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Your vet may have prescribed prednisone for your dog or emotional support animal, and you’re wondering about the possible side effects. Of course – you want to make sure whatever you give your pup is safe!
Here is a bit more info for you about prednisone for dogs to make sure you feel confident in what you’re giving them.
Prednisone is an FDA approved medication for dogs that is used to treat numerous conditions like canine lymphoma, asthma, allergies, skin irritations, lupus, arthritis, and more! So why are pet parents concerned about prednisone?
Prednisone is a synthetic steroid that may result in side effects that may be serious, so it’s good to first consider if it’s really necessary to use prednisone on your dog. Let’s take a look at why this medication is not good for long-term use.
Prednisolone for Dogs
Your veterinarian may have prescribed prednisone or prednisolone for arthritis, inflammation, or an endocrine problem like Addison’s disease.
Prednisolone is created after prednisone has been metabolized by the liver. It’s absorbed faster than prednisone, and is also preferred over prednisone for dogs that suffer from liver conditions.
A Synthetic Steroid
It’s a synthetic steroid that has been formulated to act in a similar fashion to a glucocorticoid hormone that’s produced naturally by a dog’s adrenal glands. Both prednisone and prednisolone are synthetic steroids that help treat diseases related to inflammation and inflammatory responses. They also affect water and sodium levels.
Prednisolone also inhibits the duplication of lymphocytes. The main tumor types treated will include the following:
. Lymphomas
. Mast cell tumors
. Palliative treatment of brain tumors
FDA Approved
Prednisone is FDA approved in the U.S, and is also sold under the drug name Meticorten. Prednisolone is sponsored by ZOETIS Inc., and Intervet, as well as Merial Inc. Both prednisone and prednisolone are approved by the FDA for use in pets.
Prednisone May Be Used to Treat the Following Conditions:
. Multiple Myeloma
. Allergies
. Arthritis
. Asthma
. Endocrine diseases
. Skin diseases
. Orthopedic diseases with inflammation
. Anaphylactic shock
. Lupus
. Addison’s disease
. Prednisolone for liver conditions. (Not prednisone)
. Cancers like lymphomas
Should I Give My Dog Prednisone?
Your veterinarian will often prescribe medications after a diagnosis. It’s best to read up about the medications, and to be aware of any side effects. In general, it’s best to follow your veterinarian’s directions, and what he or she has prescribed for your dog.
All medications must be given exactly as prescribed; if not, they make not have optimal efficacy, or may make a condition worse by complicating them. You should consider discussing your dog’s medications with your veterinarian beforehand, and asking questions about them. Relieving pain and inflammation is an important part of veterinary treatment in dogs, and helps your dog feel better, and live a happier, pain-free life!
Prednisone is a steroid drug that is important in treating a myriad of health conditions in dogs. That said, it’s good to be aware of the side effects, so that you can look out for them, and also discuss them with your veterinarian. If you notice your dog is acting oddly after taking prednisone, consult with your veterinarian right away.
By not taking this drug for a long period of time, you may be lessening the side effects. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian. Keep in mind that prednisone is prescribed to help your dog recover. Some dogs have had bad side effects, so it’s worth reading up about this medication. If used for less than a month, you’re less likely to have side effects.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Prednisone has side effects that every pet parent
. Fluid retention
. Increased thirst and hunger
. Liver damage
. Cardiac arrest
. Stomach ulcers
. Hormonal issues
. Dry flakey and itchy skin
. Secondary infections (due to suppressed immune system after prednisone’s initial use)
. Kidney damage
. Lethargy (short -term side effects)
. High-blood pressure
. Diabetes
. Vomiting (short-term side effects)
Which Dogs Should Not Take Prednisone?
As with all medications, you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian for the best advice. That said, dogs that have the following conditions should not be taking prednisone.
. Pregnant
. Nursing
. Liver or kidney problems
. Dogs that are under 6 months of age
. Dogs that are used for breeding
. Discuss with your veterinarian first if your dogs have cancer, heart problems, mites, diabetes
Dogs that are on NSAID’s should also not go on prednisone. The same applies to dogs that are on diuretics, and salicylates.
