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Anticonvulsant / Analgesic · For Dogs

Gabapentin dosage reference for dogs (Neurontin)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 10 mg per kg (4.54 mg per lb), with every 8-12 hours recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
8-12 hours
Class
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Gabapentin (often known by brand names such as Neurontin and Gralise) is an anticonvulsant / analgesic commonly used in veterinary medicine for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, seizures, and anxiety. Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Gabapentin is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Gabapentin dose for dogs is around 10 mg/kg every 8-12 hours, within a usual range of 5-20 mg/kg. Available forms include capsule, tablet, and liquid.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Gabapentin Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Gabapentin dose from the 10 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Gabapentin amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Neurontin weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Lower Reference Standard Reference Upper Reference Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 11.5 mg 23.0 mg 46.0 mg every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 22.5 mg 45.0 mg 90.0 mg (100mg tablet) every 8-12 hours
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 34.0 mg 68.0 mg 136.0 mg every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 45.5 mg 91.0 mg (100mg tablet) 182.0 mg (2 × 100mg) every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 56.5 mg 113.0 mg (100mg tablet) 226.0 mg every 8-12 hours
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 68.0 mg 136.0 mg 272.0 mg every 8-12 hours
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 90.5 mg (100mg tablet) 181.0 mg (2 × 100mg) 362.0 mg every 8-12 hours
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 113.5 mg (100mg tablet) 227.0 mg 454.0 mg every 8-12 hours
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 136.0 mg 272.0 mg 544.0 mg every 8-12 hours
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 158.5 mg 317.0 mg (3 × 100mg) 634.0 mg every 8-12 hours
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 181.5 mg (2 × 100mg) 363.0 mg 726.0 mg every 8-12 hours
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 204.0 mg (2 × 100mg) 408.0 mg (4 × 100mg) 816.0 mg (8 × 100mg) every 8-12 hours
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 227.0 mg 454.0 mg 908.0 mg (9 × 100mg) every 8-12 hours
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 272.0 mg 544.0 mg 1088.0 mg (11 × 100mg) every 8-12 hours
150 lbs (68 kg) 340.0 mg 680.0 mg (7 × 100mg) 1360.0 mg every 8-12 hours

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Neurontin reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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What the 10 mg/kg Reference Does—and Does Not—Mean

The calculator applies one standard value inside the broader 5–20 mg/kg range recorded on this page. It does not choose among pain control, seizure support, or event-related anxiety. Those uses may involve different timing, repeat schedules, monitoring, and tapering decisions even for dogs of the same weight.

The exact product matters. Human liquid gabapentin may contain xylitol, so a milligram calculation is not enough to make an unverified liquid safe. Capsules, tablets, and compounded liquids can also have different strengths. Confirm the concentration on the dispensed label rather than converting between products yourself.

Sleepiness or wobbliness can occur, but sedation is not proof that the dose is correct. Ask the prescribing veterinarian what effect is expected, when to hold a dose, and whether other sedating medicines change the plan.

How to Give Gabapentin to Your Dog

Follow the dispensed label on whether to give the prescribed gabapentin formulation with food. Do not substitute an unverified human liquid because concentrations and inactive ingredients vary and some products may contain xylitol. If gabapentin is part of seizure care, do not change or stop the schedule without the prescribing veterinarian.

It is generally recommended to give Gabapentin with food to help reduce stomach upset. It may interact with antacids (reduce absorption), hydrocodone, morphine, and other CNS depressants.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include sedation, ataxia (wobbliness), lethargy, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can occur, such as severe sedation, depression, loss of coordination, and rebound seizures if stopped abruptly.

Cautions · 12

When Neurontin should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Neurontin, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Neurontin.

  • severe kidney disease
  • known hypersensitivity

Interactions · 13

Neurontin drug interactions

Neurontin can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

antacids (reduce absorption)
hydrocodone
morphine
other CNS depressants

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

  • In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
  • For pregnant or nursing pets
  • For very young or very old dogs
  • For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
  • For pets taking several medications at once
  • When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
  • For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Neurontin, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  • Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

