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Gabapentin for Dogs Dosage Chart
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed among humans and dogs (and other pets) for treating neuropathic pain, anxiety & seizures. This medication is available in different dosage variants including oral tablets, capsules & liquid forms.
Veterinarians often prescribe Gabapentin for Dogs diagnosed with intervertebral disk disease, anxiety, seizures, and arthritis pain. The dosage is recommended according to the dog’s weight. For instance, the ideal dosage can be 10mg per kg and the frequency can be thrice per day. It works well among pets and improves underlying symptoms effectively.
In this blog, we will discuss some basics of this medication, share the Gabapentin for Dogs Dosage Chart, and necessary information. If you are a dog parent, this blog is for you.
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What is Gabapentin Used for Dogs?
Gabapentin is a highly effective anticonvulsant used for dogs to treat and decrease the frequency of seizures. In short, it is prescribed for treating and preventing seizures among dogs and provides necessary pain relief. It can be prescribed when other treatments are not well-tolerated or have failed to provide desired effectiveness.
Besides seizures, it can be suggested for treating pain associated with arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or cancer. Being a mild sedative, this drug relieves situational anxiety among dogs.
Note: Although Gabapentin for Dogs is highly effective in treating a myriad of symptoms, it is an ‘off-label’ treatment for pets. Means, that it is not FDA-approved yet proves to be effective in pain management. Therefore, avoid buying OTC or using it without the proper guidance of a Vet.
How Does Gabapentin Work in Dogs?
According to experts, there is no specific function of Gabapentin known to work for dogs. It is believed to work by inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Gabapentin is the main ingredient of the medication which mimics GABA receptors/neurotransmitters. GABA receptors are responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain via the spinal cord. This drug interferes with this transmission and stops pain signals from reaching the brain via the spinal cord and vice versa. Consequently, the dog’s brain is not signalled to feel pain and your pet can react normally and don’t perceive pain.
How Much Gabapentin Can I Give My Dog for Pain?
The correct Gabapentin dosage for your dog will be shared by the healthcare provider. You must visit the Veterinarian first and then start treatment as advised. Usually, the dosage strength can vary between 5mg to 30mg per kg weight of your pet. This dosage is repeated three times a day for the suggested treatment period. The severity of underlying symptoms and the pet’s response towards medication allows the Vet to make dosage adjustments.
On this note, you should give the prescribed dosage strength and in the suggested frequency only. Do not alter either of these for rapid response else you shall risk your pet’s life.
Gabapentin for Dogs Dosage Chart
A dog’s weight is the key factor for the Vet to determine the ideal dosage strength. No wonder the type and severity of symptoms are also considered, the dosage is mostly determined according to the dog’s weight. Here is the Dosage Chart as a general reference.
| Weight (in lbs.) | Standard Dosage | Maximum Dosage (capsules/tablets/liquid) |
| 5 to 10 | 50 mg liquid composition | 100 mg |
| 11 to 20 | 100 mg capsules | 200 mg |
| 21 to 30 | 150 mg tablets | 300 mg |
| 31 to 40 | 200 mg capsules | 400 mg |
| 41 to 50 | 250 mg tablets | 500 mg |
| 51 to 60 | 300 mg capsules/tablets | 600 mg |
| 61 to 70 | 350 mg tablets | 700 mg |
| 71 to 80 | 400 mg capsules/tablets | 800 mg |
| 81 to 90 | 450 mg tablets | 900 mg |
| 91 to 100 | 500 mg capsules/tablets | 1000 mgs |
| 100 + | Dosage is customized | Dosage is customized |
Please note, don’t give Gabapentin to your dog for managing underlying symptoms of seizures, anxiety, or pain without consulting a Vet.
Can You Overdose on Gabapentin Dog?
No, you should not make your dog overdose on Gabapentin with the assumption of faster pain relief. Giving too much Gabapentin to dogs can lead to negative reactions like excessive drowsiness, diarrhoea, incoordination, lethargy, etc.
In case you think the suggested dosage is not doing enough, seek help from the Veterinarian only. Do not increase dosage strength or frequency on assumptions.
How Long Does Gabapentin Last in Dogs?
The average lasting time of Gabapentin for dogs is 8 to 12 hours. However, the lasting time varies among dogs based on their metabolism and the dosage strength administered.
Are there any Side Effects of Gabapentin for Dogs?
Though any severe allergies are rare among dogs using Gabapentin, they commonly experience drowsiness. Your pet will likely feel sleepy as soon as the treatment begins with this medicine and it is normal. This side effect is very common and well-tolerable among dogs. Once the treatment continues for a longer period, they become tolerant to this symptom. If you find any abnormality with your pet or any severe allergic reaction then visit your Vet as soon as possible.
What happens if I stop giving Gabapentin to my dog?
If your doctor suggests discontinuing Gabapentin for your dog, they shall share necessary instructions on discontinuation too. It is mostly discontinued gradually and not abruptly. When stopped suddenly without medical guidance, your pet will likely experience negative withdrawal effects. Such symptoms can last for up to 5 or 10 days depending on the dosage strength and frequency they were given.
Is Gabapentin the Same for Dogs and Humans?
The medicinal composition and mechanism of action of Gabapentin are the same, be it for dogs or humans. This medicine is an anticonvulsant that works by affecting GABA receptors in the brain to reduce pain, anxiety, and seizures. However, the prescribed dosage varies among dogs and humans as per their metabolism, weight, and ongoing medical conditions. It is thus recommended to get a relevant dosage prescribed by the healthcare provider whether for a dog or a human.
Conclusion
We have shared the Gabapentin for Dogs Dosage Chart and relevant details that guide you with this neuropathic pain reliever. Before you start your dog’s treatment with this drug, make sure you get an ideal dosage recommended by the Veterinarian first. If you’re pet is prescribed this medication, buy it with 100% guaranteed quality at Allgenericpills.com and the best prices assured (plus discounts!).