It is important to read the label for any liquid version of Gabapentin for your dog because it may contain xylitol. This is a toxic ingredient for dogs. Follow your vet’s advice for choosing the correct form of this drug.

Owners of dogs with liver or kidney disease, dogs who are pregnant or nursing, and dogs who are on other medications including antacids, morphine, and hydrocodone should notify and consult their vet before exposing their dogs to gabapentin due to potentially harmful side-effects.

Gabapentin can also cause deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B1, and folate, some of which are integral in nerve repair. This can slow down recovery time, and your vet may recommend supplements to make up for these deficiencies. Gabapentin is generally considered safe for dogs when dog owners follow guidelines and veterinary instructions.

Typical side effects include:

• Lethargy or sedation
• Wobbliness

Less common, but more serious side effects may occur. You should contact your vet if you notice the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Bulging eyes
• Loss of coordination
• Oversleeping

Typically, an overdose is not life-threatening, though it may cause these symptoms to appear more frequently and severely. You should not discontinue the use of Gabapentin abruptly, because this may cause your dog to experience seizures and other withdrawal symptoms. Instead, your vet should wean your dog off the drug gradually.

How Flexpet Helps Pets with Pain

There are many things you can do to treat your pet’s pain issues as an alternative to using prescription pain medications. In addition to regular moderate exercise, a healthy diet, and providing your pet with a soft bed to sleep on you can give your pet regular supplements.

If you are looking for an alternative all-natural remedy for your pet’s pain issues and know that medications often have harmful side effects and only mask pain, we get it. Flexpet is an all-natural supplement designed to help with joint pain and inflammation in pets – without the use of prescription medication. Flexpet contains a formula of ingredients that not only relieve pain and inflammation but go to work treating the causes of joint pain.

Flexpet is the only pet product on the market to use CM8 (Cetyl Myristoleate), which was discovered by a researcher at the National Institutes for Health and gives joint pain relief. It is a cetylated fatty acid that occurs naturally in certain mammals. It has many biological functions including anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief. Also, cetyl myristoleate has multiple patents for the treatment of arthritis. In order to bring short term relief as well as long term joint support, we combine CM8 with:

Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium – an amino sugar that helps support the structure and function of joints. It occurs naturally in the body and plays a key role in cartilage construction and the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage.

MSM – a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in plants and animals. It is needed by the body to form connective tissue. Studies show it helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II – this ingredient is used in an effort to protect and rebuild joint cartilage. Since collagen is the most common structural protein in the body, hydrolyzed collagen helps stimulate collagen production, decrease joint pain, and increase bone mass density.

Bromelain – found naturally in pineapple stems, it reduces inflammation for arthritis, and alleviates muscle stiffness and soreness.

Vitamin C – has many functions, including tissue repair, and can help reduce the degeneration of cells in articular cartilage.

Enzyme Blend – aids in digesting and allowing the body to absorb the larger molecules like cetyl myristoleate.

At Flexpet, we care about you and your pets. We want to help you keep them as healthy as possible. We have a fantastic and knowledgeable customer care team available to answer any of your questions about our joint supplement products and how they may help your dog or cat. If your dog has joint pain issues, we invite you to try Flexpet today and start your dog on the journey to playing like a pup again. Flexpet is so confident it is the best joint supplement for dogs and cats it comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Our Flexpet joint care supplements have excellent reviews on social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email, or by phone at 1-800-505-0575.

Shop Now