What is prednisone for dogs?
Prednisone is classified as a synthetic glucocorticoid. Essentially, it is a drug manufactured in a lab that will act like a naturally occurring hormone called cortisol.
Prednisone is converted into its active form, prednisolone, by the liver. It is also possible to synthesize prednisolone in a laboratory. In some cases. it may be prescribed instead of prednisone (and, incidentally, is the more commonly prescribed drug for cats.)
We will circle back to prednisone, but first we need to talk a bit about cortisol since it is the blueprint for prednisone. The adrenal glands (a pair of small glands that sit above the kidneys) make cortisol and release it into the body to perform its life-sustaining roles. Yes, you heard that right—life-sustaining. We need cortisol to survive, pure and simple. So it isn’t all bad.
Ok, so what exactly is so life-sustaining about cortisol? If cortisol had a resumé, it would say:
What Are The Side Effects Of Systemic Steroids In Dogs?
Systemic steroid use in dogs affects almost all the systems in the body, resulting in a high risk of potentially serious side effects.
Increased Urination and Housetraining Accidents
If the dog is drinking more water than normal, its obvious that the dog will also be urinating more. The most obvious sign of this is the dog needing to go outside during the night, sometimes two or three times. Dont ask the dog to hold his bladder; if he asks to go outside, let him out.
Dogs left home alone during the day while everyone is gone will also need to go outside more often so arrangements will need to be made so that can happen. If you cant come home, perhaps a neighbor can help.
Due to an increased need to urinate, housetraining accidents are common. Its important not to punish the dog; not only is this not good dog training, but he also has less control during this time. After all, his bladder is refilling more quickly than normal. Instead, just make sure he gets outside twice as often as he normally needs. Once the dog is off the steroids, it doesnt take long before the thirst decreases and urination habits go back to normal.
Some dogs taking corticosteroids become restless. They may pace back and forth or have trouble relaxing. Panting is common. The dog may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Some dogs become agitated and react to different sights or sounds more quickly than they normally do. Some dogs seem to startle at just about anything, even normal household noises. A few dog owners have said this reaction seems as if the dogs senses have been amplified.
Again, as with housetraining accidents, dont get angry with the dog for these changes in his behavior. Instead, if his restlessness or lack of sleep seems to be too much for his comfort, talk to your veterinarian.
When one of my previous dogs was on a long course of corticosteroids due to a serious health concern, his appetite increased dramatically. He was really hungry. He acted as if hed never been fed—ever—and he needed to be fed NOW!
Although my dog didnt get into trouble over his increased appetite, many dog owners report that their dog began raiding trash cans, ate the cats food, opened kitchen cupboard doors or stole food off the kitchen counter. Its important at this time to make sure any food is well protected from your dogs efforts to satisfy his hunger because in most cases that hunger will override any training. To make him feel better, offer him several small meals during the day rather than one large meal. You can also give him snacks in a food dispensing toy so that his brain is busy as he works for these bits of food.
Some dogs, because theyre so hungry, will begin guarding the food theyre given. Its important to avoid these episodes as much as possible as you dont want your dog to feel that he needs to bite to protect his food.
Aggression isnt the most commonly seen behavioral change due to corticosteroid use, but unfortunately, it does happen. In fact, when I talk to dog owners and Im told their dog has had a sudden onset of aggressive behavior, one of the first questions I ask is whether the dog has been prescribed a corticosteroid drug.
Sometimes the aggression is mild and the dog is easily startled and reacts with a growl or bark but doesnt do anything else. Other dogs appear to be downright grumpy. In these instances, you may be able to live with this reactive or grumpy behavior for the time your dog needs to take the medication. However, if you feel uneasy about your dogs behavior, call your veterinarian. Perhaps another drug might work as well without the behavioral side effects.
A few dogs on corticosteroids will develop what is often called steroid psychosis. These dogs appear to be out of touch with reality and are dangerously aggressive. Its important to not confront these dogs in any way as they are more likely to accept your challenge or attempt to control them with an attack. Because of the drugs effect on the dogs brain, its as if the dog has lost his natural inhibition about biting people. Instead, if faced with this, be calm, quiet and simply try to keep everyone, dog and people, safe. Then call your veterinarian right away.