Dogs are prescribed gabapentin to help with pain management, anxiety treatment, and seizure control. The way gabapentin acts on the brain is by boosting the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Therefore, taking gabapentin lessens aberrant brain activity brought on by excitatory neurotransmitters. But the medicine has some side effects that every pet owner should know. In this write-up, we will discuss the top 7 side effects of gabapentin in dogs and correct dosage.
Side Effects of Gabapentin in Dogs
1. Sedation
Sedation is considered as one of the most common side effects of gabapentin in dogs. Gabapentin acts on certain receptors in the brain that can cause calmness and sleepiness. Most dogs will show some signs of sedation when they first start taking gabapentin, but this often improves after several days once their body has adjusted to the medication. However, sedation may continue or potentially worsen at higher dosages. If your dog seems excessively tired or lethargic on gabapentin, contact your vet as the dosage may need adjusting.
2. Ataxia
Ataxia refers to a wobbly, uncoordinated gait often seen in dogs on gabapentin. They may have trouble balancing and appear dizzy or off-balance when walking. Some dogs may even stumble or fall over. Ataxia usually occurs at higher dosages of gabapentin. If you notice any signs of ataxia in your dog, avoid letting them use stairs or engage in any high-level activity that could lead to injury until the medication can be adjusted.
3. Digestive Upset
Gabapentin can sometimes cause digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite in dogs. These symptoms often arise early on when the medication is first introduced but usually resolve within a few days. To help minimise stomach upset, give gabapentin with food. If symptoms persist, contact your vet as anti-nausea medication or diet changes may help.
4. Increased Thirst and Urination
If you are wondering about the side effects of gabapentin in dogs, increased thirst and urination is another thing to look out for. Gabapentin seems to increase thirst and urination in some dogs, likely due to its mild diuretic effects. This side effect is usually not dangerous but can be inconvenient if your dog starts needing to urinate more frequently. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water while on gabapentin.
5. Elevated Heart Rate
Gabapentin may cause a higher than normal heart rate (tachycardia) in some dogs. This is usually seen within a few hours of taking a dose. While alarming, it generally does not pose a health risk and resolves on its own as the medication wears off. But if the elevated heart rate persists or worries you, contact your vet for advice.
6. Restlessness
Though gabapentin is known for its sedating effects, some dogs may experience the opposite reaction – restlessness or excitability. They may seem overly energetic, have trouble settling down, or pace aimlessly. This side effect could indicate the dosage is too high. Consult with your vet about potentially lowering the dose or adjusting the timing of when it's given.
7. Respiratory Depression
If you are looking for side effects of gabapentin in dogs, you should know that in rare cases, high doses of gabapentin have been associated with respiratory depression in dogs. This is characterised by slow, shallow breathing that does not provide enough oxygen to the body. Respiratory depression is very serious and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Seek emergency vet care right away if your dog shows any signs of breathing difficulty while taking gabapentin.
Correct Dosage
Now that you know the side effects of gabapentin in dogs, let's have a look at the correct dosage-
Gabapentin dosage is based on the dog's weight. Typical starting doses range from 5 to 20 mg per kg of body weight, given 2-3 times per day.
Lower end of the dosage range (5-10 mg/kg) is usually appropriate for mild pain control. Higher end of range (10-20 mg/kg) is used for treating chronic neuropathic pain or controlling seizures.
