Aug 7th 2025

Gabapentin for Dogs: What It Is, How It Works, and What Does It Treat

By Phil Rossi

Gabapentin for Dogs: Taking A Complete Look at What It Is, Uses, Side Effects, & Natural Alternatives

Gabapentin is a commonly prescribed medication in both human and veterinary medicine. If your vet has recommended it for your dog, you're probably wondering how it works, what it treats, and whether it's safe.

In this guide, we’ll explain what gabapentin does for dogs, when it’s used, potential side effects, and what you should know before giving it to your pet.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication originally developed to help manage seizures in people. Over time, it was also found to be useful for treating nerve pain, anxiety, and certain chronic conditions. In veterinary medicine, gabapentin has become a trusted option for managing pain, particularly nerve-related pain, and for calming anxious dogs.

Although it's not FDA-approved for use in animals, many veterinarians prescribe it “off-label,” which is common and legal for medications that are known to be safe and effective in animals.

What Is Gabapentin Used for in Dogs?

Gabapentin is a versatile medication, especially when used as part of a broader treatment plan. Here are the most common reasons your vet may prescribe gabapentin for your dog:

1. Chronic Pain Management

Gabapentin is often prescribed for chronic pain, especially when it's related to the nervous system. It doesn't treat inflammation like NSAIDs do, but it works well for conditions involving nerve pain.

Common conditions include:

Arthritis
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Hip dysplasia
Post-surgical pain

2. Seizure Control

Gabapentin was originally developed to help manage seizures in people. While it’s not usually the first choice for seizures in dogs, gabapentin may be added to your dog’s treatment plan if standard anti-seizure drugs aren't fully effective.

One study showed that in addition to reducing the total number of days with a seizure in a week, it also reduced the total number of seizures each day in which a seizure occurred for at-risk dogs.

3. Anxiety Relief

Some veterinarians prescribe gabapentin for dogs with anxiety, especially in stressful situations like vet visits, grooming, or travel. It has mild sedative effects that can help calm the nervous system without heavy sedation.

In addition, some studies have shown gabapentin to be effective in problem behavior dogs with “conflict-related aggression”.

How Gabapentin Works for Dogs

Gabapentin doesn’t block pain like opioids or reduce inflammation like NSAIDs. Instead, it modifies the way nerves communicate with the brain. It’s believed to block calcium channels in nerve cells, reducing the transmission of pain signals and abnormal electrical activity.

Because it works on nerve function, it’s especially effective for neuropathic pain or pain caused by damaged or irritated nerves. This type of pain often doesn’t respond well to other pain relievers.

How Long Does It Take for Gabapentin to Work for Dogs

Gabapentin typically begins to take effect within 1–2 hours of administration for your dog. However, for chronic pain or seizure management, your vet may recommend giving it consistently for several days or even weeks before judging its full impact.

For anxiety, it may be given on an as-needed basis 1–2 hours before a stressful event.

Gabapentin Dosage Guidelines for Dogs

Gabapentin for dogs is usually given by mouth in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. The correct dosage depends on your dog’s weight, age, medical condition, and overall health.

Important reminders:

Never guess the dosage. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Gabapentin for humans often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always use a pet-safe version which can be recommended by your vet.
Consistency is key. Missing doses or stopping suddenly can reduce effectiveness or cause withdrawal symptoms.

Potential Side Effects of Gabapentin in Dogs

Gabapentin is generally considered safe, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, especially when your dog is first starting the medication.

Common side effects:

Drowsiness or sedation
Wobbly or unsteady movement
Mild gastrointestinal upset (rare)

These effects often go away as your dog gets used to the medication. If they don’t, or if you notice more serious changes, contact your veterinarian.

More serious (but rare) side effects:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Allergic reactions
Behavioral changes

If your dog is on other medications, especially ones that cause sedation (like opioids or certain anxiety medications), your vet may need to adjust the dose to prevent compounded effects.

Can Gabapentin Be Used Long-Term for Dogs?

