Carprofen and gabapentin for dogs: Uses, dosages, and safety for dogs

In this article:

• What is carprofen used for in dogs?
• What is gabapentin used for in dogs?
• Safety
• Can you take together?
• Dosage
• Alternatives

In this article

• What is carprofen used for in dogs?
• What is gabapentin used for in dogs?
• Safety
• Can you take together?
• Dosage
• Alternatives

Whether it’s from surgery, illness, or running after a rabbit, no one likes to see their canine companion in pain. That’s why veterinarians might send them home with pain meds—including carprofen and gabapentin. Carprofen (brand name: Rimadyl) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can reduce both pain and inflammation, while gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant that works specifically for nerve pain. 

Each of these prescription medications is safe for dogs and can work well on their own—or even together—to treat various conditions.

RELATED: Save up to 80% on Carprofen and gabapentin

What is carprofen used for in dogs?

Carprofen inhibits an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which contributes to inflammation, pain, and fever. Since all three of those symptoms have a range of causes, it’s a pretty versatile drug. Here are a few of the most common conditions it can treat. 

Post-operative pain

Surgery involves cutting tissues, and that can be hard on a dog’s body. So when they wake up from the procedure, they might feel some pain. Plus, the body needs to heal, so the dog may have an inflammatory response at the location of the incision as well. One study on canine ovariohysterectomies showed that carprofen is effective for pain relief in the 72 hours following surgery.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

It’s been estimated that up to 20% of dogs will experience osteoarthritis in their lifetime. It’s a condition that wears down the cartilage cushioning at the ends of the bones, causing pain, limited mobility, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation. In a study on 805 dogs with OA, nearly 50% showed improvement with regular carprofen administration, and 26.7% had improved mobility. However, it’s not a cure for the underlying condition.

Hip dysplasia

This is a deformation of the hip joint that affects around 15.56% of dogs. It’s not always painful, but it can be. In these cases, carprofen might be an option for managing the dog’s discomfort. But like osteoarthritis, it’s not a cure for the actual dysplasia. 

Acute injury

Broken bones, torn ligaments, lacerations, and other wounds can all cause pain and inflammation—as can the stitches, surgeries, or other interventions they might require. Carprofen can help with all of it. 

What is gabapentin used for in dogs?

Gabapentin isn’t technically classified as a pain reliever. Rather, it’s an anticonvulsant that’s thought to inhibit abnormal brain activity, reducing partial seizures and some nerve pain. Here are the most common reasons vets prescribe gabapentin for dogs. 

Seizures

Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological disorder that, according to one study, affects around 1% of the American dog population. But just like in humans, gabapentin can reduce or prevent the seizures that it causes. In a study of eleven dogs with epilepsy, gabapentin significantly reduced the number of seizures per week.

Nerve pain

Neuropathic pain—aka pain that stems from the nervous system—can come from tumors, injuries, or conditions that affect the spinal cord, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). But as a drug for the nervous system, gabapentin has shown effectiveness and safety in treating this type of pain. It’s also commonly prescribed for post-operative pain, especially since it may reduce the need for opioids. 

Anxiety

Noise sensitivity, fear of strangers, hyperactivity, aggression, and inattention are all forms of canine anxiety, and it affects many dogs. One survey found that around 72.5% of dogs show at least one anxiety-induced behavior. Fortunately, gabapentin is typically safe and effective for treating conditions like storm phobia, and one study even showed that 72% of owners reported improvement in their dogs’ behavioral conditions. 

Are Carprofen and gabapentin safe for dogs?

Since carprofen and gabapentin work on different systems in the body, they don’t have any known interactions, making this a safe combination for most dogs. Research has demonstrated that this duo is typically well-tolerated, and might even have less risk of side effects than some other drug combinations.

Neither drug should be prescribed for dogs who are allergic to them, and veterinarians may adjust the dosage for dogs with kidney or liver problems. 

Can dogs take Carprofen and gabapentin together?

Yes. It’s a common combination, especially for chronic pain or nerve pain. “I frequently prescribe both medications together to enhance pain relief without needing higher doses of either, which reduces the risk of side effects like drowsiness (gabapentin) or GI upset (carprofen),” says Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM, founder of PetHealthLove. “They both work well for dogs with moderate to severe pain like arthritis, post-operative pain, and chronic pain.”

Dr. Joanna Herberger, DVM, veterinary consultant at Pet Sprint, adds, “Combining carprofen and gabapentin offers a multimodal approach to pain management. The combination is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, where both inflammation and nerve pain are present.”