How much gabapentin can I give my dog?
The typical dose of gabapentin for dogs is 5-10 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 8-12 hours. For pain management, doses up to 20 mg/kg may be used. Your vet will determine the right dose based on your dog's condition, weight, and other medications.
Can gabapentin kill a dog?
Gabapentin has a wide safety margin in dogs, and fatal overdoses are rare. However, extremely high doses can cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, and dangerously low blood pressure. The bigger risk is with liquid formulations containing xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
What are the side effects of gabapentin in dogs?
The most common side effects are sedation and wobbliness (ataxia), especially when first starting the medication or after a dose increase. These effects usually diminish over a few days as the dog adjusts. Less common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
Can I stop giving my dog gabapentin suddenly?
If your dog takes gabapentin for seizures, you should never stop abruptly — sudden discontinuation can trigger rebound seizures. For pain management, your vet may still recommend a gradual taper to avoid any withdrawal effects. Always consult your vet before changing the dosing schedule.
Does gabapentin make dogs sleepy?
Yes, sedation is the most common side effect of gabapentin in dogs. Most dogs become noticeably drowsy, especially during the first few days of treatment. This sedation typically decreases over time as the dog develops tolerance to this effect.
How long does gabapentin take to work in dogs?
For sedation and anxiety relief, gabapentin usually begins working within 1-2 hours of a dose, which is why it is often given 1-2 hours before a stressful event such as a vet visit. When used for chronic or neuropathic pain, the full benefit is more gradual and may take a week or two of consistent dosing to become apparent. If you are not seeing the expected effect, talk to your vet rather than increasing the dose on your own.
How long does gabapentin last in dogs?
A single dose of gabapentin typically lasts about 8-12 hours in dogs, which is why it is usually given every 8-12 hours. The exact duration varies with the dose and the individual dog, including age and kidney function, since gabapentin is cleared by the kidneys. Follow the dosing interval your vet sets rather than re-dosing early.
How much gabapentin to give a dog for pain vs seizures vs anxiety?
Gabapentin dosing depends on the purpose. For seizures and general use it is commonly dosed around 5-10 mg/kg every 8-12 hours, while chronic or neuropathic pain may call for higher doses up to about 20 mg/kg. For situational anxiety it is often given as a single dose 1-2 hours before the stressful event within that same range. Because the right dose depends on your dog's condition, weight, and other medications, your vet will set it.
How much gabapentin to give a 10 lb dog?
A 10 lb dog (about 4.5 kg) would receive roughly 45 mg of gabapentin at the standard 10 mg/kg dose, given every 8-12 hours. Since the smallest common capsule is 100 mg, small dogs are often prescribed a compounded formulation so the dose can be measured accurately. Confirm the exact dose and formulation with your vet.
How much gabapentin to give a 25 lb dog?
A 25 lb dog (about 11.3 kg) would receive roughly 113 mg of gabapentin at the standard 10 mg/kg dose, close to one 100 mg capsule, given every 8-12 hours. For pain, a vet may prescribe a higher amount within the 5-20 mg/kg range. Always confirm the dose with your vet.
How much gabapentin to give a 50 lb dog?
A 50 lb dog (about 22.7 kg) would receive roughly 227 mg of gabapentin at the standard 10 mg/kg dose, often given as two 100 mg capsules or one 300 mg capsule depending on what your vet prescribes, every 8-12 hours. For chronic pain the dose may be higher within the 5-20 mg/kg range. Confirm the exact dose with your vet.
How much gabapentin to give a 75 lb dog?
A 75 lb dog (about 34 kg) would receive roughly 340 mg of gabapentin at the standard 10 mg/kg dose, close to one 300 mg capsule, given every 8-12 hours. Larger or pain-management doses may go higher within the 5-20 mg/kg range. Your vet will set the exact capsule size and dose.
How much gabapentin to give a 100 lb dog?
A 100 lb dog (about 45 kg) would receive roughly 450 mg of gabapentin at the standard 10 mg/kg dose, often given as a 400 mg capsule plus a smaller amount, or as the dose your vet prescribes, every 8-12 hours. For chronic pain the per-dose amount may be higher within the 5-20 mg/kg range. Always confirm the exact dose with your vet.
Can I give my dog human gabapentin?
Gabapentin capsules and tablets made for humans contain the same active ingredient and are commonly prescribed for dogs by veterinarians. However, you should never use the human liquid (oral solution) form, because it often contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Only give human gabapentin to your dog if your vet has prescribed it and confirmed the dose, and never the xylitol-containing liquid.
What should I do if I miss a dose of gabapentin?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and resume the normal schedule, never double up to catch up. For dogs taking gabapentin for seizures, missed doses are more concerning because consistency matters; call your vet if you have missed multiple doses or if your dog has a seizure.
Is wobbliness or ataxia normal in dogs on gabapentin?
Mild wobbliness (ataxia) and loss of coordination are common, especially when first starting gabapentin or after a dose increase, and they usually ease within a few days as your dog adjusts. However, severe loss of coordination, an inability to stand or walk, or extreme sedation are not normal; contact your vet if you see them, as the dose may need to be lowered.
How long can my dog stay on gabapentin?
Gabapentin can be used long-term in dogs, and many dogs with chronic pain or seizures take it for months or years under veterinary supervision. Dogs on long-term gabapentin should have periodic vet checkups, particularly to monitor kidney function since the drug is cleared by the kidneys. Never stop long-term gabapentin abruptly, especially if it is used for seizures, because that can trigger rebound seizures; taper under your vet's guidance.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Neurontin. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses
chronic pain, neuropathic pain, seizures, anxiety
Recorded forms
capsule, tablet, liquid
Reference timing
every 8-12 hours; onset 1-2 hours; duration 8-12 hours

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

  • Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
  • Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
  • Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
  • Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

severe kidney disease; known hypersensitivity.

Recorded interactions

antacids (reduce absorption); hydrocodone; morphine; other CNS depressants.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

For Cats

Looking for Gabapentin dosage for cats?

View the Gabapentin dosage chart and calculator for cats.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 10 mg per kg (4.54 mg per lb) of body weight, given every 8-12 hours. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner
Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status
Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Safety · 10

More resources