This steroid is an effective short-term anti-inflammatory option for dogs and humans.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that’s often used to treat inflammation related to an allergic reaction. In high doses, however, it might suppress your pup’s immune system.
Your vet may prescribe prednisone for your dog to lower inflammation due to infection, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. Prolonged inflammation can create further health problems for your pet, so it’s best to help them as quickly as possible. Here’s a closer look at each condition prednisone may be used for.
You’ll need a prescription from a vet for prednisone. If your pet’s condition is considered severe, your vet may give them injections in the office, but most times you’ll give your dog oral prednisone at home.
🚨 Never exceed the recommended dosage your vet prescribes or give your pet more than one dose a day. If you suspect your dog ingested more than its prescribed dosage, call your vet immediately.
Though prednisone is considered a safe and effective treatment, no medicine comes without risks. Prednisone has relatively mild side effects for short-term use depending on the dosage and frequency, but long-term use (more than three to four months) can trigger serious symptoms such as behavioral changes. Here are some common side effects:
Taking prednisone often has a few short-term side effects for dogs (and they are very similar to what we experience, too.) Watch for increased thirst and urination, panting, gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and an increased chance of infection.
Corticosteroids shouldn’t be used in dogs that have Cushing’s disease or are undergoing allergy testing within a month off treatment. It should be used cautiously in dogs that are pregnant or nursing or in young, growing puppies. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, increase risks. Most of the time, prednisone should only be used as a short-term treatment (less than four months), but this is up to the discretion of your vet. If your dog has a serious illness, the benefits of continued use may outweigh the risks.
Injuries and illness are typically covered by pet insurance—find out what is (and isn’t) included by reading our comprehensive pet insurance coverage guide.
Prednisone shouldn’t be used in combination with any other steroid treatments or most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Here is a list of other medications that should be avoided while taking this drug:
If your dog is allergic to prednisone or has a serious risk factor, your vet may recommend other treatment. The appropriate alternative treatment depends on your dog’s condition and whether they need an anti-inflammatory drug, an immunosuppressant, or other medication to treat skin allergies.
CBD oil is a natural option to relieve pain and chronic inflammation. Ask your vet if this non-invasive treatment may be the right choice for your pet. Keep in mind that CBD oil lacks FDA approval, which means it’s a non-regulated treatment. Because of this, some states prohibit veterinarians from even discussing CBD products with clients.
NSAIDs are a group of anti-inflammatory medications that may relieve your pet’s pain. Talk to your vet about picking the most appropriate one.
Autoimmune diseases and cancer are two conditions that often require immunosuppressants. This type of drug can often have severe adverse effects, so your vet will consider the risks and benefits before prescribing these to your pet. Common immunosuppressants include azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and chlorambucil.
Prednisone is often used to treat itchy skin that results from allergies. If your vet believes the drug will put your dog at risk, they may prescribe Apoquel, Cytopoint (injection), and common antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec.
Steroids may be able to provide quick relief from inflammation. Your dog should feel better within a couple of hours following the first treatment. However, how quickly prednisone helps your dog depends on the condition it’s treating.
Steroids reduce inflammation and excessive immune responses, which may lessen your dog’s pain if they are suffering from an autoimmune disease or infection.
Steroid use in dogs is safe and effective in most circumstances, but there is always some risk of side effects. Most of the side effects are mild in short-term use (thirst, fatigue), but using prednisone for longer than four months has been linked to more serious side effects such as obesity, slow-healing wounds, hair loss, and Cushing’s disease.
