Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs?

In this article:

• Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs?
• What to do if my dog can’t walk because of gabapentin?
• What other side effects can gabapentin cause in dogs?
• Gabapentin alternatives for dogs

In this article

• Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs?
• What to do if my dog can’t walk because of gabapentin?
• What other side effects can gabapentin cause in dogs?
• Gabapentin alternatives for dogs

If your dog suddenly starts walking funny, it can be pretty concerning. But it might be a simple side effect of medications like gabapentin (brand names: Horizant, Gralise, Neurontin). An anticonvulsant drug that vets often use for seizures, neuropathic pain, or anxiety, gabapentin for dogs may also cause a loss of balance, coordination, and motor control in the limbs—a condition called ataxia. It’s a fairly common side effect, especially at high doses, but it is important to know what causes it and what to do if it happens. 

Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs?

Any dog owner who sees their four-legged friend wobbling down the hall or falling over might want to know: Can gabapentin cause ataxia in dogs? It sure can. Studies show that sedation and ataxia are commonly reported side effects with higher doses of gabapentin.

Ataxia is a central nervous system condition that manifests as an inability to make normal, voluntary movements, like walking in a straight line. Depending on where it occurs in the central nervous system, it can affect the legs, body, or head. However, the clinical signs include an unsteady gait, awkward motions, muscle weakness, falling, or poor balance. If your dog looks uncharacteristically clumsy, it could have ataxia. 

“Gabapentin works by affecting the central nervous system, which can lead to motor coordination issues in some dogs,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of Howto-pets.com. “This disruption in the communication between the brain and the body can result in ataxia.”

Sometimes, ataxia is only temporary, though. “There may be an adjustment period when starting gabapentin. Some dogs may experience ataxia as a temporary side effect while their bodies adapt to the medication,” Dr. Ochoa says. “But each dog is unique, and their medication response can vary.”

Gabapentin isn’t the only cause of ataxia in dogs. It’s one of several, including metabolic diseases like hypoglycemia, middle and inner ear infections, inflammatory diseases, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, spinal cord issues, head trauma, and brain tumors. 

In one study on humans, 14% of subjects reported ataxia as a side effect of gabapentin. Researchers from four separate studies have observed occasional episodes of ataxia in dogs after gabapentin administration, which makes it one of the drug’s most common side effects. Not all pets will experience ataxia after the use of gabapentin, but some will, so monitor your dog closely for signs. 

What to do if my dog can’t walk because of gabapentin?

First off, try not to panic. An ataxic dog might look like a dire situation, but if the ataxia comes solely from too much gabapentin, the dog should recover. “The first thing to do is to immediately stop giving gabapentin to your dog and contact your veterinarian for further guidance,” says Dr. Ochoa. 

But what should you do in the meantime? Per Dr. Ochoa, “It’s important to stay calm. Your pooch is likely picking up on your emotions, so a soothing voice and gentle petting can reassure them that you’re there to help. They may be confused or afraid if their legs aren’t cooperating, so your comfort can make a big difference.”

Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a Staff Veterinarian Writer at WeLoveDoodles, adds, “Keep your dog in a safe, confined area to prevent injuries from falls. Supportive care, such as helping your dog move, ensuring access to water, and providing a comfortable resting place, can aid their recovery. Your vet may also suggest physical therapy or other interventions to help regain mobility.”

The prescribing veterinarian may recommend adjusting the dog’s dosage of gabapentin since higher doses are more likely than low doses to cause ataxia. In certain cases, the vet might also recommend stopping the medication completely. But this depends on the condition they prescribed it to treat. If your pet has been on gabapentin for a long time, or if gabapentin is being used to treat seizures, your vet may suggest tapering the treatment off since suddenly halting gabapentin may cause seizures. Follow the vet’s directions exactly, and your dog should be fine. 

This recovery isn’t always quick, so Dr. Ochoa says giving your dog extra love, care, and positive reinforcement is important throughout the process. Then, keep an eye on their behavior and health going forward, noting any improvements or setbacks to discuss with the vet. 

It would take a lot of gabapentin for a dog to overdose, and an overdose is rarely fatal, but it’s not impossible. Signs of a gabapentin overdose include severe lethargy, incoordination, diarrhea, and vomiting. Per the American Kennel Club, gabapentin will stay in a dog’s system for around a day. 

What other side effects can gabapentin cause in dogs?

Lethargy and ataxia are two of the most common side effects of gabapentin for dogs, but there are several other, less common ones to know. According to a 2017 questionnaire study, other possible side effects include:

• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Increased sleep
• Increased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight changes

“The effects of gabapentin generally wear off within 24 hours, but this can vary depending on the dog’s metabolism, dosage, and frequency of administration,” according to Dr. Kong. If you notice an adverse reaction in your dog, contact the vet for medical advice. 

Gabapentin alternatives for dogs

Gabapentin is a solid option for many dogs, but it’s not the best option for every dog. Whether your dog has an allergy, the vet recommends against it, or you’re worried about the potential side effects, some other treatment options are available. Which works best for your dog depends on their medical condition.

Chronic pain medication alternatives

Just like for humans, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help provide pain relief in dogs. FDA-approved NSAIDs for dogs include carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, grapiprant, and others. An opioid called tramadol and an antiviral medicine called amantadine are also common for pain management in dogs. 

Anxiety medication alternatives

Dogs with anxiety also often respond well to benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, as well as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft. Trazodone is another common substitute, as is clomipramine.

Seizure medication alternatives

For dogs with epilepsy or other seizure conditions, the Merck Veterinary Manual recommends anti-seizure medications like benzodiazepines (diazepam and clonazepam) or barbiturates (phenobarbital and propofol).  

Natural alternatives

Drugs aren’t the only solution for dogs with chronic pain, anxiety, or even seizures. A study from Cornell University showed that CBD oil or supplements reduce osteoarthritis pain in 80% of canine subjects and reduce anxiety before a stressful event in 83%. Another study showed that dogs who took CBD had a significant reduction in seizure frequency. Tumeric has also shown some effectiveness in treating canine osteoarthritis and degenerative myelopathy.

Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Kong both recommend glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and potentially reduce future pain. They also agree that omega-3 fatty acids can help joints, especially for dogs with inflammatory conditions.