Prednisone for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that is used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Dog prednisone can be very effective in treating a wide range of health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, skin conditions, and chronic inflammatory conditions. But what most pet owners may not know is that steroid use can also cause serious side effects. Please continue reading to find out more about prednisone for dogs.

What does Prednisone do for a dog?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is similar to the hormone cortisol which is produced naturally by the adrenal glands. It decreases inflammation and suppresses the immune reaction in dogs to help decrease pain, discomfort, itching, swelling, and redness.

What does prednisone help with?

Prednisone is used in veterinary medicine, specifically in dogs, for:

• Steroid replacement therapy to treat Addison’s disease

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives)

• Asthma 

• Arthritis

• Veterinary dermatology (inflammatory skin diseases)

• Reducing inflammation in infections such as ear infections

• Immune-mediated conditions, for example, an autoimmune disease or immune-mediated disease like inflammatory bowel disease

How to use prednisone in dogs?

Prednisone for dogs comes in the form of a tablet or liquid solution that can be given by mouth with food. It can also be given by intravenous or intramuscular injection in a hospital setting. Here are some things to keep in mind when using dog prednisone:

• Follow the veterinarian’s dosing instructions for oral prednisone carefully. Do not skip doses. Do not stop the medication abruptly. Give the full prescribed course of steroids to your dog even if the clinical signs and symptoms are better.

• Give the veterinarian a complete list of your dog’s current medications. Prednisone for dogs can interact with other drugs and cause serious adverse effects. For example, drug interactions between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prednisone can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.

What is the prednisone dosage for dogs?

The doses of prednisone for dogs vary depending on the dog’s weight. Veterinarians also prescribe prednisone dosage based on the condition being treated. Typical doses are 0.5-1 mg/kg/day for inflammatory conditions. Immunosuppressive doses are in the range of 2-4 mg/kg/day, given in two doses 12 hours apart. The maximum dose is usually no more than 80 mg/day. Short-term prednisone is recommended at the smallest effective dose because high doses and long-term prednisone for dogs is associated with serious adverse reactions.

Does dog prednisone cause weight gain?

Prednisone can cause weight gain in dogs. The most common side effects of prednisone for dogs are increased appetite, increased drinking (increased thirst), increased urination, panting, lethargy, delayed wound healing, alopecia (hair loss), behavioral changes (irritability, aggression), and an increased risk of infections.

Can prednisone cause weak hind legs in dogs? 

Muscle weakness and muscle wasting are potential side effects in dogs treated with prednisone, especially with long-term use. Other serious side effects of long-term use include iatrogenic Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol in the dog’s body). Prednisone use at higher doses is more likely to cause these serious side effects.

Do vets prescribe prednisone to dogs with kidney disease?

Prednisone is not prescribed to dogs with kidney disease and certain other underlying conditions, such as Cushing’s disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, and corneal ulcers, because this medicine can make these conditions worse. It is also not given to dogs with a known allergy to prednisone. In addition, dog prednisone should be used with caution in dogs with diabetes (high blood sugar), high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, osteoporosis, cataracts, active infections, or non-healing wounds.

Can I give my dog Benadryl instead of prednisone?

Benadryl is an antihistamine and can be used as an alternative therapy instead of prednisone for some conditions, such as treating allergies or motion sickness in dogs. Other medications that you can give your dog instead of prednisone include topical corticosteroids for inflammatory skin conditions, immunosuppressant drugs like azathioprine or cyclosporine, immunomodulators like oclacitinib (Apoquel) for allergic dermatitis, Cytopoint for seasonal environmental allergies, probiotics for gastrointestinal problems, and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to control inflammation.