Side effects of Carprofen and gabapentin in dogs

According to Dr. Herberger, common side effects of carprofen and gabapentin include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Ataxia 
• Loss of appetite

Both might cause more serious adverse reactions too. These only occur in rare cases, but they’re still possible. The serious side effects of NSAIDs for dogs include:

• Stomach ulcers
• Liver or kidney disease
• Bleeding

And gabapentin’s serious side effects include:

• Severe sedation
• Severe loss of coordination
• Allergic reaction

Pet owners should contact their vet if they notice any signs of either drug’s serious side effects. 

Interactions of Carprofen and gabapentin with other pet meds

There are certain drugs you shouldn’t add to the mix because they’ll interact with carprofen or gabapentin. Carprofen shouldn’t be taken with:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
• Corticosteroids
• Other NSAIDs
• Nephrotoxic medications
• Anticoagulants
• Insulin
• Diuretics
• Cyclosporine

Likewise, gabapentin may interact with:

• Antacids
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• SSRIs
• Antihistamines

CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a canine pain reliever and anti-anxiety treatment. And while it’s typically safe to use with carprofen, it may heighten gabapentin’s sedative side effects. However, “there is not much research on interactions between carprofen and CBD,” Dr. Herberger says. “Similarly, gabapentin and CBD have also not been studied together extensively. Therefore, I recommend seeking vet advice before administering these medications.”

Carprofen and gabapentin dosage for dogs

According to Dr. Ushi, the typical daily dose of gabapentin for dogs is 15 mg/kg every 8–12 hours, and for Carprofen it’s 4 mg/kg per day, given once or divided between two doses. “I usually recommend that it be given with food to minimize stomach irritation,” she says. 

But it can vary depending on several factors. “The veterinarian should carefully determine the dosage of carprofen and gabapentin based on the dog’s weight, age, and overall health,” Dr. Herberger says. “Pet parents must follow the vet’s instructions to avoid complications.”

The dog’s condition might influence the dosage too. For example, standard gabapentin dosage is 10-20 mg/kg every eight hours for seizures, 5-40 mg/kg every 12 hours for nerve pain, and up to 30-50 mg/kg as needed for anxiety. 

Important note: In tablet form, the human version of gabapentin might be safe for dogs, as long as they’re approved by the vet. But it’s extremely important that you never give a dog the human version of oral liquid gabapentin, since the liquid form contains xylitol—an artificial sweetener that’s toxic for dogs.

Can I give my dog Carprofen and gabapentin every day?

In most cases, you’ll give your dog carprofen and gabapentin every day (as directed by the veterinarian). But this isn’t always for long-term use, just until the underlying condition resolves. 

“The treatment duration with carprofen or gabapentin can vary, depending on the medical condition and the individual pet’s response to the medication,” Dr. Herberger says. “A course or carprofen might last from a few days to several weeks, whereas gabapentin treatment can range from a few weeks to longer-term management, especially for chronic conditions like seizures or nerve pain.”

Carprofen and gabapentin alternatives for dogs

If the veterinarian determines this combination isn’t the best option for your dog, you can rest assured that it’s not the only treatment available. Some alternatives include:

• Other NSAIDs: Pain relievers like Galliprant, Deracoxib, Meloxicam, and Firocoxib may work well if the dog can’t have carprofen. 

• Amantadine: This antiviral drug has shown some promise in improving dogs’ mobility. Like gabapentin, it’s commonly prescribed along with an NSAID like carprofen.

• Tramadol: Another human medication sometimes prescribed for chronic pain in dogs, vets might be more careful with it since it’s an opioid. 

• Corticosteroids: Drugs like prednisone are powerful anti-inflammatories, so they may help with inflammation-related pain in dogs. 

• Supplements: Glucosamine and other dietary supplements are a non-medication route that have shown an ability to reduce pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. 

• Physical therapy: Just like physical therapy for humans, canine rehabilitation therapy may help improve a dog’s pain and mobility. One study from 2022 concluded that physiotherapy can also improve dogs’ psychological and emotional well-being. 

• Weight loss: Overweight and obese dogs have more weight to support, which can worsen symptoms of arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

Summary

Veterinarians may prescribe carprofen and gabapentin together for post-operative pain or chronic/severe pain from a condition like canine arthritis, injury, or hip dysplasia. Although they both have side effects and interactions to be aware of, they’re perfectly safe when prescribed by a vet and administered as directed.