Prednisone for Dogs

Is your dog suffering from inflammation? Inflammation can be quite common in dogs, and it has its own share of unpleasant effects like itching and pain. Some dogs can even have hair loss or other internal problems.

If your dog is suffering from inflammation, then it is only a matter of time before your veterinarian prescribes it with prednisone. But what exactly is it? How does it work? What can it do for your pet dog?

WHAT IS IT?

What is prednisone? It’s a synthetic corticosteroid that helps control or alters your pet dog’s allergic and inflammatory reactions. If your dog is prone to allergic reactions, or if your find your dog reacting to almost all kinds of things, then prednisone can just be the right medication for your pet.

Prednisone is a strong anti-inflammatory medication that should only be obtained through prescription.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES IT TREAT?

Veterinarians usually prescribe prednisone to treat the following ailments, to which most are anti-inflammatory. They can be: allergies, dry or itchy skin, hives, asthma, inflammatory respiratory and bowel diseases, and many others.

The medication can also work when it comes to treating auto-immune diseases in dogs. Such examples can be related to diseases related to the central nervous system, hemolytic anemia, and many others. It can even be used to help treat cancer in dogs, however, the dosage will usually be much higher.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Aside from the immunosuppressant properties of prednisone, below are some of its other noticeable symptoms:

• Prednisone can help lessen signs of inflammation. This can be in the form of redness and swelling.
• It can also help reduce pain.
• It can also help relieve symptoms related to allergies. These symptoms are can usually be in the form of rashes, swelling or itchiness.

As mentioned, it can help manage various autoimmune disorders or diseases in dogs. It can also aid in soothing or managing cancer symptoms in dogs as well.

DOES IT HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?

If you are going to let your dog take prednisone, you should be aware that a potential side effect could be the suppression of the normal functions of your pet dog’s immune system. Your pet’s immune system is responsible for protecting it against various infections. If your dog’s immune system is suppressed, then it will be susceptible to various infections or bacteria.

Below are some of the other common side effects of prednisone:

• An increase in your pet dog’s blood sugar
• Swelling of the face and weight gain
• Changes or blurring of vision
• Behavior changes
• Skin thinning

Your dog may also experience the following: insomnia, vomiting, fatigue, an upset stomach or muscle weakness. If this is the case, make sure that you inform your veterinarian and consult him or her right away. The same thing also applies if you notice your pet having any allergic reactions, which can be in the form of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of tongue, lips or face

WHAT IS THE RIGHT DOSAGE?

Since prednisone is a prescribe medication, your dog’s veterinarian will be the one to determine the right amount to be given to your pet. However, it usually comes in 1 to 50 milligrams. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding dosage. Don’t forget to administer it with food as well. This is in order to lessen the side effects related to an upset stomach.