Reasons Not To Use Gabapentin for Your Dog's Pain

Alternatives To Gabapentin for Pain Management

Is Gabapentin really providing your dog adequate pain relief from arthritis and other chronic pain management?

According to Dr. Judy Morgan, only 60% of dogs see any benefit at all when using Gabapentin.

Multiple veterinary documents I've read suggest there are not as many relief benefits as there are side effects. And that even those who are experiencing pain relief are required to use this drug with other prescriptions -- and over time need more and more of the drug for it to remain effective.

Gabapentin is NOT FDA approved for pets. Any use of it in your pets is considered off-label use.

My dog Huey getting Acupuncture and Laser Treatment

Gabapentin Possible Side Effects:

Side effects include ~ Sedation, Dizzy, Ataxia/stumbling, agitation, become disoriented. There have been reports of increased aggression, and signs of early canine cognitive disorder / dementia.

You may also see diarrhea, loss of appetite, GI issues, and fluid retention. Some dogs may show signs of allergic reaction including respiratory issues, facial swelling, or breaking out in hives.

Kidney failure, seizures, tremors and vitamin deficiencies are also possible.

Some veterinarians now seem to be using the sedation side effect as a way to reduce anxiety during stressful situations like vet visits. (So a) not approved for pets and b) used for a side effect — not cool and you can choose better!)

Dr. Morgan pointed out that she has seen countless times that if the animal already had a preexisting weakness when starting the drug -- using Gabapentin was making the problem worse when patients came to her on the drug.

So what many pet parents may have been seeing as a dramatic decline in arthritic conditions, was likely to have been associated with the medication.

Natural Alternatives to Gabapentin

There are better alternatives! Many options to try, imho before going this route.

• Feed Fresh, Anti-inflammatory foods, and don’t forget the Omega 3.

• Essential Oils -- Copiaba, Thyme, Basil, Clary Sage, Clove come to mind (many blends, ointments, & collection of detox oils)

• CBD

• Domer Cold Laser Therapy

• Assisi Loop

• PEMF Mat

• Herbs

• Turmeric / Golden Paste

• Acupuncture

• Red Light Therapy

• Color Light Therapy

I'd love to help you with Food, Supplements, Essential Oils & CBD, Red Light Therapy or Color Light Therapy

My little guy getting acupuncture and laser last year when he fell on his back. Yes, I'm a very integrative user of modalities

Be sure to visit my link tree for suggested products or give me a call to discuss.

Learn More about Supplements to Support Dogs With Joint Health Issues

Using Gabapentin for Anxiety In Dogs?

As noted above some vets are now starting use Gabapentin for the sedation effect as a treatment for anxiety. In short, using this drug for it’s side effects. Given other possible side effects and what I know about behavior, nutrition, essential oils and homeopathy — we have many better options to get to the root cause of your dog’s anxiety and not just medicate it.

See Why Nutrition needs to be part of your anxiety support.

Consult a holistic veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s pain management protocol.