What is the right dose of prednisone for dogs?
As with all off-label drugs, you must follow a veterinarian’s prescribed dosage very strictly. They will recommend a specific dosage of prednisone for dogs based on the animal’s unique weight and medical condition.
The steroid medication is usually administered orally in the form of tablets and liquid solutions, preferably with food to lower the chance of an upset stomach. If your vet prescribes dog prednisone once per day, it’s best to give it to your pet in the morning.
When prescribed more than once daily, it’s important to remember each dose and administer them in regular intervals. If you forget a dosage of prednisone for dogs, administer it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, continue with the schedule as planned because you should never give your dog two doses at once.
Some skin conditions, such as dermatitis and hives due to allergies, may be treated with a topical steroid cream. More severe conditions, including anaphylactic shock and Addisonian crisis, may require a steroid injection in a hospital setting. The medication takes effect quickly, usually within one to two hours, and improvement in symptoms should soon follow. It’s a short-acting drug that typically stops working within 24 hours, but the effects last longer in dogs with kidney and liver disease.
It is important to know that Prednisone should never be stopped abruptly so if your dog is prescribed this medication by a veterinarian you need to follow the instructions carefully. Most veterinarians will prescribe it as a taper course that needs to be followed strictly.
Your vet might monitor your canine companion to ensure that the medication is working properly. Recommendations related to monitoring will depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, duration of therapy, size dosage, and the dog’s overall health. Common monitoring practices with these medications include:
Why use prednisolone for dogs instead?
Prednisone is converted into prednisolone in the canine’s liver, so although they are two distinct drugs, the names are sometimes used interchangeably. They are equally absorbed by the bloodstream and considered to be “bioequivalent” with the same essential functions. However, veterinarians may specifically prescribe prednisolone for dogs with poor liver function to avoid placing stress on the organ during the body’s conversion process.
Both drugs are forms of synthetic forms of corticosteroids – a hormone that occurs naturally in canines and humans – however, neither drug is approved by the FDA for animal use. Nonetheless, prescribing the “off-label use” of prednisolone and prednisone for dogs is considered accepted practice in veterinary medicine. Neither are available over the counter, so you will need a vet’s prescription to buy them.
What Are the Side Effects of Prednisone Use in Dogs?
The use of prednisone can cause adverse side effects. These include:Â
These side effects usually go away when the drug is stopped. But long-term use of high doses of prednisone may lead to serious health conditions, including:
Can a Dog on Steroids Ever Drink Too Much? – Dog Health Vet Advice
Prednisone is one of the most commonly prescribed steroids in both human and veterinary medicine. It’s used to treat a variety of ailments from joint pain to cancer. If your dog has been prescribed prednisone, there is a long list of things you should be aware of before you give them that first pill. Always work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting Prednisone in the right amounts. Remember that pets are good for your health but you need to help them be good with their health.