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Gabapentin in dogs and cats: effects, uses and side effects

Gabapentin in dogs and cats: effects, uses and side effects

Written by Mara | Dierenarts | March 18, 2026

Gabapentin is a human medicine that is used in veterinary medicine in various ways for both dogs and cats. It is mainly known for its effect on chronic pain and nerve pain, but it can also be used for epilepsy and, in some situations, for stress or anxiety. In this blog, you will learn what gabapentin is, what it is used for and which side effects may occur in dogs and cats.

When is gabapentin used?

Gabapentin can be used in various situations in both dogs and cats.

Chronic and neuropathic pain

The most common use of gabapentin is for chronic pain, especially when nerves are involved. This is also known as neuropathic pain.

Examples of conditions where gabapentin can be used:

nerve pain due to damaged nerves
chronic back or neck problems
pain after surgery
pain in neurological conditions

Gabapentin is often combined with other painkillers to improve pain management.

Additional treatment for epilepsy

Gabapentin can also be used as an add-on treatment for epilepsy, for example when other anti-epileptic drugs are not sufficiently effective.

Read more about epilepsy in dogs and cats in our blog Epilepsy in dogs and cats.

Stress and anxiety

Gabapentin also has a mild calming effect. Therefore, it is sometimes used in animals experiencing stress, for example:

during veterinary visits
during transport
in cases of pain or tension

It is sometimes also used for fear of loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Read more in our blog Treating anxiety and stress caused by loud noises in pets.

During veterinary visits: In cases of anxiety, gabapentin can help ensure that the animal does not retain an active memory of the event or treatment by the veterinarian. This can be particularly beneficial for cats that are very fearful of vet visits. An additional advantage is that gabapentin may also stimulate appetite when used once. This means a cat can be rewarded with a treat at the vet. There are cases where repeated use of gabapentin results in the anxiety disappearing completely, meaning it is no longer (always) needed for vet visits.

Neurological conditions

Gabapentin is regularly used in neurological conditions where nerve pain plays a role, such as syringomyelia. In this condition, cavities form in the spinal cord, which can cause severe nerve pain. Gabapentin helps reduce pain signals from the nervous system.

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Gabapentin in cats

In cats, gabapentin is often used for:

chronic pain and nerve pain
calming in stressful situations, such as veterinary visits

For some uses in cats, there is no specifically registered veterinary medicine. In such cases, a veterinarian may prescribe gabapentin under the cascade system.

Bonqat®: registered medication for anxiety in cats

There is now also a registered medication for acute anxiety in cats: Bonqat®. Bonqat contains pregabalin, a substance similar to gabapentin that works in a comparable way in the nervous system.

Bonqat® (50 mg/ml pregabalin) is a liquid oral solution used to reduce acute anxiety and stress in cats, for example:

during transport
during veterinary visits

The product:

usually works within approximately 1.5 hours
has an effect lasting up to about 7 hours
can be easily administered orally, optionally mixed with food

There is no registered product available for dogs. In these cases, a human medicine is used. This is considered off-label use and must be justified under the cascade system.

Side effects of gabapentin

As with any medication, side effects may occur with gabapentin. The most common side effects are:

drowsiness
dizziness
lack of coordination

These symptoms mainly occur at the start of treatment or when the dosage is increased too quickly. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is often advised to start with a low dose and gradually increase it.

Other, less common side effects include fever and diarrhoea. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur. Always contact your veterinarian if serious symptoms occur.

It is good to know that gabapentin can be safely used in patients with kidney or liver problems, as long as the recommended dosage is followed.

Gabapentin is therefore a versatile medication used in both dogs and cats. As the correct dosage may vary per animal, gabapentin should always be used in consultation with a veterinarian.

Do you have any questions about gabapentin in dogs and cats? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk
.

Frequently asked questions about gabapentin

Is gabapentin a painkiller?

Gabapentin is not a classic painkiller like NSAIDs or opioids. It mainly works for nerve pain (neuropathic pain) by reducing nerve signal transmission. That is why it is often combined with other painkillers.

How quickly does gabapentin work in dogs?

Gabapentin usually starts working within 1–2 hours in dogs. The maximum effect is often reached after several hours.

How long does gabapentin work in cats?

In cats, gabapentin typically works for 8 to 12 hours. Therefore, it is often given 2 to 3 times a day, depending on the indication and dosage.

How long can you give gabapentin to your dog or cat?

Gabapentin can be used short-term or long-term, depending on the condition. For chronic pain or neurological conditions, it can sometimes be used for months to years under veterinary supervision.

How should gabapentin be tapered off?

Gabapentin usually needs to be tapered off gradually, especially after long-term use. The dosage is reduced step by step over several days to weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms or recurrence of symptoms. Always consult your veterinarian before stopping.

For one-time use, such as for anxiety during a vet visit, tapering is not necessary.

Which is better: tramadol or gabapentin?

That depends on the type of pain.

Gabapentin works particularly well for nerve pain (neuropathic pain).
Tramadol is an opioid painkiller more commonly used for acute pain.

In some situations, both medications are used together to treat different types of pain at the same time. The choice depends on the cause of the pain and your veterinarian’s advice.

Read also our other blogs

Epilepsy in dogs and cats

Epilepsy is when your pet experiences a loss of consciousness and cramped legs at regular or irregular intervals. The seizures can vary in strength, duration and form (for example, many shocks or just stiffening).

Pain relief for dogs

Dogs can be in pain just like humans. Pain can have various causes. This also means that there are different ways in which you can treat pain. It is wise to go to your vet first to have an assessment of what exactly is going on. Do not get started with paracetamol or aspirin! These are poisonous to your dog.

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About the author

Mara van Brussel-Broere, Veterinarian at Vetsend

Graduated as a companion animal veterinarian from Utrecht University, she uses her practical experience to advise customers and share knowledge at Vetsend. She finds it important to provide pet owners with clear information about health and wellbeing.