Is Gabapentin and CBD Oil Safe for Dogs? Combining for Pain Relief.

FOR DOG Charlie 07/03/2025 0 Comments

Is Gabapentin and CBD Oil Safe for Dogs? Combining for Pain Relief.

Okay, here's my personal experience with gabapentin and CBD oil for my dog:

So, my old boy, Buster (he's a Golden Retriever, about 12 years old now), started having some serious mobility issues. He'd been slowing down for a while, but it got to the point where he was really struggling to get up the stairs, and even short walks were a chore. He was clearly in pain, and it broke my heart to see him like that.

The Vet Visit

First things first, I took him to the vet. After a thorough check-up and some x-rays, the vet diagnosed him with arthritis, pretty common in older dogs, especially larger breeds. She prescribed gabapentin for the pain. She said it's often used for nerve pain, but it can also help with general arthritis discomfort.

Starting Gabapentin

We started Buster on the gabapentin, and I carefully followed the vet's instructions on dosage. I made sure to give it to him with food, as I'd read that could help with absorption and minimize any tummy upset. At first, I didn't notice a huge difference, maybe a little less stiffness, but he was still clearly uncomfortable. I was diligent, though, and kept up with the prescribed dose.

I gave it a few days, it made him a little sleepy.

Adding CBD Oil

I'd heard about CBD oil for dogs and had done some reading online. It seemed like a lot of people had success using it for pain and inflammation, so I decided to ask the vet about it. I made sure to emphasize that I only wanted to use it alongside the gabapentin, not instead of it. I'd read enough to know that suddenly stopping gabapentin can be dangerous.

My vet was okay with it, gave the go-ahead, after that I started giving the oil to my dog.

Combining the Two

I started giving Buster the CBD oil in the morning along with his breakfast and gabapentin. I used a dropper to put the oil directly into his mouth – he wasn't thrilled about the taste, but he tolerated it. I made sure to use a CBD oil specifically formulated for dogs, and I started with a very low dose, just a couple of drops.

Observing the Effects

First Few Days: Honestly, I didn't see a dramatic change immediately. I know these things can take time, so I stayed patient.
After a Week: I started noticing a bit more pep in his step. He seemed a little more eager to go for walks, and he wasn't quite as stiff when getting up.
After Two Weeks: This is when I really saw a difference. He was moving much better, and he even started playing with his favorite squeaky toy again, something he hadn't done in months! He was still a bit slow on the stairs, but he was managing them much more easily.

The Result

It's been a few months now, and the combination of gabapentin and CBD oil has made a big difference for Buster. He's not a puppy again, of course, but he's much more comfortable and mobile. He's enjoying his walks, playing a bit more, and generally seems happier. I'm so glad I explored both options and, most importantly, talked to my vet every step of the way.