Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs: The Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More

There may be a variety of benefits using Gabapentin and CBD oil for dogs as a combination, but you need to be aware that it is not recommended to use these two medications together due to the possible potentiation of their sedative effects. As a dog owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the latest treatments and therapies that can help improve your dog’s quality of life.

Two popular options that have gained attention in recent years are gabapentin and CBD oil for dogs. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, dosage, side effects, and more of these treatments.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a Schedule 3 controlled prescription medication that is commonly used as an adjunctive medication to treat seizures and chronic pain in dogs. It works by decreasing the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It’s also been found to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, making it useful for dogs with anxiety disorders or phobias.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD (cannabidiol) oil is derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, and contains phyto-cannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating various functions, such as mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation. CBD oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic properties.

The Benefits of Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs

Gabapentin and CBD oil have been found each for its own to have a number of benefits for dogs. Here are some of the most notable:

Pain Relief

Gabapentin is commonly used to manage chronic pain in dogs. CBD oil has also been found to have analgesic properties and can help alleviate pain associated with various conditions, such as arthritis. (1) (Gamble et al.)

Anxiety Reduction

Both gabapentin and CBD oil have been found to have anxiolytic properties and can help dogs with anxiety disorders or phobias.

Seizure Control

Gabapentin is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment to control seizures in dogs. CBD oil has also been found to have anticonvulsant properties and may be beneficial for dogs with epilepsy. (2) (Potschka et al.)

Anti-Inflammatory

CBD oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate inflammation associated with various conditions, such as arthritis.

Appetite Stimulation

Both gabapentin and CBD oil have been found to stimulate appetite in dogs that have lost their appetite due to illness or other factors.

Dosage Guidelines for Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs

When it comes to dosing gabapentin and CBD oil for dogs, it’s important to consult first with a veterinarian. The appropriate dosage will depend on the dog’s weight, age, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines:

Gabapentin:

The usual starting dose of gabapentin for dogs is 5-10 mg/kg 2-3 times daily. The dosage may be increased gradually under supervision of a vet. Make sure not to stop gabapentin abruptly, your vet will taper down the dose gradually. Gabapentin is usually given orally, either in tablet form or as a liquid suspension.

CBD Oil:

The appropriate dosage of CBD oil for dogs will depend on the concentration of CBD in the oil and the dog’s weight. As a general rule, a starting dose of 0.1 mg/kg twice daily is recommended. CBD oil can be given orally, either directly into the mouth or mixed with food.

Side Effects of Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs

Both, gabapentin and CBD oil for dogs are generally considered safe when given at the appropriate dosage and not together. However, as with any medication or supplement, there is a risk of side effects.

Here are some of the most common side effects of gabapentin and CBD oil:

Gabapentin:

The side effects of gabapentin may include drowsiness, loss of coordination, and vomiting. In rare cases, it may also cause liver damage.

CBD oil for dogs:

Possible side effects are generally mild and may include dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and drowsiness. However, it’s important to note that the effects of CBD oil may vary depending on the concentration of CBD in the oil and the dog’s weight and health condition.

Other effects of Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs

Gabapentin and CBD oil for dogs have been found to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects.

Gabapentin works by decreasing the activity of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which can help alleviate chronic pain in dogs. It’s commonly used to manage pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc disease.

CBD oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate inflammation associated with various conditions, including arthritis. It also has analgesic properties and can help alleviate pain in dogs.

These two treatments can be used together to provide a more comprehensive approach to pain management and inflammation reduction in dogs. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before administering gabapentin and CBD oil to your dog, as the appropriate dosage will depend on the dog’s weight, age, and overall health.

Gabapentin and CBD Oil for Dogs for Seizure control:

One study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2019 evaluated the effects of CBD oil on dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (seizures with no known underlying cause) who were already receiving conventional antiepileptic drugs, including gabapentin. The study found that CBD oil decreased the frequency of seizures in 89% of the dogs, and that the dogs experienced fewer adverse effects with CBD oil than with other antiepileptic drugs. While this study did not specifically evaluate the effects of gabapentin and CBD oil together, it suggests that CBD oil may be a safe and effective treatment option for dogs with epilepsy, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications such as gabapentin. (3)

References

(1) Gamble, Lauri-Jo, et al. “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 5, 23 July 2018, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165.

(2) Potschka, Heidrun, et al. “Cannabidiol in Canine Epilepsy.” The Veterinary Journal, 6 Oct. 2022, p. 105913, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023322001289, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105913.

(3) McGrath, Stephanie, et al. “Randomized Blinded Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Effect of Oral Cannabidiol Administration in Addition to Conventional Antiepileptic Treatment on Seizure Frequency in Dogs with Intractable Idiopathic Epilepsy.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. 254, no. 11, June 2019, pp. 1301–1308, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.11.1301