Care & how-to
Gabapentin for Dogs With Anxiety: What Owners Should Know
Gabapentin is a prescription medicine that vets use in dogs mainly for nerve pain, and increasingly to ease situational anxiety, such as fear of vet visits, grooming or fireworks. It is generally well tolerated, with sleepiness and wobbliness the most common side effects. It must be prescribed by your vet for your dog, and you should never give a human gabapentin liquid, which can contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20263 min read2 sources
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin was developed as an anti-seizure medicine for people and is now widely used for nerve-related pain. In dogs, vets use it off-label, which means it is not FDA-approved for these uses in dogs but is prescribed based on veterinary judgment and published experience.
It is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, including nerve pain and as part of arthritis management, and sometimes alongside other medicines for seizures. Its calming effect has also made it a useful option for some anxious dogs.
How vets use gabapentin for anxiety
Vets may prescribe gabapentin ahead of a predictable stressful event, such as a vet visit, grooming, travel or fireworks, sometimes as part of a pre-visit calming plan. It may also be used for ongoing anxiety in some dogs, and it is sometimes combined with trazodone, which increases the calming effect.
Your vet will tell you when to give it before an event and will often suggest a trial at home on a quiet day. Medication works best alongside behavior training, such as making the carrier, car or clinic predictable and rewarding.
Alongside any medication your vet prescribes, a quiet retreat such as a calming dog bed gives an anxious dog a familiar place to settle.
Side effects of gabapentin
The most common side effects are sleepiness and loss of coordination, which can make a dog wobbly on its back legs. These are usually temporary. Keep a sedated dog away from stairs and high furniture, and supervise it until it is steady.
Gabapentin is short-acting, but its effects can last longer in dogs with kidney or liver disease. Contact your vet if your dog seems very sedated, cannot stand, vomits repeatedly or acts unusually.
Important safety warnings
Some human liquid gabapentin products contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. Never give a human liquid formulation. Your vet can prescribe a capsule or tablet, or have a dog-safe liquid compounded.
Tell your vet about every other medicine and supplement your dog takes, because combining gabapentin with other sedating drugs, such as some pain medicines, antihistamines or other anxiety medicines, can add to drowsiness. In dogs with seizures, gabapentin should not be stopped suddenly unless your vet says so.
Why the amount is always your vet's decision
The right amount depends on why your dog is taking it, its size, kidney function and other medicines, and your vet sets it after an exam. Never use your own or another pet's gabapentin, and never give extra in the hope it will work faster.
If your dog has swallowed gabapentin that was not prescribed for it, or a human liquid product, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 straight away; a fee may apply.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Does gabapentin calm dogs down?
It has a calming, mildly sedating effect in many dogs, which is why vets use it for situational anxiety. Responses vary, so your vet may suggest a trial run at home before a stressful event.
How long does gabapentin last in dogs?
It is short-acting and usually wears off within a day, though effects can last longer in dogs with kidney or liver disease. Follow your vet's timing and instructions exactly.
Can I give my dog human gabapentin?
Only a product your vet has prescribed for your dog. Never give human liquid gabapentin, which can contain xylitol and is toxic to dogs, and never use another person's prescription.
Is gabapentin or trazodone better for dog anxiety?
Neither is better for every dog. They work differently and are sometimes used together. Your vet will choose based on the type of anxiety, your dog's health and its other medicines.
What should I tell my vet before my dog starts gabapentin?
Tell your vet about every medicine, supplement, flea product and calming chew your dog takes, any kidney or liver problems, whether your dog is pregnant, and how your dog has reacted to sedating medicines before.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.