Prednisone for Dogs: A Steroid That Can Help With Inflammation and Itching
Key takeaways:
Prednisone is a steroid that can treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases, Addison’s disease, and some forms of cancer in dogs.
The most common prednisone side effects include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and restlessness.
Though prednisone can be very helpful for dogs, taking it long term can lead to serious health risks, including symptoms similar to Cushing’s disease, digestive ulcers, and a weakened immune system.
Table of contents
Allergies are a relatively common problem in dogs. Many medications can treat allergies, but prednisone is often one of the most effective options for dogs.
Prednisone can be very helpful for some dogs, but it has potential side effects. Many of these side effects are just annoying, but others can be serious.
A veterinarian will help you determine whether prednisone is the best treatment for your dog. In the meantime, read on to learn more about prednisone for dogs and what to expect if your dog is taking it.
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Prednisone for dogs at a glance
Common names | Prednisone |
What it treats | Allergies, autoimmune diseases, Addison’s disease, some types of cancer |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets, oral liquid |
Dosage | Dosage determined by a dog’s weight and condition |
Common side effects | Increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight gain, restlessness or pacing, panting more than usual, slow wound healing |
Average cost | About $8-$15 for 30 tablets |
What is prednisone for dogs, and what is it used for?
Prednisone is a synthetic (manufactured) steroid. All animals produce natural steroids that help regulate the body and immune response. In some cases, however, a dog may need extra steroids. Prednisone for dogs fills this role.
As a result, the medication decreases inflammation, calms a dog’s immune system, and can help treat several conditions.
Dog allergies
Prednisone is often prescribed to dogs with allergies. When dogs develop allergies, their skin, ears, and other parts of their body may become inflamed. Prednisone can help treat the following allergies:
Flea allergies
Contact allergies
Allergies to dust, pollen, and other inhaled allergens
Pododermatitis (inflammation of the paws)
Autoimmune diseases
When given at high doses, prednisone for dogs can also suppress immune system activity. This treats autoimmune diseases, which are caused by an overactive immune system. Autoimmune conditions that can be treated with prednisone include:
Discoid lupus erythematosus
Pemphigus foliaceus
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Addison’s disease
Prednisone can also be a treatment for Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease occurs when a dog does not produce enough internal steroids. Prednisone works to treat this condition because it provides extra steroids to help maintain balance in your dog’s body.
Seasonal allergies: Just like humans, many dogs develop seasonal allergies. If this is your pup, learn your treatment options and how you can help your pup cope.
Allergy shots for dogs: Allergy shots are one of a number of possible treatment options for dogs with allergies. If you’re considering this option, here’s what to expect.
Flea prevention: Fleas can leave you with a very itchy dog, so don’t forget your dog’s preventive flea medication. These are the best flea medications for dogs.
Cancer
Prednisone helps treat some cancers in dogs. For example, veterinarians often combine prednisone with chemotherapy medications to treat lymphoma.
How is prednisone given to dogs, and what is the standard dosage?
A veterinarian will choose the best prednisone dosage for your dog. The dosage is based on two factors: your dog’s body weight and your dog’s medical condition.
Allergies typically require lower doses of prednisone per pound of body weight, often 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg.
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Autoimmune diseases need much higher doses, around 2 mg/kg. But a veterinarian will determine the correct dose based on your dog’s body weight and diagnosis.
In general, veterinarians try to give the lowest effective dose of prednisone. This can help minimize side effects.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of prednisone?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of prednisone, give it to them as soon as possible. If it is almost time for their next dose, skip the missed one and resume their normal medication schedule. Do not give your dog two doses of prednisone at once, unless a veterinarian tells you to do so.
What are the common side effects of prednisone in dogs?
The most common side effects of prednisone in dogs include:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Restlessness or pacing
Panting more than usual
Slow wound healing
Most dogs need only a short course of prednisone. Side effects from the medication resolve quickly once treatment ends. But dogs receiving long-term prednisone may develop more significant side effects.
What are the most serious risks of prednisone for dogs?
Dogs taking prednisone may be at risk for several serious complications. Let’s take a closer look.
Cushing’s disease
Dogs who take prednisone for a long time can develop symptoms of Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease can occur naturally (if the body produces excessive steroids). The same symptoms may result with long-term use of prednisone at high doses.
Signs of Cushing’s disease include:
Thin skin
Hair loss
Calcium deposits in the skin
Muscle weakness
Visible loss of muscle mass
Pot-bellied appearance (caused by weak abdominal muscles)
High blood sugar levels
Stomach or intestinal ulcers
In some dogs, prednisone can cause stomach or intestinal ulcers. This can be especially problematic in dogs taking other medications that may cause ulcers. If you see signs of ulcers, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Signs may include:
Abdominal pain
Blood in stool (especially black, tarry blood)
Weakened immune system
Long-term usage of prednisone, especially at high doses, can also weaken a dog’s immune system. These dogs may be more prone to infections, such as:
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Respiratory infections
If your dog receives long-term prednisone, a veterinarian will help you monitor these potential side effects.
Does prednisone interact with any other dog medications?
Prednisone can have serious interactions with other medications. Dogs taking both prednisone and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are at increased risk of ulcers. For this reason, NSAIDs and steroids are never prescribed together. They may also develop kidney issues and problems with blood clotting. Common NSAIDs that interact with prednisone include:
Prednisone can also affect your dog’s response to vaccines, especially when given at high doses. Remember, high doses of prednisone suppress the immune system. If your pet is due for vaccines, a veterinarian may recommend waiting to get the shots until your pup is no longer taking prednisone.
Frequently asked questions
Prednisone doesn’t affect any one organ in dogs. Prednisone is a manufactured steroid that can help boost your dog’s natural steroids to help calm their immune system.
Prednisone can be a fairly strong steroid for dogs, especially at higher doses when the goal is to suppress your dog’s immune system. But there are steroids for dogs that are much stronger.
Prednisone is also considered an intermediate-acting steroid. This means each pill your dog takes stays in their body for about 1.5 days.
A 20 mg dose of prednisone is not necessarily a high dose for dogs. It depends on your dog’s weight and the condition you’re treating. When a veterinarian is treating dog allergies, a dose is typically 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg. If your dog has an autoimmune disease, they may need around 2 mg/kg.
The bottom line
Prednisone is a steroid that can offer huge benefits for many dogs. It can treat allergies, autoimmune diseases, Addison’s disease, and some cancers. But prednisone for dogs is not without its drawbacks. If used long term, prednisone can lead to serious health complications, like symptoms of Cushing’s disease, ulcers, and a weakened immune system. Work with a veterinarian to determine if prednisone is the best medication for your dog, and discuss ways to reduce the risk of side effects.
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References
Blois, S. (2020). Gastrointestinal ulcers in small animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Brooks, W. (2021). Lymphoma in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2023). Steroid use in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2024). Prednisolone/prednisone. Veterinary Partner.
Edwards, S. H. (2021). Corticosteroids in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Gober, M., et al. (2023). Perception and usage of short-term prednisone and prednisolone in dogs. BMC Veterinary Research.
Narita, T., et al. (2007). The interaction between orally administered non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisolone in healthy dogs. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science.
