Key takeaways
Prednisone for dogs treats inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and some cancers.
Prednisone dosage for dogs typically ranges from 0.5 to 4 mg/kg per day.
Do not reduce or stop prednisone unless directed by a veterinarian.
Prednisone dosage for dogs varies based on the dog’s weight and the condition being treated. It also depends on whether the medication is prescribed to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system. Prednisone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids, which are used in both people and animals. Veterinarians may prescribe prednisone for allergies, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers. In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe prednisolone, the active form of prednisone, instead.
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Prednisone dosage for dogs
The recommended prednisone dosage for dogs depends on the condition being treated and the dog’s overall health.
Prednisone is converted into prednisolone, its active form, in a healthy dog’s liver. The two medications are generally considered roughly equivalent in dogs.
“If prednisone is being used as an anti-inflammatory, it is given at doses of 0.5 mg–1 mg/kg per day,” says Ray Spragley, DVM, CVA, CCRT, the founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care in New York. “If prednisone is being used as an immunosuppressant, it is given at doses of 2–4 mg/kg per day.”
According to Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian advisor for Betterpet.com in Marietta, Georgia, several other factors affect the prednisone dose for dogs, including:
- Age
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Overall health status
- Current medications
The chart below shows average total daily oral prednisone doses by body weight. These doses fall within the anti-inflammatory range described above and do not account for health conditions or other factors that may affect a dog’s dosage.
Prednisone for dogs dosage chart by weight |
|
|---|---|
| Weight (lbs) | Average total daily oral dose |
| 5–20 | 1.25–5 mg |
| 20–40 | 5–10 mg |
| 40–80 | 10–20 mg |
| 80–160 | 20–40 mg |
Source: Medi-Vet.com
Prednisone side effects in dogs
Prednisone can cause side effects, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. According to the American Kennel Club, common side effects of prednisone in dogs include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased hunger
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy (tiredness)
Some dogs with chronic conditions may need long-term treatment. According to the American Kennel Club, veterinarians may monitor dogs on long-term prednisone for liver or kidney problems, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, infections, and other complications.
If a dog is experiencing troublesome side effects, Dr. Spragley says that a veterinarian may prescribe the medication at a lower dose.
If your dog is taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), let your veterinarian know before using prednisone. Drug interactions between prednisone and NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
RELATED: Prednisone side effects in dogs: dosage, duration, and tips
Overdose of prednisone in dogs
Dogs can overdose on prednisone if they receive more than the prescribed dose or accidentally ingest multiple tablets.
According to Dr. Spragley, the signs of prednisone overdose can include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Black, tarry stools
“If any of these signs are present, you should contact your primary veterinarian or call animal poison control,” Dr. Spragley adds. You can contact ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 during emergencies.
If you’re unsure of the exact dosage for your dog, please contact your veterinarian before giving them prednisone to avoid an overdose.
Tips for giving your dog prednisone
It can be challenging to get your dog to swallow a pill, especially when they don’t like the taste. Other than hiding prednisone in one of their favorite treats, you can try these tips for giving oral prednisone to your dog:
- Call your dog in a cheerful voice and position their back toward the corner of a room.
- Gently grasp the muzzle from above and tilt the dog’s head back.
- Tip your dog’s head back with the chin pointing upward, squeeze behind the dog’s upper teeth, and gently push the dog’s lower teeth to lower the bottom jaw.
- Place the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible without causing gagging.
- Close the dog’s mouth and gently rub or blow on the nose to encourage swallowing.
- Avoid skipping or doubling up on doses. “If a dose is missed, it is recommended that the next dose be given at its scheduled time,” Dr. Alleyne explains. Never give two doses at once.
How to taper prednisone for dogs
When it’s time to stop giving your dog prednisone, the veterinarian may taper or reduce the dosage to prevent withdrawal. “[Tapering] could involve either decreasing how frequently the prednisone is given, the actual milligrams of the prednisone given, or a combination of both,” Dr. Alleyne says. “This is usually done over a two to three-week period or longer, depending on the medical condition being treated.”
There is no standard prednisone taper chart for dogs because each schedule is individualized. Long-term or high-dose treatment can reduce the body’s natural corticosteroid production. Stopping abruptly may cause the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Trembling
- Depression
- Dehydration
For chronic conditions, stopping prednisone too quickly may cause symptoms to flare up. Follow your veterinarian’s tapering schedule, as the body may need several days or weeks to resume normal corticosteroid production.
- Prednisone 20 mg, 100 tablets, Medi-vet.com (2026)
- Prednisone for dogs, American Kennel Club (2023)
- Prednisone/prednisolone, Veterinary Partner (2024)
- ASPCA poison control, ASPCA (2026)
- Giving your dog oral medications, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (2026)
- Canine hypoadrenocorticism—what every owner should know, Veterinary Partner (2024)
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