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

In this article:

• What is carprofen used for in dogs?
• What is gabapentin used for in dogs?
• Are carprofen and gabapentin safe for dogs?
• Can dogs take carprofen and gabapentin together?
• Carprofen and gabapentin dosage for dogs
• Carprofen and gabapentin alternatives for dogs

In this article

• What is carprofen used for in dogs?
• What is gabapentin used for in dogs?
• Are carprofen and gabapentin safe for dogs?
• Can dogs take carprofen and gabapentin together?
• Carprofen and gabapentin dosage for dogs
• Carprofen and gabapentin alternatives for dogs

Veterinarians may prescribe carprofen and gabapentin in dogs to relieve pain. Individually, they work very differently and are appropriate for some types of pain but not others. Carprofen (generic for Rimadyl) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen, which reduces both pain and inflammation. Gabapentin (generic for Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant that works specifically for nerve pain. However, treating pain is complex and individualized, so veterinarians may prescribe both at the same time. Both carprofen and gabapentin are safe for dogs, either alone or together.

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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. 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 surgery. 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 of 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

Hip dysplasia 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. Veterinarians typically use gabapentin for pain as an add-on to other pain relievers, but it can be used as a sole therapy. Below are the most common reasons vets prescribe gabapentin for dogs. 

Seizures

Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological disorder that 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 11 dogs with epilepsy, gabapentin significantly reduced the number of seizures per week.

Nerve pain

Neuropathic pain, which is pain that stems from the nervous system, can come from tumors, injuries, or conditions that affect the spinal cord, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). 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, which 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 thunderstorm 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 a lower risk of side effects than some other drug combinations.

Neither drug should be prescribed for dogs who are allergic to them. 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 Georgina Ushi, DVM, a veterinarian based in West Chapel, Florida. “They both work well for dogs with moderate to severe pain like arthritis, post-operative pain, and chronic pain.”

Side effects of carprofen and gabapentin in dogs

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

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 (drugs that cause kidney damage)
• Anticoagulants
• Insulin
• Diuretics
• Cyclosporine

Likewise, gabapentin may interact with: 

• Antacids
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Other drugs that cause sedation, like opioids, benzodiazepines, and 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 a lack of research on interactions between carprofen and CBD, as well as between gabapentin and CBD. Consult your veterinarian before you combine either drug with CBD.   

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 the carprofen dose for dogs by weight is 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 the gabapentin and carprofen for dogs doses can vary depending on several factors. Your veterinarian will consider your dog’s weight, age, and overall health when determining the right dose of gabapentin and carprofen for your dog. 

The dog’s condition might influence the dosage, too. For example, standard gabapentin dosage for dogs is 10–20 mg/kg every eight hours for seizures, 5–40 mg/kg every 12 hours for nerve pain, and up to 30–60 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 carprofen isn’t always for long-term use, just until the underlying condition resolves. Overall, the length of time your dog can take carprofen or gabapentin depends on factors such as the dog’s response and the condition being treated. 

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 (grapiprant), 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: Administering glucosamine and other dietary supplements is a non-medication route that has 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.

Bottom line

Veterinarians may prescribe carprofen and gabapentin together for post-operative pain or chronic or 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 safe when prescribed by a vet and administered as directed.