What are the side effects of prednisone in dogs?

Dogs, like humans, are prescribed various medications over their lifespans for a myriad of health issues. One medication your furry best friend might need is prednisone, a commonly prescribed steroid. 

You may have been prescribed prednisone after an allergic reaction, before surgery, or because of several different health conditions. Similarly,  your veterinarian may recommend prednisone for your dog for many reasons. Here, pet owners will learn some of the uses and how to minimize side effects so your dog is comfortable and healthy while taking this medication. 

What is prednisone used for in dogs?

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used to treat inflammation and immune system conditions in dogs and humans. It is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent that mimics cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone. Some dogs need steroid hormones as a replacement, such as pets with Addison’s disease. “Some dogs do not produce a normal amount of steroids needed for the body to function and will need to take this medication to help,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at seniortailwaggers.com.

Some medical conditions dogs may be prescribed prednisone for include:

• Inflammation following injury
• Skin conditions or skin diseases
• Allergies
• Pain
• Cancer
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Endocrine disease

While prednisone is used for a variety of health conditions and purposes, “Its main function is to reduce inflammation,”says Megan Conrad, BVMS, a veterinarian in Oregon.

Prednisone dosage for dogs

Dosage for prednisone varies based on a variety of factors, including weight and the condition being treated. Dr. Ochoa says the dose usually ranges from 0.5 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg once or twice daily. “Your vet will try to keep the dose as low as possible to treat the condition but to also reduce side effects as much as possible,” adds Dr. Conrad. You may have a dose ramp up and down as you treat your pet’s health condition and then wean them off the drug. 

If you think your pet is not at the right dose of prednisone, do not adjust it on your own. “Prednisone should also never be given in larger doses, at a different frequency, or stopped without veterinarian approval as any of these changes can have severe side effects,” says Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, a veterinarian at seniortailwaggers.com. “This medication can have severe, even life-threatening side effects if used incorrectly.” Check and double-check that you’re administering it properly and keep the prescription out of reach of your pet and children to avoid accidental overdose.

Always give your pet’s full health and medication history to your vet. “Prednisone should never be given along with other medications unless directed by a veterinarian, as there are many serious drug interactions,” says Dr. Whittenburg. Depending on the length of time your pet has been taking prednisone and the strength of the dose, you may need to wean off the medication instead of stopping it suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from a high dose can be fatal. Make sure to ask about this when at your office visit.   

What are the side effects of prednisone in dogs?

All drugs can have side effects, and, unfortunately, use of prednisone is known to have several short- and long-term effects that can impact your dog’s day-to-day life. 

Some most common side effects of prednisone include:

• Increased drinking and urination 
• Irritability
• Lethargy or behavior changes
• Changes in appetite
• Panting
• Vomiting
• Water retention
• Lowered ability to fight infection 
• Slowed wound healing

Higher doses of prednisone in dogs can lead to a higher incidence of serious side effects such as ulcers.

How long can a dog stay on prednisone?

Most dogs only need prednisone for a few weeks. Depending on the size of your dog, if they are on prednisone for more than a month or two, it is considered a long-term use of the drug. 

Some dogs do need prednisone for life. “Ideally, no dog or human would require lifelong medication, but there are circumstances where this is necessary. Long-term steroid use, especially in high doses, can cause issues and is best avoided if possible,” says Dr. Whittenbug. In this case, vets recommend regular blood work as recommended by your doctor to check their liver enzymes and kidneys for normal functioning. In most cases, this is done yearly.

Long term side effects of prednisone in dogs

If your dog is on prednisone for a long time and sustains liver or kidney disease, it can shorten their life. However, usually prednisone is treating a condition that would otherwise shorten their life, such as cancer, so the side effect of the drug versus the condition it is treating needs to be a consideration you and your vet make when discussing treatment. 

Long-term steroid use can cause a condition called Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease causes the adrenal glands to overproduce certain hormones. Look out for the following signs:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin, and ear infections
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Thinning skin
• Hair loss
• Muscle weakness
• Obesity

If you suspect Cushing’s disease, ask your vet if you can taper off prednisone or try another drug. You may or may not be able to depending on your pet’s health condition. 

RELATED: Managing high blood pressure in dogs

Tips for dogs on prednisone

Reducing the side effects is all about balance: does the reduction in the side effect outweigh the cost to the health issue being addressed? You and your vet will have to look at the factors at play to determine the best course of treatment for your pet but there are some ways to minimize your pet’s discomfort. 

1. Lower the dose if possible or switch drugs 

“There are other synthetic corticosteroids, but each medication has unique indications, and they are not interchangeable,” Dr. Whittenburg says. “All steroids are not the same and you should give the medication that your veterinarian has prescribed. There is no over-the-counter equivalent of prednisone.” Some common alternatives to prednisone are prednisolone, cyclosporine, budesonide, and dexamethasone. Work with your vet to make prednisone or one of the alternatives work for your dog.

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2. Administer the medication in the morning 

“So if the dog is experiencing more drinking and urination then their owner is awake and able to accommodate their needs,” says Dr. Conrad. However, some dosages require taking prednisone twice a day, so you may need to anticipate your pet’s nighttime potty breaks. Doctors of veterinary medicine do not recommend limiting fluids if your pet is showing signs of excessive thirst.

3. Monitor your pet’s appetite 

While vets say you do not need to alter your pet’s diet while on steroids, an increase in appetite may cause unhealthy weight gain. The increased appetite can also cause your pet to beg or search for additional food. If you are noticing your pet gaining weight, or if they are experiencing behavior changes due to the increased appetite, talk to your vet about diet changes that can help satiate their increased appetite. 

It is important, with all health conditions, but especially when you have a dog on prednisone, to maintain good communication with your veterinarian to ensure the health and well-being of your dog.