Gabapentin is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for dogs to treat several conditions, primarily:
- Seizures: Gabapentin acts as an anticonvulsant and is used as an adjunct therapy for dogs with epilepsy or refractory seizures when other medications are insufficient
- Pain relief: It provides analgesic effects, especially for chronic and neuropathic pain such as that caused by arthritis, cancer, or nerve pain. It is often combined with other pain medications like NSAIDs or opioids for enhanced pain control
- Anxiety: Gabapentin helps reduce anxiety in dogs, particularly situational anxiety related to vet visits, thunderstorms, or other stressors. It works by decreasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a calming effect
Gabapentin is a human medication used off-label in veterinary medicine, meaning it is not FDA-approved specifically for pets but is considered safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian
. The most common side effects include sedation and clumsiness, with the degree of drowsiness varying between individual dogs
. In summary, gabapentin is used in dogs mainly for controlling seizures, managing chronic and neuropathic pain, and alleviating anxiety or stress- related behaviors
