Prednisone and Prednisolone for Dogs and Cats

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet

What Are Prednisone and Prednisolone for Dogs and Cats?

Prednisone and prednisolone are types of human prescription steroid medications called corticosteroids. They are also further classified as glucocorticoids, which are steroids that occur naturally in the body.

Either prednisone or prednisolone can be used in dogs because a healthy canine liver can convert prednisone to its active metabolite, prednisolone. Cats, however, cannot absorb and convert prednisone as well as other animals, so prednisolone is used in cats.

Glucocorticoids are medications that have many functions depending on how they are administered. Veterinarians prescribe prednisone and prednisolone for the treatment of inflammation, immune-mediated diseases, heartworm disease, severe allergic reactions, deficiencies of natural body steroids (Addison's disease), and even as chemotherapy for certain types of cancers.

Prednisone and prednisolone are FDA-approved for human use in a variety of brand name and generic formulations such as tablets, oral liquids, eye drops, and ear drops. Prednisone and prednisolone are not FDA-approved as veterinary medications as of the date of publication.

However, veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn’t described on the drug label. While veterinarians often prescribe medications for extra-label uses, your veterinarian will determine whether this medication is right for your pet.

In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of prednisone or prednisolone. Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs. You can learn more about compounded medications here. Your veterinarian will determine whether a compounded medication is right for your pet.

Prednisone and Prednisolone Considerations

Prednisone/prednisolone should not be used in pets with active bacterial or fungal infections, corneal ulceration, gastrointestinal ulceration, in breeding, pregnant or nursing pets, or in pets who are hypersensitive to it.

Prednisolone/prednisolone should be used with caution in pets with diabetes mellitus, heart disease, overactive adrenal glands (Cushing’s disease), high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

Giving prednisone/prednisolone with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.

How Prednisone and Prednisolone Work in Dogs and Cats

Prednisone and prednisolone are steroids that are also hormones. They have effects on almost every type of cell in an animal’s body and can function in a variety of ways. The action of either medication also depends on the amount given—your veterinarian will prescribe the dose that is appropriate for your pet’s medical condition.

At lower doses, prednisone or prednisolone can reduce inflammation and have broad anti-inflammatory effects. At higher doses, they can suppress the immune system response, which may be helpful in treating certain forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Prednisone and Prednisolone Directions for Dogs and Cats

Follow the directions on the drug label and as provided by your veterinarian. Check the label closely, as the recommended dosage often changes over the course of treatment.

Treatment with prednisone or prednisolone for more than one to two weeks may interfere with their bodies’ production of their own steroids. To account for this, veterinarians usually recommend that the dose be slowly decreased over time until your pet is no longer on this medication. Make sure to follow all tapering dosing directions closely.

Do not stop the medication before the end of treatment without first discussing it with your veterinarian. Abruptly stopping long-term treatment without tapering the dose can cause serious side effects.

Missed a Dose?

If you forget to give a dose of prednisone or prednisolone, give it when you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.

Prednisone and Prednisolone Possible Side Effects in Dogs and Cats

Prednisone or prednisolone may cause side effects, which are dependent on the dose the pet is receiving and how long they have been on the medication.

The most common side effects include the following:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination (increased amount and frequency; may cause pets to have accidents inside the house)
• Increased appetite
• Panting
• Vomiting/diarrhea

Additional side effects can occur, especially when the medication is given long-term or at higher doses. These additional side effects may include:

• Weight gain
• Poor haircoat or hair loss
• Muscle wasting (atrophy)
• Decreased energy level or weakness
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores)—may present as bright blood in vomit
• Bleeding into the digestive tract—may present as black and tar-like stools
• Triggering or worsening of diabetes mellitus
• Increased risk for infections
• Pot-belly appearance (distended abdomen)
• Behavior changes (aggression, depression, lethargy)

Prednisone or prednisolone can suppress the immune system response at higher doses. This may cause pets to be more susceptible to infection. Abruptly stopping prednisone or prednisolone can cause serious side effects. Contact your veterinarian before prematurely discontinuing prednisone or prednisolone. Your veterinarian can recommend a gradual reduction in dosing to reduce the likelihood of serious side effects.

Human Side Effects

Prednisone and prednisolone are also prescription medications for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Monitoring

Your veterinarian is likely to recommend routine testing while your pet is on this medication. Testing may vary depending on your pets' individual needs, any other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication. The most common recommendations for monitoring on this medication are  blood work, encompassing a complete blood cell count and chemistry panel, urinalysis and blood pressure monitoring.

Call Your Vet If

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)
• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
• if you see or suspect an overdose
• Call your vet or pharmacist if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of prednisone or prednisolone

Prednisone and Prednisolone Overdose Information in Dogs and Cats

Overdoses of prednisone or prednisolone can cause digestive upset, especially in dogs. Signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, blood in the vomit or black, tar-like stools. If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Prednisone and Prednisolone Storage for Dogs and Cats

Prednisone/Prednisolone should be stored at controlled temperatures from 68 to 77 F and brief exposure to temperatures 59–86 F are acceptable, but always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label. Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect the medication from moisture and light.

Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.