10 Tips for Dogs on Prednisone

Depending on the day, prednisone for dogs can be a miracle drug or a nightmare. Prednisone is a corticosteroid, often prescribed for things like allergies or auto-immune diseases. It works quickly, with results often noticed within a few hours of administration.

If your dog is prescribed prednisone, it’s important that you understand what prednisone does and its potential for side effects in dogs:

1. Prednisone is an immunosuppressant. That means it reduces inflammation (so, helpful for allergies) and acts to quieten down overactive immune responses seen in problems like pemphigus.
2. Prednisone will stimulate your dog’s appetite. Your previously saintly dog will now be stealing food off the counters and the table, possibly even right before your eyes. Store food safely and help your dog’s voracious appetite out with low calorie treats like plain canned pumpkin, baby carrots, or green beans.
3. Prednisone will make your dog drink more. You will need to really stay on top of his water bowl(s) or you may find him guzzling from the toilet. As always, wash bowls and change water at least once daily.
4. Prednisone will make your dog pee more (see #3). Not only will the amounts of urine increase, but so will the frequency of urination. Be alert to letting your dog out more, doing extra walks or placing some pee pads strategically around the house.
5. Your dog has less protection against pathogens. This is related to the immunosuppressant abilities of prednisone. You may want to skip day care, grooming, and dog events to avoid any illnesses that may be going around.
6. Talk to your veterinarian if the side effects are bad. Not all dogs will show dramatic side effects, especially if your dog needs to be on prednisone long term. Your dog may pant more or seem restless. Dogs with Addison’s disease, for example, will be on a corticosteroid for life. Discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. For many conditions, the dose can be adjusted to keep any side effects to a minimum.
7. Prednisone can be used short-term. Dogs being treated with prednisone for inflammatory conditions such as allergies may only need prednisone seasonally or may be weaned off prednisone as other treatments take effect. Short-term use of prednisone can help your dog while other treatments gear up such as a diet change for a dog with irritable bowel disease (IBD).
8. Dogs receiving prednisone are at some risk for gastric upsets and ulcers. Prednisone should not be combined with most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories unless you are under close veterinary guidance. Always give prednisone with food. Report diarrhea and/or vomiting to your veterinarian.
9. Be aware of behavior changes. While on prednisone, some dogs will act restless or may even be a bit aggressive. Others act mopey and lethargic. The changes can vary with the individual.
10. Encourage exercise. Long term use may lead to loss of muscle tone. Keep your dog active, but you may need to keep the level moderate.

Prednisone can be essential for a dog with Addison’s disease and can greatly improve the quality of life for dogs with allergies, arthritis, or some immune diseases. Your veterinarian will give you a dosage protocol for most problems that will include gradually weaning your dog off the prednisone (unless he needs it long-term). It is important that you follow these instructions carefully.

Prednisone can truly feel like a miracle drug. It is sometimes used as an interim treatment to make your dog comfortable, while other treatment modalities are being established.