Prednisone for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Prednisone is a medication that’s been used treat a range of inflammatory conditions. These include allergies, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer. Although this drug is an effective treatment for these conditions, it can cause serious side effects, especially with long-term use. Know what to expect when your veterinarian prescribes this medication for your dog.

In This Article

• • Prednisone Uses
  • Giving Prednisone
  • When Prednisone Isn’t Recommended
  • Common Side Effects
  • Overdoses and Adverse Reactions
  • Long-Term Monitoring
  • Alternative Treatments
  • FAQs About Prednisone for Dogs

Read on to learn about the proper uses of prednisone for dogs, potential side effects, risks of long-term use, and alternative medications.

What Are the Uses of Prednisone in Dogs?

Prednisone, and its active form, prednisolone, are prescription-only steroid medications known as corticosteroids or glucocorticoids. Prednisone is a synthetic drug, meaning it’s made in a laboratory. Glucocorticoids are steroids that occur naturally in the body. For example, in a healthy dog, the adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol.

Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, says prednisone is used in dogs to treat severe inflammation, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and specific cancers like lymphoma. “It’s available in various tablet sizes and oral liquids, with dosages tailored by a veterinarian for effects ranging from anti-inflammatory to immunosuppressive effects.”

For example, if your dog has an infection, their blood vessels will expand, making it easier for fluid to enter the surrounding tissue. When this happens, you might see signs of inflammation such as swelling or redness. Dr. Klein explains that prednisone is a powerful medication that works by suppressing inflammation.

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Relieving Allergies and Itchy Skin

Veterinarians commonly prescribe prednisone to “ease allergy symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling caused by environmental triggers, food sensitivities, or insect bites,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM. She explains that prednisone can help dogs feel more comfortable when their bodies are inflamed or overreacting.

“Prednisone or prednisolone has been used to treat allergies and pruritic (itchy) skin issues such as atopic dermatitis,” Dr. Klein says. “There are currently other medications being used to treat these issues, such as the immunosuppressive medication, Atopica, and monoclonal antibodies like Cytopoint.” Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Treating Arthritis

Dogs with arthritis may experience pain or discomfort. They could also have difficulty getting up, changing positions, or climbing stairs. Another use of prednisone is treating pain from arthritis. Currently, canine osteoarthritis is primarily treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) , like Carprofen and Meloxicam.

Additionally, polysulfated glycoasminoglycan (PSGAG) products like Adequan can be used in treatment. Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody injections like Librela, and adjunctive chronic pain relievers like Gabapentin, are also sometimes used.

Managing Health Conditions

Dr. Klein says that your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe prednisone as part of managing the following conditions:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
• Chemotherapy for lymphoma and mast cell tumors
• Reducing swelling in neurological cancers
• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)

When used to treat IMHA in dogs, Dr. Hood says prednisone functions as an immunosuppressant. “It stops the immune system from destroying its own red blood cells,” she says. An immunosuppressant is a drug that slows or suppresses the immune system’s activity. “Prednisone is also used for other autoimmune conditions, where a dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own body, helping bring that response back under control,” Dr. Hood adds.

How Do You Administer the Drug?

Prednisone is usually given by mouth as a tablet or liquid. Depending on your dog’s condition, it’s typically given once or twice a day, Dr. Hood explains. Dr. Klein agrees, adding that prednisone is usually administered in a tapering dose. That means you start at a higher dose and gradually decrease it over two to three days, as directed by your veterinarian.

It’s helpful to set reminders or phone notifications to avoid forgetting to give your dog their medication. “But if you accidentally miss a dose of prednisone, don’t double up the next one,” Dr. Hood says. Her advice is to give the next scheduled dose as directed. It’s also a good idea to check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure what to do.

Another caution with administering prednisone concerns preventing or minimizing gastrointestinal symptoms. “It’s best to give prednisone with food to help avoid stomach upset,” adds Dr. Hood.

In addition, Dr. Klein cautions that you should never abruptly stop giving your dog prednisone. “It must be tapered down, as long-term use can suppress natural cortisol production, leading to issues like Addison’s disease,” he says. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

When Should You Avoid Prednisone or Use It With Caution?

In some cases, prednisone use may be contraindicated, meaning it should be avoided or used with caution. As always, it’s best to provide your veterinarian with a complete list of medications your dog is taking, along with any supplements. According to Dr. Klein, contraindications of using prednisone are dogs with an underlying infection, dogs diagnosed with diabetes, or those already taking other NSAIDs.

Common Side Effects of Prednisone

Although prednisone is highly effective for treating a range of conditions, it can also cause side effects. Common side effects of taking prednisone are:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Restlessness
• Weight gain
• More frequent panting
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy

“Some dogs may seem more restless or have mild stomach upset, like vomiting or diarrhea,” Dr. Hood says. “These effects are fairly common and often improve as the dose is lowered.”

Some dogs may require a high dose of prednisone while others may need to use this medication for a long time to treat chronic health conditions such as allergies and arthritis. “Chronic, high-dose, or long-term use can lead to serious adverse effects, including diabetes, liver problems, muscle wasting, stomach ulcers, and a compromised immune system,” Dr. Klein says. Since dogs on high doses of prednisone have a suppressed immune system, this can delay healing of other injuries or illnesses.

Overdoses and Adverse Reactions

It’s important to administer prednisone as prescribed by your veterinarian. If your dog accidentally consumes prednisone or overdoses on this medication, “immediately contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for advice,” Dr. Klein says. “While a one-time overdose is rarely fatal due to a wide safety margin, prednisone can cause excessive thirst and urination, as well as severe gastrointestinal distress. Specific symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or gastric ulcers that can bleed.

Treatment for an overdose of prednisone involves decontamination (inducing vomiting), intravenous fluids, and monitoring your dog for any kidney or adrenal issues, he says. He advises that you don’t induce vomiting at home unless directed by a veterinary professional. Inducing vomiting may not be safe depending on when your dog ingested the medication.

Long-Term Use Requires Regular Veterinary Monitoring

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Typically, dogs are put on a short-term dose of prednisone. However, some dogs require long-term (more than four months) or chronic use of prednisone or prednisolone. Such use “requires diligent veterinary monitoring to manage side effects,” Dr. Klein says. It can lead to the development of Cushing’s disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or severe immunosuppression and metabolic changes.

If your dog is taking prednisone long-term, Dr. Klein recommends bringing your dog to the vet often. Your vet will likely set up a plan, like every three to six months for evaluation. This includes a physical examination, along with blood work, urinalysis, urine culture, and blood pressure monitoring. With long-term use, it’s especially critical to keep track of your dog’s weight and overall health to “catch potential side effects early and help keep your dog safe and comfortable while on treatment,” Dr. Hood says.

As the owner, you can assist with monitoring by watching for symptoms, documenting the onset and duration of side effects, and booking regular veterinary check-ups while your dog is taking prednisone. “Prednisone can affect a dog’s body in different ways over time,” she says. “Monitoring helps your veterinarian make sure the medication is still doing more good than harm and allows them to adjust the dose as needed.”

Alternative Treatments and Supplements

In some cases, there may be alternative treatments to using prednisone. “Depending on your dog’s condition, veterinarians may recommend other medications that control inflammation or the immune system with fewer side effects, such as antihistamines, Apoquel, Cytopoint, or certain immunosuppressive drugs,” Dr. Hood says.

If your dog has milder issues, your vet may suggest supplementing their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, or joint and skin support products. “These supplements may help reduce inflammation and support overall health,” she says. “However, alternatives aren’t appropriate for every dog or every condition, so it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find the safest and most effective option.”

Frequently Asked Questions