As a pet owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. If your dog is suffering from pain or anxiety, you may have considered giving them gabapentin or hemp oil.
But can these two medications be used together? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. While some sources say it’s safe to combine the two, others warn against it due to the risk of sedation.
In this article, we’ll explore the topic in-depth and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to give your dog hemp oil with gabapentin.
We’ll cover everything from the benefits and risks of each medication to potential interactions and dosing guidelines. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of canine pain management and anxiety relief.
Can I Give My Dog Hemp Oil With Gabapentin?
Gabapentin and hemp oil are two medications that are commonly used to manage pain and anxiety in dogs. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is often prescribed off-label to treat anxiety and arthritis pain in pets. Hemp oil, on the other hand, is a natural supplement derived from hemp that is often used to help pets with anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
While some sources say it’s safe to give your dog hemp oil with gabapentin, others warn against it due to the risk of sedation. The truth is that there is not enough research on the topic to provide a definitive answer. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any additional medications or supplements.
Understanding Gabapentin And Hemp Oil For Dogs
Gabapentin is a medication that has a large safety margin in dogs and is often prescribed to manage pain and anxiety. It is important to note that gabapentin should never be given in the commercially available liquid form made for humans, as it contains xylitol which is toxic for dogs. Additionally, if your dog regularly takes antacids, it’s important to wait at least two hours after giving the antacid before giving gabapentin, as the antacid can decrease absorption of the medication from the stomach. It’s also crucial to gradually wean your dog off of gabapentin if they have been taking it for a while, as stopping it abruptly can result in rebound pain.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your dog’s body and acts as a natural neuroprotective agent with multiple health benefits. The cannabinoids in hemp oil open up two-way communication between endocannabinoid receptors to allow the body to either increase or decrease the immune response as needed. Hemp oil can also help regulate pain by increasing cannabinoids in the body and restoring balance to the ECS system. However, it’s important to note that large doses of hemp oil can temporarily alter a group of liver enzymes in your pet and may affect how other medications are metabolized in their body.
While gabapentin and hemp oil may be used together to manage pain and anxiety in dogs, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before doing so. The risk of sedation may be increased when these medications are used together, and there may be other potential interactions that are not yet fully understood. As with any medication or supplement, it’s important to follow proper dosing guidelines and monitor your pet closely for any adverse effects.
Benefits Of Gabapentin And Hemp Oil For Dogs
Gabapentin and hemp oil can be used together to help manage pain and anxiety in dogs. Gabapentin is known to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and cancer. It is also used to manage dental pain, neck and back pain, and is currently being studied for its efficacy in pre-emptively treating post-operative pain in dogs. Gabapentin is considered extremely safe for dogs and has the potential to improve their quality of life.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, is a natural supplement derived from hemp that has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation in pets. A study published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that 30 out of 32 dogs with osteoarthritis benefited from supplementation with CBD oil, ending the study with reduced pain scores, improved mobility, and improved quality of life. Additionally, hemp oil has been used to help dogs with situational anxiety such as veterinary visits, grooming appointments, long car rides, thunderstorms and fireworks.
When used together, gabapentin and hemp oil can have a synergistic effect that can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation in dogs. However, it’s important to start with smaller doses of each and monitor your pet for side effects and any changes in behavior. It’s also important to speak to your vet about any potential drug interactions that could occur when taken together.
Risks Associated With Gabapentin And Hemp Oil Use In Dogs
There are several risks associated with the use of gabapentin and hemp oil in dogs. One of the main concerns is the increased risk of sedation when these two medications are used together. This can be particularly dangerous if your dog is already prone to drowsiness or if they are taking other medications that can cause sedation.
Another risk associated with gabapentin use in dogs is the potential for withdrawal seizures if the medication is stopped abruptly. This can be a serious concern for dogs with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when it comes to tapering off gabapentin use in your dog.
