Vets prescribe this for dogs, so being on it is not a problem in itself. This page is about what happens when a dog gets more than it was meant to have.
Gabapentin is prescribed to dogs for selected pain and seizure conditions. Sleepiness and loss of coordination can occur, but those effects should not be used to dismiss an overdose.
Educational reference. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
See this page's cited references for supporting information and our Sources page for the reference organizations we use. Citations do not imply that those organizations reviewed or endorsed DogSafe.
Part of Seizure, nerve and muscle medication on our medication safety hub.
Call the practice that prescribed it: they know the dose your dog is on, which is what decides whether this matters. Out of hours, either line below is open.
Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
Exposure details to have ready
These are the questions a veterinarian or poison-control operator will ask. Fill in what you know and leave the rest blank. This tool does not estimate a dose or a risk score: medication risk depends on the exact ingredient, strength, and formulation, so the assessment has to come from the clinician on the call.
- Keep the package, blister pack, or prescription bottle. The strength and the full ingredient list are what make the advice specific.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional tells you to. It is the wrong move for several medications and can cause harm on its own.
- Do not give milk, food, salt, hydrogen peroxide, or any home remedy on your own.
- Do not give a second dose of anything to make up for one you think was missed.
- Count what is left in the packet, so the number missing can be worked out.
Your exposure summary
Read this down the phone or paste it into a message to your vet. It stays on your device; nothing here is sent to DogSafe.
Why Gabapentin (Neurontin) needs caution
Gabapentin is prescribed to dogs for selected pain and seizure conditions. Sleepiness and loss of coordination can occur, but those effects should not be used to dismiss an overdose. Human oral liquids require an ingredient check because some contain xylitol. Dogs with epilepsy should not have gabapentin stopped abruptly without veterinary guidance. After a dosing error, ask the prescribing practice what to do about the next scheduled dose.
Part of the Pregabalin guide
For related dog-safety questions and product-by-product answers, see the complete pregabalin guide.
Signs to watch for
Sleepiness or unsteady movement. Severe sedation, collapse or other worsening changes needs urgent veterinary attention.
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Have the exact ingredient name, strength or concentration, amount missing, possible time, dog’s weight and current medications ready. Report chewed packaging and ask what to do before the next prescribed dose.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
FAQ
This page gives no dose or safe-exposure threshold. Follow the prescription for this dog; ask the veterinarian to confirm the product and any change to the schedule.
Prevent further access and keep the packaging. Do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy unless a veterinary professional directs you for this exposure.
Call promptly after an accidental ingestion, suspected extra dose, unknown amount or unexpected reaction. Breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures or inability to respond needs emergency veterinary care. Do not wait for those signs before calling.
Keep the bottle and measuring device. Report the concentration, measured volume, possible xylitol content and time given. A volume by itself does not tell the veterinarian how much medicine was delivered.
- VCA Animal Hospitals: gabapentin
- Pet Poison Helpline: xylitol