{"id":626537,"date":"2024-02-01T14:10:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T19:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626537"},"modified":"2025-10-20T10:53:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T14:53:59","slug":"prednisone-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Prednisone for dogs: Dosage, side effects, and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a synthetic corticosteroid used widely to treat numerous problems in dogs. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are hormones created within the pituitary gland that regulate the functions of cells and hormones throughout the body. They affect practically every cell and system in the dog\u2019s body. Among veterinarians, prednisone is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce inflammation, control autoimmune disease, treat certain types of cancers, and as hormone replacement therapy in dogs with hormone (endocrine) disorders. Prednisone is the inactive form of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisolone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is converted to prednisolone in the body after a dose is given. Veterinarians often use the two drugs interchangeably at equivalent doses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\"><b>Save up to 80% on prednisone<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-prednisone-used-for-in-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is prednisone used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone has a wide range of effects on the body, so veterinarians prescribe prednisone for a wide variety of uses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To reduce inflammation due to conditions such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/arthritis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">arthritis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/allergy-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To suppress the immune system in dogs with autoimmune diseases such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/lupus-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lupus<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To treat certain types of cancers such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, or multiple myeloma, as well as treat conditions associated with cancer or cancer treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To replace glucocorticoid hormones in dogs that are deficient in those hormones<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"inflammation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most pet owners most likely will be prescribed prednisone when their dog is suffering from joint pain, allergic reactions, skin reactions, or injuries. Low doses of prednisone significantly reduce swelling and any associated symptoms like pain or stiffness. Arthritis, allergic reactions, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/asthma-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asthma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/itchy-skin-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">itching<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, injuries, and some tumors are all conditions that can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of short-term prednisone or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisolone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"inflammatory-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammatory conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like humans, some dogs have autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2835779\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/veterinarypartner.vin.com\/default.aspx?pid=19239&amp;id=4951868\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autoimmune hemolytic anemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In these cases, the immune system overreacts and mistakenly attacks and damages healthy tissues. At high doses, prednisone, prednisolone, or other corticosteroids block the immune system to control flare-ups of these conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cancer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids such as prednisone or prednisolone can stop the growth of certain types of cancers that involve lymph cells, such as lymphomas, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/leukemia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leukemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and multiple myeloma. Of the lymphatic cancers, lymphoma is common, representing about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/lymphoma-in-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% to 20%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of cancers diagnosed in dogs every year. Lymphatic cancer cells have corticosteroid receptors that induce those cells to die. Prednisone is usually used as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/overview-multiple-myeloma-dogs-and-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">add-on treatment to chemotherapy drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or as a palliative treatment for advanced cancers. For other cancers, low doses of prednisone or prednisolone may be used to treat other conditions associated with cancer to help the dog feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hormone-replacement\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormone replacement<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When dogs don\u2019t produce enough corticosteroids naturally, veterinarians call this condition adrenal insufficiency or Addison\u2019s disease. It\u2019s relatively rare, affecting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/vetr.1977\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less than 0.5% of dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s not easy for an owner to spot because the symptoms are vague, but signs include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs with adrenal insufficiency will be given low doses of a glucocorticoid like prednisone and a mineralocorticoid as hormone replacements, About <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/endocrine-system\/the-adrenal-glands\/addison-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with low cortisol levels will be put on daily prednisone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-prednisone-safe-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is prednisone safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone is safe for dogs provided it\u2019s given under the direction of a veterinarian. However, there are potential problems a dog may experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/image.chewy.com\/is\/content\/catalog\/146865_UseAndCareInstructions._V1569434520_.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumb\u2019s Medication Guides<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, prednisone is never safe to give to dogs:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic to the drug<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a fungal infection inside the body called a systemic fungal infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With gastrointestinal ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With excess cortisol levels (Cushing\u2019s syndrome)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although not prohibited, prednisone may cause problems in dogs with certain medical conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diabetes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone should be avoided in pregnant dogs since it can cause them to go into labor prematurely and has been linked to birth defects in their puppies. Long-term use of prednisone can stunt the growth of puppies younger than 6 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"side-effects-of-prednisone-in-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of prednisone in dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of prednisone in dogs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thirstiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavior changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other potential side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry or dull-looking coat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated liver enzymes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach or intestinal ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal perforation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood sugar or diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infections, particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/uti-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle wasting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe changes in behavior, such as aggression<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dog can\u2019t tell its owner about stomach ulcers, infections, high blood sugar, or similar severe adverse reactions. Instead, owners should watch for signs of these effects and call the veterinarian:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood in the stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black and tarry stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloody vomit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain when urinating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urinary accidents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"interactions-of-prednisone-with-other-pet-meds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interactions of prednisone with other pet meds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steroids affect nearly every system in the body, so several types of drug interactions can cause problems:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers and bleeding. They aren\u2019t prohibited, but veterinarians will try to avoid them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone increases blood sugar, so dogs on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/insulins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insulin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may require higher doses of insulin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/diuretics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> increase the risk of low potassium.