Yes, gabapentin can be used safely over long periods for chronic pain or seizure control, as long as it's monitored by your veterinarian. Your dog may need regular checkups to ensure the medication is still working well and not causing any issues.

If your vet decides to stop the medication, it's important to taper the dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This is especially true if your dog has been on it for several weeks or more.

Combining Gabapentin with Other Medications

Gabapentin is often prescribed alongside other medications to enhance pain relief or better control seizures. Common combinations include:

Gabapentin + NSAIDs: Good for combining nerve pain and inflammation control.
Gabapentin + Tramadol: Offers stronger pain relief for post-surgical or severe pain.
Gabapentin + Phenobarbital: Used for seizure disorders when one medication alone isn’t enough.

Always let your vet know about any other supplements or medications your dog is taking to avoid potential interactions.

How to Give Gabapentin to Your Dog

Most dogs take gabapentin without much trouble, but getting the dose right can depend on the form you’re using.

Capsules/Tablets:

Hide them in a pill pocket or soft treat.
Place directly into your dog’s mouth if needed.

Liquid:

Measure carefully using the syringe or dropper provided.
Mix with food if your dog dislikes the taste (with your vet’s approval).

Because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, some owners give it at bedtime if their dog is being treated for chronic pain.

Signs Gabapentin Might Be Helping

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling better, but you can usually spot the difference.

Look for signs like:

Increased mobility
Less limping or stiffness
More willingness to play or go for walks
Reduced signs of discomfort (licking, whining, pacing)

In cases of anxiety, gabapentin may help your dog stay calm during situations that normally cause fear or stress. You might notice less panting, hiding, or trembling.

For seizures, improvement is typically measured by frequency and intensity. Your vet may ask you to keep a log to track changes.

When to Contact Your Vet

While gabapentin is relatively low-risk, keep your vet in the loop if you notice:

Side effects that don’t go away
Symptoms getting worse
Signs of overdose (extreme weakness, collapse, tremors)
Missed doses or difficulty administering the medication

Never adjust the dosage or stop the medication without veterinary guidance.

Can You Give Gabapentin Without a Prescription?

No. Gabapentin is a prescription-only medication. Even though it’s widely used, it must be dosed carefully to avoid side effects and ensure effectiveness. Always work with your veterinarian when considering this medication for your dog.

Natural Alternatives to Gabapentin

While gabapentin can be helpful, some pet owners prefer to explore natural alternatives, especially for long-term use. If you're looking for options that support nerve health, reduce inflammation, and promote calm behavior without sedation, Pet MatRx offers two compelling choices: THINK and CALM.

Pet MatRx THINK takes a science-backed approach that targets the body at a cellular level. Its THRIVE Pack combines bioavailable ingredients designed to support the nervous system, ease discomfort, and restore healthy gut and immune function. Rather than simply masking symptoms, THINK focuses on improving cell-to-cell communication and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Pet MatRx CALM is a companion formula designed specifically to help with behavioral regulation and stress. It's ideal for dogs who struggle with anxiety, noise sensitivity, or reactivity. CALM promotes relaxation without drowsiness, making it a great alternative to sedatives or daily pharmaceuticals.

Many dog owners turn to Pet MatRx products for:

Chronic pain and inflammation support, especially in aging dogs or those with arthritis or mobility issues
Natural anxiety relief that doesn’t cause sedation
Improved gut health and immune resilience, which can affect mood and pain levels
A holistic, non-prescription option that complements veterinary care

Because both THINK and CALM are made from bioavailable, non-GMO compounds and do not require a prescription, Pet MatRx may be a gentle but effective alternative to gabapentin.

Whether used alone or as part of a broader treatment plan, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s routine.

Final Thoughts on Gabapentin for Dogs

Gabapentin can be a helpful tool for managing chronic pain, calming anxiety, or controlling seizures in dogs. It's generally safe when used as prescribed and often makes a real difference in quality of life.

If your veterinarian has recommended gabapentin, it's because they believe it may benefit your dog’s specific condition. Stay in close communication, track your dog’s response, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. With the right support and treatment, your dog can stay comfortable and active, no matter what challenges come up along the way.