Introduction
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and pain medication that is sometimes prescribed to dogs for various conditions. It was originally developed to treat epilepsy in humans, but has since been found to be effective for treating nerve pain, anxiety, and seizures in dogs as well. While Gabapentin is not FDA approved for veterinary use, vets often prescribe it “off-label” and find it can help many dogs suffering from chronic pain or epilepsy when other medications have not been effective.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that was originally developed to treat epilepsy in humans. It works by altering electrical activity in the brain and nerves. While not fully understood, gabapentin is thought to bind to voltage-gated calcium channels and modulate the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and substance P that are involved in pain pathways (PetMD, 2022).
In veterinary medicine, gabapentin is often prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain conditions in dogs, such as arthritis, nerve pain, and chronic back pain. It is also sometimes used to treat anxiety and seizures in dogs. Gabapentin is not FDA approved for use in dogs or cats, so veterinarians prescribe it “off-label” (GoodRx, 2022).
While gabapentin is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it can provide good pain relief for dogs when used alone or combined with other medications. Since gabapentin affects the nervous system, it can target nerve-related pain in conditions like spinal disc disease or other neuropathic pain syndromes in dogs (AKC, 2022).
Uses of Gabapentin in Dogs
Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for dogs to treat seizures, anxiety, and neuropathic pain (AKC). It works by altering electrical activity in the brain and nerves to decrease seizure activity and pain signals. Some specific uses include:
- Seizures – Gabapentin is often used as an add-on treatment for dogs with refractory epilepsy when other medications have not fully controlled seizures (PetMD).
- Anxiety – For noise phobias like thunderstorms or separation anxiety, gabapentin can help relax dogs and reduce anxiety responses (GoodRx).
- Chronic neuropathic pain – Gabapentin helps minimize nerve-related pain in conditions like arthritis, spinal injuries, or chronic back pain (AKC).
By altering neurotransmitter activity, gabapentin can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and minimize neuropathic pain signals in dogs. It also has an anti-anxiety effect that helps for noise phobias and stressful situations.
Gabapentin Dosage Forms
Gabapentin is available in several dosage forms for dogs including:
Capsules: Gabapentin capsules come in various strengths including 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. The capsules can be given whole or opened up and sprinkled onto food as needed.(1)
Tablets: Gabapentin tablets are available in 600 mg and 800 mg strengths. These should be given whole and not broken or crushed.(2)
Oral solution: Gabapentin oral solution provides 250 mg/5 mL and can be given directly into the dog’s mouth or mixed with food if needed.
Can Gabapentin Capsules be Sprinkled?
Yes, gabapentin capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto food. Studies show that mixing gabapentin powder with food does not significantly affect absorption or efficacy. For example, one study published in Epilepsy Research found no difference in bioavailability when gabapentin capsules were opened and the contents were mixed with applesauce (Gidal, 1998).
The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital also states that gabapentin capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto food or juice for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital). Additionally, guidance from the University of Edinburgh indicates that gabapentin capsules can be opened and contents sprinkled onto food or dissolved in water for easier administration (University of Edinburgh).
Therefore, veterinarians commonly recommend opening capsules and sprinkling the gabapentin powder onto wet food or mixing it into a small amount of flavored liquid when dosing dogs. This allows accurate dosing while bypassing the need to get dogs to swallow pills.
How to Give Sprinkled Gabapentin
The best way to give gabapentin that has been sprinkled out of the capsule is to mix it thoroughly into your dog’s wet food. Wet food helps mask the taste and ensures your dog consumes the full dose. Mix the sprinkled gabapentin powder well into a few spoonfuls of canned dog food or a meat baby food until it’s evenly distributed. Then add a bit more wet food on top and mix it together. The gabapentin should be completely hidden in the middle of the wet food mixture. Feed this to your dog and watch to make sure they eat all of it. It’s important they consume the full dose that was prescribed.