Prednisone Dosage
Estimated dosage of Prednisone for dogs is 2.5 mg per 10 lbs.
| Weight class | Dose |
| 5 to 20 lbs. | 1.25 to 5 mg |
| 20 to 40 lbs. | 5 to 10 mg |
| 40 to 80 lbs. | 10 to 20 mg |
| 80 to 160 lbs. | 20 to 40 mg |
Long Term Use of Prednisone May Result in The Following:
. Hair loss
. Obesity
. Muscle weakness
. Distended stomach
. Increased risk for demodectic mange
. Increased risk of fungal and bacterial infections
. Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Prednisone Can Help Your Dog
Prednisone can help improve your dog’s quality of life. Although we’ve so many conflicting opinions about this steroidal drug, you’ve got to keep in mind that it treats very serious conditions like lymphomas, inflammation, and allergies. That said, while your dog’s on prednisone, it’s best to keep an eye on him. His immune system will be suppressed, and he may contract another disease. Once again, you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian if your dog is out –of- sorts.
Image credit: Pixaby
Alternatives for Pain & Inflammation Relief
CBD Oil May Be Beneficial for Inflammation & Pain
CBD is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid, and offers both therapeutic and medicinal purposes for humans and pets. CBD is natural, safe, and is derived from the hemp plant. Most CBD dog treats will use CBD from hemp, and will not have THC. That said, there is no “high” and your dog will not consume THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, resulting in psychoactive effects with your dog getting “high”. The legal amount of THC is 0.3%, which will not affect your pet in any way. It’s important to ask for the certificate of analysis (COA) EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU PURCHASE A CBD PET PRODUCT. It must have no contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
Reliable, high-quality cannabidiol pet brands have an array of health benefits. This is because CBD MAY help dogs with these conditions and more!
. Inflammatory bowel disease
. Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
. Chronic pain
. Anxiety
. Seizures and tremors
. Cancer
. General aches and pain
. Arthritis
. Fear
. Skin irritations
. Skin tumors
. Inflammation
. General pain reliever
. Blood disorders
. Fights off free radicals and may prevent the development of cancer
CBD Without the High
CBD (cannabidiol) is a component of the cannabis plant, but without the tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC), the component of the cannabis plant that gives you the “high”. NO THC, NO “HIGH!”
CBD comes from the hemp plant, but can also be extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is the liquid that comes from the cannabis plant, with the best form of extraction being the CO2 method.
CBD oil for pets may be beneficial for numerous canine health issues including cancer, to stimulate appetite, and may also help treat tumors and many other health conditions in pets.
Does CBD Have Side Effects?
Cannabidiol has minimal side effects when it’s a high-quality, and purchased from a reputable CBD pet brand. If there are any side effects, CBD may make your furry best friend drowsy. That said, it is usually well-tolerated in most pets.
With new CBD pet product lines geared toward healing and nurturing, the use of CBD oil-based products for dogs has become more extensive with product lines adding CBG, CBD, CBN and CBA. These all work together to reduce anxiety, reduce bacteria, help with skin problems and hot spots, reduce pain, and provide numerous other positive benefits for dogs.
Today, pet CBD brands have extended CBD lines to include transdermal patches, CBD shampoos and conditioners, capsules, tinctures, edibles like gummies, treats, and more. There are also CBD waters, lotions, sprays, and balms to help improve your dog’s everyday life and to also help achieve optimal health and wellness without the use of traditional pharmaceuticals that may have side effects.
That said, you’re going to need to speak to your veterinarian to discuss the best veterinary care options for your dog. This may include using both CBD and prednisone since CBD as of yet, does not seem to interact with other medications. There is still plenty of ongoing research today.
Keep in mind that with pain comes anxiety, because your furry best friend is not feeling well. He may also not sleep well because of his pain, or he may have a lack of appetite. Cannabidiol for pets helps to promote appetite, and also helps with digestive issues.
CBD for Inflammation
Recent studies have demonstrated how this natural supplement helps reduce pain and inflammation. CBD oils for dogs are made for pain-relief, as well as to maintain optimal pet health.
Look for high-quality hemp that is organically grown in Colorado. U.S CBD oil is more concentrated, and specifically targets dogs that may benefit from a higher CBD dose. It’s necessary to read the potency and dosage instructions carefully because all CBD products are different.
Resources
1.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190623143055.htm
2. https://www.epidiolex.com/about-epidiolex/story
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
4. https://www.asm.org/