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Can I give my dog my human Gabapentin? Is it safe and xylitol-free?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has been prescribed 300mg Gabapentin. I left the bottle at my dog-sitters house. I also take 100 mg Gabapentin. I have read that I can give my dog Gabapentin human Gabapentin as long as it does not have xylitol in it. How can I be sure it doesn’t? They are capsules, not liquid.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2018

Good question. If Xylitol is listed as an ingredient on the bottle, then it has xylitol in it. Typically the xylitol containing Gabapentin is the liquid version.

If there is still any doubt, you should consider having your vet call in a new prescription to a pharamacy near you so that he/she doesn't go without his/her medication for long or potentially ingests a toxic form of Gabapentin. Also you should know for future that if Gabapentin is abruptly stopped in pets, it can lead to severe rebound pain in pets, so its best to keep your pet on it consistently or taper the dose.

I hope that this helps! And best of luck moving forward with your pet. I hope that he/she gets his medication soon! Take care.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    The only way to find out is to look at the packaging insert of your medication. It should theoretically mention it, However most human gabapentin preparations contain xylitol so it is safer not to give your dog any of your gabapentin. Just skip tonight's dose and pick up your dog's gabapentin tomorrow from the sitter and then continue giving the medication normally.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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