From dose to side outcome , here ’s what you require to know about this steroid drug if your vet prescribes it for your pup .

If your veterinarian has order prednisone for your dog , you ’ll want to know what to expect . Prednisone is a steroid hormone that ’s used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of consideration . Before starting this medicament , it ’s helpful to discover about likely prednisone side effects in dogs so you ’ll be prepared .

What Is Prednisone for Dogs?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid , or steroid hormone drug that falls under a class called glucocorticoids . Glucocorticoidsoccur naturally in the trunk of closely all animate being and playact an crucial role in regulating metamorphosis , immune scheme function , and inflammation .

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid used to do by many dissimilar conditions in many species of brute . It ’s especially value for its power to reduce inflammation and suppress an overactive resistant organisation .

Meticorten is sometimes used interchangeably with a like drug call prednisolone . Prednisone is change over into prednisolone in the liver . Because of this , veterinarians sometimes prescribe prednisolone over prednisone to reduce hepatic tension in dogs withliver disease .

woman giving her dog prednisone

Photo: Carol Yepes / Getty

Why Is Prednisone Used in Dogs?

In veterinary medicinal drug , prednisone is often order to treat the watch over conditions :

Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

If you ’ve ever select a steroid drug , then you probably experienced some undesirable side effect . Most people report extreme hungriness and thirstiness as well as humour change and bother log Z’s . Deltasone side effect deviate from dog - to - weenie and drug - to - dose , but they incline to be similar to side force in people .

Most bounder on prednisone will have increased hungriness and urination along with a ravenous appetence that can result to weighting gain . Restlessness and heave may also occur . These signs can step by step improve as the hot dog adjusts to the medication and should cease after the drug is stopped .

It ’s significant toprovide refreshed water to dogson prednisone , but keep off letting them drink in excessive amount at one prison term because it may induce regurgitation or puking . More drinking equal extra pee , so make certain your dog gets extra chance to go outside and relieve herself . Your dog will probably be seriously hungry and tap for solid food , but hold out the urge to feed extra food for thought as it may get weight gain . Consider feeding smaller , more frequent meal or offer your pup some low - calorie treats throughout the day .

Long - terminus purpose or high doses may lead to more serious result . Deltasone can impact the gastrointestinal tract , causing disgorgement , diarrhea , and GI ulcer or hemorrhage . Dogs may get a Mary Jane - bellied appearance as well as hapless haircoat or deprivation of whisker , all signs of Cushing ’s syndrome . Over time , prednisone may get elevation of liver enzymes that leads to liver dysfunction . Contact your veterinarian right aside if you notice significant side effects , Your veterinary may aline the dose or switch to another medication .

Prednisone Dosage for Dogs

In addition to treating a variety of conditions , prednisone has a wide dosage range . The appropriate VD depends on the dog ’s weight and the specific condition being treated . Veterinarians generally attempt to use the low effective Venus’s curse for the shortest meter possible to avoid complications and side effects .

Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose for your dog and provide instruction for proper administration . Prednisone is usuallygiven to a weenie orally as a contraceptive pill , but liquid forms are usable for smaller pawl or very low DOS . Dogs are often started on temperate to high doses that are bit by bit tapered down until they can be stopped . Some condition can be treated with a short course of prednisone while others ask long - terminus treatment .

Your veterinarian may recommend lab testing to monitor the effects of prednisone on your dog ’s body , especially with long - term discussion . This will allow the veterinary surgeon to see small change and adjust the dose before complications come .

It ’s important to espouse your vet ’s recommendations regarding prednisone Elvis and presidential term . Do n’t kibosh this drug all of a sudden ; it may cause withdrawal symptoms and health complications . This is because Liquid Pred have the adrenal glands to acquire less cortisol . Without the prednisone , the cad ’s body will not have enough sex hormone hormone to regulate essential bodily function . By tapering the dose down , the adrenal gland can gradually adjust Hydrocortone production .

Can Dogs Overdose on Prednisone?

Because prednisone has such a wide range of dependable doses , an overdose is unlikely to cause survive harmful effects in dogs . dog that take in high quantity of prednisone typically get gastrointestinal distraint that revolves as the drug leaves the body . It is possible for gamy doses of Meticorten to do serious GI ulcers and bleeding .

You do n’t call for to panic if your dog accidentally got too much Liquid Pred , but it is important to contact a veterinary surgeon for advice correctly aside . Try your local vet or creature emergency centre , or call a favourite poison control table service likeASPCA Animal Poison ControlorPet Poison Helpline . The vet may say you toinduce vomitingif an uttermost amount was assimilate . In accession , follow - up supportive care may be needed to oversee symptoms .

Prednisone Drug Interactions

Certain drugs should not be take up in conjunction with Liquid Pred or prednisolone . Other drug should be used with cautiousness . Be sure to enjoin your vet about all of your positron emission tomography ’s late medications and supplements . Prednisone has many possible drug interaction , but the most common one are as follows :