Gabapentin and Meloxicam are medications used to manage chronic pain in dogs. Pain in dogs comes from various illnesses, particularly illnesses related to bones and joints. both drugs that can help reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis in dogs.
Proper usage of Gabapentin and Meloxicam for dogs can help put dogs in the best health condition. Poor or wrong usage can cause complications that will greatly impair the health of the dog.
This article will provide a general understanding of the usage and dosage of Gabapentin and Meloxicam for dogs as well as the possible side effects and interactions with other drugs used alongside, before, or after the medication.
Gabapentin and Meloxicam Usage For Dogs
Gabapentin is widely used to alleviate pains in dogs. It can also be used to treat seizures in dogs. Although it is used in humans as an anti-seizure medication, it has been prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of nerve pains. Gabapentin is marketed under the brand names Aclonium, Neurontin, Neurostil, Equipax, Gantin, Gralise, Progresse, Gabarone
Gabapentin for dogs works by inhibiting the transmission of signals between nerve cells in the brain. It calms the dog’s nerve activity to reduce seizure intensity or occurrence. Gabapentin relieves pain in dogs by changing the way the dog senses pain.
Meloxicam, on the other hand, is an FDA-approved, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs. Meloxicam is usually prescribed after surgery is carried out on a dog for the treatment of pains associated with the surgical procedures. It is also used for the treatment of bone problems like osteoarthritis in dogs. Meloxicam is an effective painkiller for dogs.
Meloxicam for dogs is marketed under the brand names Metacam, Rheumocam, Loxicom, and OroCAM,). Meloxicam is a prescription medication for any joint problem like arthritis in dogs as well as enhances the overall mobility of dogs. Meloxicam for dogs works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins that can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Gabapentin and Meloxicam Dosage For Dogs
Gabapentin and Meloxicam are an oral medication. Gabapentin for dogs is available in 100-milligram and 300-milligram capsules. The recommended Gabapentin dosage for dogs varies with the targeted treatment.
If you are using Gabapentin for dog pain treatment, give it 5 mg per kg of the dog’s weight every 12 hours. The recommended gabapentin dosage for a dog’s seizure treatment is 10 mg per kg twice daily. Gabapentin can be given to dogs with or without food and it is best given to dogs inside soft food or a treat. Gabapentin starts working after a few hours of ingestion. The treatment lasts for up to 5 days for completed wellness.
The recommended meloxicam dosage for dogs is 0.045mg per pound body weight once daily. Meloxicam for dogs starts working after about 7-8 hours after ingestion. However, the complete treatment schedule should last for 3-5 days.
Gabapentin and Meloxicam interaction with other drugs
Prior to administering any of Gabapentin and Meloxicam to your dogs, it is important to consider the medications the dogs have taken or intended to be taken alongside Gabapentin and Meloxicam.
For instance, Antacids are notable for interfering with gabapentin’s absorption in the guy. This renders Gabapentin less effective for its intended use. Also, opioids are known to alter the metabolism of gabapentin.
Similarly, drugs like anesthetics, certain antibiotics (gentamicin and amikacin), anticoagulants ( heparin, warfarin), diuretics ( furosemide), antifungals ( fluconazole), and immunosuppressive drugs (methotrexate, cyclosporine) have shown negative effects when used with Meloxicam.
Gabapentin and Meloxicam For Dogs Side Effects
Dogs experience different side effects when given any of Gabapentin and Meloxicam. Gabapentin is well tolerated by dogs, however, sedation, imbalance posture, and walking, are the common side effects of gabapentin in dogs. Meloxicam is safe for dogs; its side effects in dogs include gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, soft stools, and lack of appetite.
Read more: Diabetic Dogs Treatment: Feeding Guide, Food Calculator & Care
End Notes
Both Gabapentin and Meloxicam are used for the treatment of pain in dogs. Both drugs are prescription medications, meaning they require a veterinarian’s prescription before you can purchase them. You should consult your vet before giving either drug to your dog, as they can have side effects on some dogs. Gabapentin is also sometimes used to treat seizures in dogs, but it is not commonly prescribed for this purpose.