the gabapentin/traz combo has made my dog so much better to live with. he’s still reactive, but can be worked with and snuggled. before that he was just constantly manic. I know it can be scary to medicate your dog, but it’s absolutely worth it if it makes the pup more comfortable. The tips and advice here cannot replace a qualified certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist - if you are struggling please consider these resources for your dog. Everyone is welcome. A reactive dog is not required to join, but please keep discussions and posts focused on dog reactivity. I’ll also add that sometimes our reactive dogs don’t get enough sleep and the gabapentin is helping him get much needed rest. I know it’s hard when they don’t seem well or different from what your used to but depending on where you are with you training, you may find your dog reacting less and thresholds changing when he is awake When dogs are overtly reactive—or, in the language of dog training, over threshold —they are physiologically aroused, which involves both the autonomic (fight or flight instinct) and endocrine (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis up-regulation) systems. In these cases, there is rarely any middle ground—the dog will move rapidly from a The tips and advice here cannot replace a qualified certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist - if you are struggling please consider these resources for your dog. Everyone is welcome. A reactive dog is not required to join, but please keep discussions and posts focused on dog reactivity. 2. How do SSRIs help with dog reactivity? 3. Is medication a standalone solution for reactivity? 4. How long does it take for medication to work for a reactive dog? 5. What are the potential side effects of anxiety medications for dogs? 6. Can CBD oil help calm a reactive dog? 7. Can Gabapentin help with aggressive behavior? 8. My sister's dog and my current foster are in the 30-40# range and have been told by different vets that 400 mg of gabapentin is fine every 8 hours for super high anxiety and reactive behavior. My 85# pittie takes 300 mg 2x per day, more for pain but it has helped with reactivity too. Additionally, gabapentin may help to increase the threshold for anxiety-inducing stimuli, making dogs less reactive to triggers that would typically cause distress. When compared to other anti-anxiety medications for dogs, gabapentin offers several advantages. My dog tried gabapentin for anti-anxiety and also for his neuter before, but he was still so hyper and I saw absolutely no difference in his behavior, and he was taking 300mg dosage. Is this common or has anyone else’s dog not reacted to Gabapentin? Gabapentin is an anti-seizure and pain medication that veterinarians typically use in combination with other medications, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and opioids, to treat seizures and chronic pain, primarily nerve pain. Gabapentin’s calming and sedative effects can help dogs feel more relaxed in high-stress situations, making it a good option for dogs with generalized anxiety or noise phobias. To use Gabapentin for anxiety, it’s typically given 1-2 hours before the anxiety-inducing event. Gabapentin can treat and reduce the frequency of seizures and is commonly used as an anticonvulsant to treat or prevent seizures in dogs. Gabapentin may also be used to provide pain relief for dogs, particularly when other medications have proved ineffective or are not well tolerated. We used gabapentin and trazodone when we got our reactive dog and have had mixed results. The gabapentin definitely made her groggy at first, but now we have difficulty seeing much difference when we use it, positive or negative. We basically started using it only for stressful events, like vet visits or trainings. Benefits and Uses of Gabapentin for Dogs. Gabapentin (brand names: Neurontin®, Neurostil®, Gantin®, Gabarone®, Gralise®, Progresse®, Aclonium®, and Equipax®) can be used to treat various conditions and issues. Let’s explain the most popular Gabapentin uses. Gabapentin for Seizure Control. The risk for worsening in these dogs is nontrivial. Even the mildest signs should be treated if a dog has any history of reacting to noises. 6 Clients may insist that they can simply hold the dog while it pants and shakes or that the dog calms itself by hiding in the closet. In fact, these patients are suffering and need behavioral medication. Gabapentin has anticonvulsant properties that make it beneficial for adjunctive therapy for dogs with refractory seizures or those whose current medication regime is no longer effective enough. Gabapentin is also an analgesic, meaning it provides relief for chronic pain and neuropathic pain. Gabapentin can be helpful for preclinical sedation, either alone or in combination with other anxiolytics or sedatives. It can help reduce anxiety and fear-based aggressive behaviors in dogs Originally developed as an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication for humans, gabapentin is commonly prescribed to dogs for pain relief, anxiety, or seizures. Like many human medications, Any gabapentin experience to share would be great. We’ve tried around 5 or 10 different meds, both acute and long term. Gabapentin has not only been one of the most effective led we’ve tried, but my dog seems to actually enjoy being on it (subjective, but call it an owners intuition). When dealing with a reactive dog, finding the right sedative can be a game-changer, offering much-needed relief for both the dog and their owner. The ideal sedative isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it depends on the severity of the reactivity , the specific triggers , and the individual dog’s response to medication .
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