Seizure care · Medication guide
Pregabalin (Lyrica®) For Dogs & Cats
By Dr. Carrie Jurney, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) · Updated November 2026
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication used to help manage seizures in dogs and cats. It’s also used for nerve pain and, in cats, for anxiety during travel and veterinary visits. Here’s how it’s given, what to watch for, and how it’s monitored.
Pregabalin At A Glance
DOGS + CATS
How often
2 to 3 times a day
With food?
Either, with or without food
Monitoring
No blood level test. Blood work every 6 months.
Most common side effects
Sleepiness, wobbliness, increased hunger
Good to know
Controlled substance. Never stop it suddenly.
What it’s used for
What Pregabalin Is Used For
Pregabalin can help with seizures, nerve pain and anxiety. Your veterinarian may prescribe it on its own or alongside other medications. To compare it with other options, see our guide to seizure medications for dogs and cats.
Seizures
Reduces how often seizures happen and how severe they are. It can improve seizure control, but it may not stop every seizure.
Nerve & Chronic Pain
Often part of a pain plan, especially for nerve pain and long-term pain.
Travel & Vet Visit Anxiety
In cats, a pregabalin liquid (Bonqat®) is FDA-approved for fear and anxiety during travel and veterinary visits.
Dosing
How To Give Pregabalin
Pregabalin is usually given two to three times a day, with or without food. It comes as capsules, extended-release tablets and liquid.
Consistency matters for seizure control, so give it at the same times each day and set reminders to help you stay on schedule.
Always follow the prescription label and the plan from your veterinary team.
Dosing tips
- 1
Measure the liquid
Use the oral syringe from the pharmacy, not a kitchen spoon.
- 2
Keep tablets whole
Don’t split or crush extended-release tablets.
- 3
Refill a week early
Keep a refill ready at least one week before you run out.
- 4
Store it securely
It’s a controlled substance. Keep it out of reach of children and other pets, and only give it to the pet it was prescribed for.
Missed doses
Missed A Dose?
Remembered soon after?
Give it as soon as you remember.
Close to the next dose?
Skip it and give the next dose on time.
Never give a double dose.
Don’t Stop Pregabalin Suddenly
Stopping it abruptly can trigger seizures. If it needs to stop, your veterinarian will lower the dose gradually. Talk with your veterinary team before changing the dose.
Monitoring
Monitoring & Lab Work
There’s no blood test to measure pregabalin levels, so monitoring focuses on how your pet is doing and on their overall health, with regular checkups to review their response to treatment.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease, heart disease or breathing problems. Pregabalin is used with extra care in these pets, and its effects can last longer when the kidneys aren’t working well.
No blood level test
Blood work every 6 months
Checks your pet’s overall health, including liver enzymes.
Side effects
Possible Side Effects
Most pets tolerate pregabalin well. Contact your veterinary team if side effects are severe, don’t improve, or get worse.
If your cat stops eating completely
Stop the medication and call your veterinarian right away.
Most common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Wobbliness or unsteady walking
- Increased hunger
- Higher liver enzymes on blood work
- Vomiting, mainly in cats
Keep reading
Related Guides
More from our neurology team on seizures and the medications used to manage them.
Pregabalin (Lyrica®) FAQs
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Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant used to reduce how often seizures happen and how severe they are. It’s also used for nerve pain and chronic pain, and in cats for anxiety during travel and veterinary visits.
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Pregabalin is usually given two to three times a day, with or without food. Follow the prescription label and the plan from your veterinary team.
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Give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next one at the regular time. Do not give double doses.
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There’s no blood test for pregabalin levels, but general blood work is recommended every six months to check your pet’s overall health, including liver enzymes.
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The most common side effects are sleepiness, wobbliness, increased hunger, and higher liver enzymes on blood work. Cats may vomit. If your cat stops eating completely, call your veterinarian right away.
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No, but they’re closely related medications that work in a similar way. Pregabalin is often a good option for pets who don’t do well on gabapentin. Your veterinarian will choose the one that fits your pet.
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Not on your own. Stopping pregabalin suddenly can trigger seizures. If it needs to stop, your veterinarian will taper the dose gradually.