Hair loss after Gabapentin in dogs

151 reports to the FDA describe hair loss in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 1.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

151Reports

64%Marked serious

12%Recovered

8.6%Died or euthanised

25 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

11 9.7%

1–2 days

11 9.7%

3–7 days

17 15%

1–4 weeks

23 20%

Over a month

51 45%

How the animals did

Recovered

18 12%

Still unwell when reported

69 46%

Died

2 1.3%

Euthanised

11 7.3%

Not known

51 34%

Problems reported at the same time

Skin redness

41 27%

Itching

36 24%

Skin rash or irritation

35 23%

Loss of appetite

35 23%

Didn't work as expected

33 22%

Injection site reaction

31 21%

Liver problems

27 18%

Swelling

26 17%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause hair loss in dogs?: 151 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 25 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Hair loss with similar medicines

Hair loss after Selegiline (Anipryl) 39 reports · 0.9% of its reports
Hair loss after Trazodone 37 reports · 1.5% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with hair loss