Can gabapentin and trazodone be used together for dogs?

In this article:

• What are gabapentin and trazodone used for in dogs?
• Is it safe to use gabapentin and trazodone together for dogs? 
• Gabapentin and trazodone dosage for dogs 
• Gabapentin and trazodone alternatives for dogs
• The bottom line

In this article

• What are gabapentin and trazodone used for in dogs?
• Is it safe to use gabapentin and trazodone together for dogs? 
• Gabapentin and trazodone dosage for dogs 
• Gabapentin and trazodone alternatives for dogs
• The bottom line

Gabapentin is a drug used in humans to treat seizures and is prescribed off-label to dogs for pain management, as well as anxiety. Trazodone is an anti-depressant used in humans to treat depression and has a sedating effect on dogs. If you have a dog who’s experiencing pain, anxiety, or a combination of the two, you might be wondering if you can use gabapentin and trazodone for dogs.

Yes. Gabapentin and trazodone together for dogs is a safe and effective way to help with both pain and anxiety. “These medications can work synergistically to manage both pain and anxiety, providing a more comprehensive approach to treatment,” says Sabrina Kong, DVM, veterinarian at WeLoveDoodles. “However, as with any medication regimen, it’s essential to closely monitor your dog for any adverse effects.”

What are gabapentin and trazodone used for in dogs?

The main uses for gabapentin and trazodone in dogs are the treatment of pain (chronic pain or acute pain) and anxiety.

Gabapentin is a seizure medication that can be prescribed to dogs as a pain medication. “It is also used by many vets (including me) for post-operative, more acute pain,” says Mathieu Glassman, MBA, VMD, DACVS, veterinary surgeon and founder and CEO of Dr. Cuddles. “Some will also use it as a sedative.”

On the other hand, trazodone is used mainly for its sedative and anti-anxiety effects, Dr. Glassman says. “I describe it to owners as a fast-acting Prozac for their pet,” he says. “It is useful for treating anxiety-related conditions in dogs, such as separation anxiety, or for calming dogs during stressful situations like veterinary visits or thunderstorms.” It’s also often used after surgery to reduce a pet’s activity level so that they can rest and recover after the surgery, he adds.

Several studies show the effectiveness of each of these medications on their own. For example, a 2014 study found that trazodone was effective at helping dogs remain calm and sedated while recovering from orthopedic surgery. Likewise, a 2022 study found that the use of gabapentin significantly decreased signs of stress in dogs, as compared to a placebo.

Still, there aren’t many studies that look at how gabapentin and trazodone work together for dogs. One promising 2022 study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research looked primarily at electroretinographic (ERG) responses in dogs. They found that when dogs were given a combination of trazodone and gabapentin, significant decreases in ERG wave amplitudes were found. Of note, the authors suggest that gabapentin and trazodone are effective ways to treat anxiety in dogs before performing ERGs.

Is it safe to use gabapentin and trazodone together for dogs? 

The safety of gabapentin and trazodone together for dogs hasn’t been studied extensively. However, another assuring take-home message of the 2022 study from the American Journal of Veterinary Research study was that using gabapentin and trazodone together had no adverse effects on the dogs.

The other good news is that many veterinarians use gabapentin and trazodone in combination in dogs without safety concerns. “It is very safe for us to use gabapentin and trazodone together,” says Dr. Glassman.

Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian at Betterpet, shares a similar sentiment. “Yes, it is safe to use both gabapentin trazodone together in dogs,” he assures, saying that doing so is a usual protocol among veterinarians. “These drugs are commonly used for the ‘Chill Protocol’ to help anxious dogs with veterinary or grooming visits,” Dr. Alleyne shares.

Side effects of gabapentin and trazodone in dogs 

According to Dr. Kong, common trazodone and gabapentin for dogs side effects include:

• Sedation
• Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
• Gastrointestinal upset

While rare, serious side effects include:

• Severe lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Serious changes in behavior

“If any of these severe side effects occur, it is essential to contact your vet immediately,” Dr. Kong says. “Pet owners should also be vigilant for signs of allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives, which would necessitate immediate veterinary attention.” 