Some owners recommend starting with a spoonful of plain wet food first to get your dog interested. Then give the food mixed with gabapentin. And follow it up with another plain spoonful so they lick the bowl clean and get any remaining powder. This helps prevent any gabapentin being left uneaten.
It may take some trial and error to find foods your individual dog likes to mask the taste. Consider rotating through various flavors of canned dog foods, meat baby foods, yogurt, peanut butter, cheese spreads, or broths. Find what works best for regular administration.
Always stay positive and keep feedings relaxed. Don’t draw extra attention to the medication in the food. Act like it’s a normal meal so your dog eats it up without hesitation. Be patient and encouraging if your dog is initially reluctant. Over time, they will adjust to taking gabapentin mixed into meals.
Dosage When Sprinkling Gabapentin
When sprinkling gabapentin capsule contents onto food, it’s important to use the same dosage that was prescribed for the capsules. According to Mayo Clinic, the typical dosing for gabapentin in dogs is 3-15 mg per pound every 8-12 hours. Do not exceed 50 mg per kg per day (23 mg per lb).
For example, if your dog was prescribed 100 mg capsules taken twice daily, you would sprinkle out the contents of one 100 mg capsule onto their food twice a day. The dose does not change when switching from capsules to sprinkling the medication. Always follow your veterinarian’s specific dosing instructions.
According to RxList, gabapentin should be tapered gradually when discontinuing use to avoid withdrawal effects. Do not stop giving gabapentin abruptly without veterinary guidance. Work closely with your vet if making any dosage adjustments.
Citations:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20064011
https://www.rxlist.com/gabapentin/generic-drug.htm
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for successfully giving your dog gabapentin that has been sprinkled on their food:
- Be consistent with timing – Give the medication at the same times each day so your dog’s body can get into a routine.
- Measure carefully – Use a dedicated oral syringe or other measuring tool to ensure you are giving the correct dose. Estimating can lead to under or overdosing.
- Give with food – Mixing the gabapentin into a small amount of wet food, peanut butter, or another high-value treat can help ensure your dog eats all of the medication.
- Allow time to eat – Don’t rush your dog, give them sufficient time before taking the food bowl away to ensure they have consumed the full dose.
- Avoid distractions – Give the food in a quiet area without other pets or people around to minimize spitting out or leaving behind some of the dose.
- Stay positive – Remain calm and upbeat while giving the medication; dogs pick up on tension or frustration from their owners.
Following these tips consistently can help your dog successfully get their full gabapentin dose sprinkled on food at each administration.
Potential Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects from gabapentin in dogs include lethargy, ataxia (lack of coordination), and sedation or drowsiness. The level of sedation experienced can vary between dogs, with some experiencing more extreme sleepiness and others having only mild sedation [1].
The sedative effects often improve over time as the dog’s body adjusts. However, the medication should be increased gradually to help minimize excessive sedation [2]. Ataxia and wobbliness is also commonly seen when starting gabapentin or increasing the dosage. Dogs may have a wide stance and struggle with coordination and balance. These effects generally improve with time but close monitoring is recommended, especially for geriatric dogs.
Less common side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, and behavioral changes like restlessness or agitation. Any unusual effects should be reported to your veterinarian. Often the side effects are transient and can be managed by adjusting the dosage. But discontinuing gabapentin may be required in some cases if the side effects are severe or persistent.
Conclusion
To recap, it is generally acceptable to sprinkle the contents of gabapentin capsules on your dog’s food as a method of administration. This can be a useful option if your dog has trouble swallowing the capsules whole. When sprinkling gabapentin, be sure to check with your veterinarian on the proper dosage, as it may differ from the dosage for whole capsules. Also make sure to carefully mix the capsule contents throughout the food to ensure accurate dosing. Monitor your dog closely when first administering sprinkled gabapentin to watch for any side effects. Overall, sprinkling the contents of gabapentin capsules on your dog’s food can be an effective way to give this medication, as long as you follow dosage guidelines and your vet’s recommendations.