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live vaccines should be avoided because prednisone weakens the immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs speed up the body\u2019s metabolism of prednisone, making it less effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone can affect the results of many important tests such as allergy tests, cholesterol tests, blood sugar tests, potassium levels tests, and thyroid hormone tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"prednisone-dosage-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone dosage for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For prednisone, the goal in veterinary medicine is to give the dog the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time. Veterinarians may start at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-dosage-for-dogs\">recommended dosage<\/a> and decrease or increase the dose as necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recommended prednisone dosage in dogs for inflammation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 0.5\u20131 mg\/kg taken as a single or divided dose daily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recommended prednisone dosage in dogs for autoimmune disorders<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1.5\u20134 mg\/kg per day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recommended prednisone dosage in dogs for cancer (neoplasia)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 2 mg\/kg daily for three to four weeks before receiving a tapering dose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Recommended prednisone dosage for adrenal insufficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 0.1 mg\/kg daily\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids suppress the ability of adrenal glands in the dog to make corticosteroid hormones. If the drug is stopped too suddenly, the dog will experience adrenal insufficiency. It could be life-threatening. When it\u2019s time to stop prednisone, the veterinarian will prescribe a steadily decreasing dose of prednisone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-dogs-overdose-on-prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can dogs overdose on prednisone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can overdose on prednisone. If an owner suspects or knows that a dog has taken too much prednisone, call the veterinarian or an animal poison control center.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mostly, however, most overdoses occur because the dose is too high. This is called medication-induced Cushing\u2019s disease. It will take a while for problems to manifest. Look for signs such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pot-bellied appearance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thin skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thin coat or hair loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"can-i-give-my-dog-prednisone-every-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I give my dog prednisone every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians will prescribe prednisone daily or every other day. Dogs can take prednisone daily over the long-term, but when therapy lasts for longer than four months, serious problems are possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-give-your-dog-prednisone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to give your dog prednisone<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone is given to dogs by mouth. Because prednisone has such powerful effects on the dog\u2019s body, it\u2019s important to dose the dog carefully.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the veterinarian\u2019s dosage instructions carefully.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give prednisone tablets or oral solution with food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give it at the same time each day. The veterinarian may suggest dosing dogs in the morning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not skip doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a dose is missed, give it as soon as it\u2019s remembered. If it\u2019s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Never give the dog extra prednisone or a double dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not stop giving the dog prednisone until told to do so by the veterinarian. When it\u2019s time to quit, the dog may need to have a steadily decreasing dose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store prednisone tablets at room temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"prednisone-alternatives-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone alternatives for dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone and prednisolone are appropriate drugs for many conditions, but they may not be appropriate for your dog. Veterinarians do have alternative treatments for many of the conditions prednisone is used for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other corticosteroids, including topical steroids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs to manage pain or reduce swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other pain medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antihistamines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for allergic reactions or itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemotherapy for cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other types of immunosuppressive drugs, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cyclosporine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cyclosporine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative or complementary treatments for some of the conditions treated by prednisone include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omega-3 fatty acid supplements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/glucosamine-chondroitin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glucosamine-chondroitin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"summary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone and prednisolone are widely used to treat a number of conditions in dogs. Although prednisone can cause serious problems, veterinarians take great care to minimize the risks. Long-term use is problematic, so veterinarians regularly examine the animal and do blood work to make sure there aren\u2019t problems. Prednisone should be safe and effective if pet parents follow the veterinarian\u2019s instructions, watch for side effects, and contact the veterinarian when problems occur.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid used widely to treat numerous problems in dogs. Corticosteroids are hormones created within the pituitary gland that regulate the functions of cells and hormones throughout the body. They affect practically every cell and system in the dog\u2019s body. Among veterinarians, prednisone is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":626539,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7956],"tags":[7969],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-626537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets","tag-dogs","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prednisone for dogs: Side effects and safety | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Prednisone is used to treat inflammation in dogs. The standard dose of Prednisone for dogs is between 0.5 mg\/kg to 2 mg\/kg daily. Side effects like increased appetite may occur.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-for-dogs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Prednisone for dogs: Dosage, side effects, and safety\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prednisone is used to treat inflammation in dogs. The standard dose of Prednisone for dogs is between 0.5 mg\/kg to 2 mg\/kg daily. 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