Interactions of gabapentin and trazodone with other pet meds 

Is it okay to take gabapentin and trazodone along with other pet meds you are giving your dog? The answer is that it depends on which medication you are considering, along with your dog’s overall health.

Dr. Kong says your best bet is to reach out to your vet. “Gabapentin and trazodone can interact with other medications, so it’s very important to inform your veterinarian of all the medicines and supplements your dog is taking,” she says. “Combining these drugs with other central nervous system depressants, for example, can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.”

Many dog owners wonder, in particular, if it’s safe to combine gabapentin and trazodone with CBD products for dogs. Taking these two medications with any medication that causes sedation, such as certain CBD products, can cause a cumulative sedative effect that may be concerning for pet owners, Dr. Glassman says. But he doesn’t think the reaction would be particularly worrisome. “I would not expect this to be a life-threatening sedation if given within the appropriate dose range,” Dr. Glassman assures.

Gabapentin and trazodone dosage for dogs 

According to Dr. Alleyne, the average gabapentin and trazodone for dogs dosage is:

• Trazodone at 5 mg/ kg
• Gabapentin at 10 mg/kg

“Dosages may need to be adjusted based on breed, weight, and primary cause of anxiety,” Dr. Alleyne remarks.

Dr. Glassman says that for pain relief, you can administer gabapentin at 10 mg/kg at a frequency of about two to three times per day. For neuropathic pain, you can go as high as 40 mg/kg, he says, with the consent of your vet. Trazodone for anxiety can be given at 5-8 mg/kg, two to three times a day, Dr. Glassman says. “I will go up to 10 mg/kg as part of pre-visit therapy,” he notes.

Both trazodone and gabapentin are given in the human form, as there is no specially formulated pet form of these drugs. Trazodone and gabapentin are both used on an off-label or extra-label basis, as they are only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in humans.

Can dogs overdose on gabapentin or trazodone?

As with any drug, you can take too much of gabapentin or trazodone. “A dog can overdose on these two medications if they are given too high of a dose,” says Dr. Alleyne. “Signs of overdose include extreme sedation or lethargy.” You should contact your vet if you notice these or any concerning symptoms.

Dr. Kong says gabapentin should be dosed at no more than 20 mg/kg every 8-12 hours, and trazodone should be dosed at 2-16 mg/kg every 8-24 hours. Dr. Kong explains that the dosage of these drugs depends on the severity of the condition being treated and your dog’s size, weight, and health needs.

Can I give my dog gabapentin and trazodone every day?

 Depending on what’s causing the pain, some dogs need to take gabapentin for several weeks or months until their pain decreases. Trazodone is often taken daily, but it can also be used as needed in certain situations, such as when your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or is afraid of a thunderstorm.

Dr. Alleyne says that combining these two on a long-term basis is usually not recommended because of their sedative effects, though they certainly can be given individually. Dr. Kong explains that combining these medications daily may be necessary in certain situations. “But it is crucial to follow your veterinarian’s guidance on dosing and frequency to avoid potential overdose,” Dr. Kong describes.

How to give your dog gabapentin and trazodone

Here are some tips for administering these two medication for your dog, as per Dr. Kong:

• Gabapentin and trazodone can be taken with or without food, but giving them with food may help reduce the risk of tummy upset
• If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule
• Don’t ever double up on doses

Dr. Glassman recommends that pet owners use peanut butter, cheese, or anything that can hide the pill for administering doses. “They do not taste great, so unless you have a dog that is a little insane about eating things (as I do), you will likely need to coat it in something tasty,” he says.

As for whether gabapentin and trazodone need to be tapered before discontinuing, Dr. Glassman states that there is no need to taper either drug.

Gabapentin and trazodone alternatives for dogs

According to the veterinarians we consulted, the following gabapentin and trazodone alternatives are options to consider and talk to your dog’s vet about:

• Using trazodone with acepromazine
• Using different anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines
• Using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Melatonin to assist with sedation
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief 

The bottom line

Gabapentin and trazodone are usually given together in dogs who are experiencing anxiety and pain. For example, they are commonly given together to calm a dog before a vet visit and help them recover from surgery. Research has found that it’s safe to take these two medications together. Keep in mind that every dog is different, so you should talk to your vet before giving your dog these two drugs together.