What are the side effects of prednisone in dogs?

Common side effects include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, panting, and restlessness. Long-term use can cause weight gain, muscle weakness, skin changes, and increased infection risk. These effects are dose-dependent.

Why do I need to taper prednisone?

Long-term prednisone suppresses the body's natural cortisol production. Stopping abruptly can cause adrenal insufficiency. Tapering allows the adrenal glands to resume normal function. Your vet will provide a specific tapering schedule.

Can I give prednisone with food?

Yes, giving prednisone with food can help reduce stomach upset. It's often recommended to give it in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm.

How long can my dog be on prednisone?

Short courses (1-2 weeks) are common for acute conditions. Long-term use is sometimes necessary for chronic conditions but requires regular monitoring and using the lowest effective dose. Your vet will determine the appropriate duration.

Veterinary+ Chart

Prednisone Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Calculate the correct prednisone dose for your dog based on weight. Includes anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive dosing with tapering guide.

Prednisone for Dogs

Calculate the correct prednisone dose for your dog based on weight. Includes anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive dosing with tapering guide.

Dog's WeightEnter your dog's current weight

PurposeSelect based on your vet's prescription

Dose LevelAs directed by your veterinarian

Tablet StrengthSelect the tablet strength you have

Prednisone requires a veterinary prescription. Long-term use requires monitoring and gradual tapering - never stop prednisone abruptly. Side effects are common and dose-dependent. Always follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for dosing and tapering.

Important Disclaimer

About This Calculator

Prednisone and prednisolone are corticosteroids commonly prescribed for dogs to treat inflammation, allergies, immune-mediated diseases, and certain cancers. The dose varies significantly based on the condition being treated, with anti-inflammatory doses being much lower than immunosuppressive doses.

How It Works

Enter your dog's weight, select the purpose, and choose the dose level prescribed by your vet. The calculator provides the daily dose and number of tablets needed. Prednisone is often given once daily in the morning, or the dose may be split twice daily for higher doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prednisone is converted to prednisolone (the active form) in the liver. Dogs can use either, but cats should receive prednisolone directly as they don't convert prednisone efficiently. The dosing is the same for both.

Clinical Review

Dr. Igor I. Bussel, MD

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Igor I. Bussel is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained surgeon affiliated with the University of California, Irvine (UCI), the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, and the UCI School of Medicine.

Last Updated: 2025-01-05

Sources & Guidelines

Medically Reviewed

Evidence-Based

Updated 2025-01-05

Related Calculators

Gabapentin for Dogs

Calculate the correct gabapentin dose for your dog based on weight. Includes dosing for pain, anxiety, and seizures with dosage chart.

Veterinary+ Chart

Trazodone for Dogs

Calculate the correct trazodone dose for your dog based on weight. Used for anxiety, sedation, and behavioral issues with dosage chart.

Veterinary+ Chart

Gabapentin + Trazodone Combo

Calculate combined gabapentin and trazodone doses for dogs. Popular combination for vet visits, anxiety, and post-surgery sedation.

Veterinary+ Chart

Zyrtec for Dogs

Calculate the correct Zyrtec (cetirizine) dose for your dog based on weight. Used for allergies, itching, and skin conditions with dosage chart.

Veterinary+ Chart

References

Reviewed by: Veterinary Clinical Review Team (DVM)

Last updated: 2025-01-05