We recommend gabapentin prior to any pet’s stay with us as a safe way to make their visit less stressful.

Why do I need to give gabapentin before my pet’s stay? 

Pre-procedure pain control: Your pet will feel better post procedure by having pain control on board beforehand, instead of waiting until they are painful 

Reduces stress and promotes relaxation while your pet is kenneled and waiting for its procedure. Even if your pet is normally very easy going, a busy clinic with other pets can be stressful.

Safety: A more relaxed patient requires less sedative or anesthetic drugs and accepts handling better, making the procedure safer for your pet and our team

 

 When do I give the gabapentin? 

Give the prescribed amount of medication the night before the procedure at meal time and the morning of the procedure, ideally 1-2 hours before drop off. 

 

How do I give the gabapentin in the morning when I am not supposed to be feeding my pet? 

For capsules, cover the medication in just enough peanut butter to coat the outside or hide it in a single, small piece of food (the piece of food should not exceed the size of a blueberry).  

 

What are the common side effects of gabapentin? 

Sleepiness and incoordination can be seen with high doses of gabapentin. Sleepiness is a desired effect in this case, but incoordination is not. If your pet has difficulty walking after the evening dose of gabapentin, give half the morning dose or withhold it. If your pet is sleepier than normal, but can walk normally, administer the morning dose as well.