{"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":"2026-06-18T17:08:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T21:08:35","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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that treats numerous problems in dogs. Corticosteroids are natural hormones produced within the pituitary gland and affect practically every cell and system in the dog\u2019s body.\u00a0 Prednisone has a number of veterinary uses. Prednisone is converted to its active form, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisolone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prednisolone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, by the liver in dogs. This means that prednisone and prednisolone are interchangeable for dogs, so the veterinarian may use one or the other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/resources\/pet-meds\"><b>Discount pet meds &amp; resources<\/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><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prednisone\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\/blog\/arthritis-in-dogs\/\"><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;\">Pet owners most likely will be prescribed prednisone when their dog is experiencing 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, asthma, itching, injuries, and some tumors are all conditions that can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of short-term prednisone or prednisolone 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:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2835779\/\"><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\"><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 control these autoimmune flare-ups by blocking the immune system.\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 in dogs, representing about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/lymphoma-in-dogs\"><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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine\/prednisone#:~:text=Cancer%20Chemotherapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">induce those cells to die<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Prednisone is usually used as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/overview-multiple-myeloma-dogs-and-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">add-on treatment to chemotherapy drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/circulatory-system\/lymphoma-in-dogs\/lymphoma-in-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">palliative treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help dogs live more comfortably when the cancer can\u2019t be treated.\u00a0 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\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less than 0.5% of dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s not easy for a caregiver to spot because the symptoms are vague, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/endocrine-system\/the-adrenal-glands\/addison-disease-hypoadrenocorticism-in-animals\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of Addison&#8217;s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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. Many dogs 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\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumb\u2019s Medication Guides<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, prednisone is never safe to give to dogs that are:<\/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\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/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, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/veterinarypartner.vin.com\/default.aspx?pid=19239&amp;id=4951498\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">particularly<\/span><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/uti-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/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 caregiver about stomach ulcers, infections, high blood sugar, or similar severe adverse reactions. Instead, caregivers should watch for signs of these effects and call the veterinarian if they notice:<\/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 prednisone dose for the shortest period of time. Veterinarians may start at a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prednisone-dosage-for-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommended prednisone dosage for dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 the 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;\">Yes, 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;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/veterinarypartner.vin.com\/default.aspx?pid=19239&amp;catId=254094&amp;id=4951983\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/treating-cushings-disease-dogs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thin skin<\/span><\/a><\/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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/veterinarypartner.vin.com\/default.aspx?pid=19239&amp;id=4951498\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lasts for longer than four months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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 administer the medication to the dog carefully. Here&#8217;s how:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the veterinarian\u2019s exact dosage instructions.<\/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 prednisone 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 you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. But, 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 have alternative treatments for many of the conditions for which prednisone is used. Examples of prednisone alternatives include:<\/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=\"bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line<\/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 any problems. Prednisone should be safe and effective if caregivers 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 that treats numerous problems in dogs. Corticosteroids are natural hormones produced within the pituitary gland and affect practically every cell and system in the dog\u2019s body.\u00a0 Prednisone has a number of veterinary uses. Prednisone is converted to its active form, prednisolone, by the liver in dogs. This means that prednisone [&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 v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prednisone for dogs: Dosage, side effects, and safety<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Vets may prescribe prednisone for dogs to treat inflammation, adrenal insufficiency, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. 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