When it comes to hemp oil, there is limited research on its safety and efficacy in dogs. While some studies have shown that it can be beneficial for managing pain and anxiety, there is still much that is not known about its effects on dogs. Additionally, because hemp oil is not regulated by the FDA, it can be difficult to know exactly what you are giving your dog and how much of it to give.
Finally, there is the potential for drug interactions between gabapentin and hemp oil, as well as other medications or supplements that your dog may be taking. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian about any potential interactions and to monitor your dog closely for any signs of adverse reactions.
Potential Interactions Between Gabapentin And Hemp Oil
It is important to note that gabapentin and hemp oil may have potential interactions that could lead to adverse effects in dogs. Both medications have sedative properties, and when used together, they may increase the risk of sedation, drowsiness, and impaired motor coordination in dogs.
Additionally, hemp oil may inhibit the metabolism of some medications through interactions with cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. While gabapentin is not metabolized by these enzymes, it’s possible that other medications your dog may be taking could be affected by hemp oil.
It’s also important to consider the quality and purity of the hemp oil being used. Some hemp oils may contain THC, which can be toxic to dogs in high doses. It’s crucial to choose a high-quality hemp oil that has been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Dosage Guidelines For Giving Your Dog Gabapentin And Hemp Oil
When it comes to giving your dog gabapentin and hemp oil together, it’s important to follow dosage guidelines to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The dosage of gabapentin for your dog will be determined by your veterinarian, as it is a prescription drug. The generally prescribed dose ranges for seizures are 4.5 to 13.6 mg per pound of your dog’s weight every 8-12 hours, while for pain, it is 1.4 – 5 mg per pound of your dog’s weight every 8-12 hours.
As for hemp oil, most CBD companies recommend a dose of 0.1mg to 0.2mg per pound of body weight for dogs. However, many holistic vets frequently prescribe higher doses. It’s best to start with smaller doses of each medication and monitor your pet for side effects and any changes in behavior. You can begin with 3mg of CBD for every 10 lbs of weight for cats, and for small dogs, you can start with the HempRx Soft Chewz or the HempRx oil. If your pup is 20 lb or larger, you can use the HempRx Forte to save money.
It’s important to note that finding the correct dosage for your dog may take experimentation, as there are many individual variations and factors to consider. Gabapentin formulations are available in three different forms – capsules, tablets, and compounded liquid – and can be given with or without food. If your pet has a sensitive tummy and is prone to vomiting and diarrhea when given meds on an empty stomach, give the Gabapentin dose before feeding.
When discontinuing your dog from gabapentin or hemp oil, do not stop the medication suddenly as it may trigger withdrawal symptoms or rebound pain. The vet will help create the best plan for weaning your dog off in terms of decreased dose and administration frequency. To be safe, especially if using CBD for long term use, don’t go over the maximum medicinal dose listed in the chart provided by your veterinarian without talking to them first.
Alternatives To Gabapentin And Hemp Oil For Canine Pain And Anxiety Management
If you’re looking for alternatives to gabapentin and hemp oil for managing your dog’s pain and anxiety, there are several options available. One option is to continue using joint supplements like Dasuquin. These supplements support healthy joints without any dangerous side effects to the liver.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided due to their metabolism in the liver. Tramadol is a pain medicine that has been helpful with dogs that have liver or kidney compromise. It is not anti-inflammatory, but it can be an option when liver problems limit the pain medicine choices.
Another medication that can be effective for managing chronic pain is Adequan. It is created from the cartilage of cows and inhibits enzymes that break down and inflame cartilage while enhancing enzymes that build up and heal cartilage. The biggest drawback is the route of administration and cost, as it requires injections at least once or twice a week for the first four weeks.
In addition to medication, there are also natural remedies that can help manage pain and anxiety in dogs. Compression products such as a compression shirt or jacket can apply gentle and constant pressure to your dog’s torso, releasing calming hormones like oxytocin and endorphins.
Finally, there are alternative therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, physical therapy, and rehabilitation that can be effective in managing pain and anxiety in dogs. It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your dog’s individual needs.
