Pain and intense itching are two unpleasant symptoms that can result from health conditions involving inflammation in dogs. Fortunately, there are a few drugs that can reduce inflammation, with prednisolone and prednisone for dogs being two of the most popular. But, whats the difference between these two steroids?.
Prednisone must be converted into prednisolone by liver enzymes in order for the drug to work, despite the fact that prednisone and prednisolone are two different medications. As a result, they are regarded as pharmaceutical equivalents because they perform the same fundamental roles.
Learn more about the applications, dosage, and negative effects of these medications in dogs by reading on.
Pro Tip: Prescription medications for pets can be quite expensive. Many dog owners look for a pet insurance plan that also covers prescriptions because the costs can quickly mount if their dog has a chronic condition that necessitates ongoing care.
Corticosteroids are a class of medications related to cortisone, a naturally occurring hormone.
Prednisone and prednisolone are the corticosteroids that are most frequently administered to dogs, although there are other options. Dogs are given corticosteroids to treat a range of conditions, such as allergies, different skin issues, itching, inflammation, and immune system irregularities. Although very helpful for many canine health issues, these powerful medications must be used carefully and according to the directions. Additionally, the dosage must be gradually decreased if the dog has been taking the medications for a while to avoid a withdrawal reaction.
Unfortunately, corticosteroids can have side effects. These can have both physical and behavioral effects, or a combination of both, ranging from being quite minor to being quite serious. In fact, studies and anecdotal evidence from dog owners both indicate that up to 30% of dogs exhibit some sort of behavioral change when taking these medications. The side effects of a brief course of these medications for your dog (perhaps just a few days) will probably be negligible to nonexistent. Longer courses of treatment, however, may cause side effects.
One of the most frequent side effects of corticosteroids for both short and long treatment courses is an increase in thirst. Water should always be available for dogs taking these medications because some dogs get extremely thirsty, unless the vet advises otherwise. Additionally, you can add water to your dog’s meals, upping the water content of the Honest Kitchen food if your dog consumes it to the point where the food becomes soupy. If your dog consumes other foods, such as canned or kibble, add water to those as well so you can better meet his increased water needs.
Other than the fact that he will seek out water if his water bowl runs dry after he drinks all of the water added to his food, this thirst generally doesn’t lead to many behavioral issues. Given that medium to large dogs may drink from the toilet, any cleaners in the toilet could result in additional issues because some are toxic. Small dogs that can’t use the bathroom may whine for more water or, if no one is around to give it to them, they may start chewing destructively out of frustration.
It is obvious that if the dog is drinking more water than usual, the dog will also be urinating more. The dog’s need to go outside during the night, sometimes twice or three times, is the most obvious sign of this. Don’t make the dog hold his bladder; instead, let him out if he requests to go outside.
Making arrangements to allow for this will be necessary if dogs are left at home alone during the day while everyone is away. If you can’t come home, perhaps a neighbor can help.
Housetraining mishaps are frequent as a result of an increased need to urinate. It’s crucial to avoid punishing the dog because he will lose control and it won’t make for good dog training. After all, his bladder is refilling more quickly than normal. Just make sure he goes outside twice as often as he typically needs to instead. Soon after the dog stops taking the steroids, his or her thirst subsides, and his or her urination patterns return 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.
Certain canines become agitated and respond to various sights or sounds more quickly than they usually do. Some dogs appear startled by practically anything, including common household noises. Some dog owners have claimed that this response appears to be caused by an increase in the dog’s senses.
Don’t get upset with the dog for these changes in his behavior, as you shouldn’t with housetraining mishaps. Instead, consult your veterinarian if his agitation or lack of sleep seems to be too much for him to handle.
One of my previous dogs’ appetite increased significantly while he was taking a lengthy course of corticosteroids for a serious health issue. He was really hungry. He behaved as though he had never eaten before and that he urgently required food.
My dog didn’t get into trouble because of his increased appetite, but many dog owners say that their dog started rifling through the trash, eating the cat’s food, opening kitchen cabinet doors, or stealing food from the counter. Currently, it’s crucial to ensure that any food is adequately shielded from your dog’s attempts to satiate his hunger because, in most cases, that hunger will trump any training. Offer him several small meals throughout the day as opposed to one large meal to help him feel better. Additionally, you can provide him with snacks in a food dispenser toy so that his mind is occupied as he searches for the food.
Some dogs will start guarding the food they are given because they are so hungry. Avoiding these situations as much as you can will prevent your dog from feeling the need to bite to protect his food.
Although it is not the most typical behavioral change brought on by corticosteroid use, aggression does unfortunately occur. In fact, one of the first things I inquire about when I speak with dog owners about their dog’s sudden onset of aggressive behavior is whether or not the dog has been prescribed a corticosteroid medication.
When the dog is startled, even in the presence of mild aggression, it may growl or bark in response. Other dogs appear to be downright grumpy. For the duration that your dog needs to take the medication, you might be able to put up with this reactive or irritable behavior. Call your veterinarian, though, if you’re concerned about how your dog is acting. Perhaps a different medication with fewer behavioral side effects would be equally effective.
Occasionally, dogs taking corticosteroids will experience what is known as “steroid psychosis.” These dogs are dangerously aggressive and seem to have lost all sense of reality. It’s crucial to avoid engaging these dogs in any sort of confrontation because they are more likely to accept your challenge or try to subdue them with an attack. It appears as though the dog has lost his or her natural inhibition against biting people as a result of the drug’s impact on the dog’s brain. Instead, remain composed, quiet, and simply work to keep everyone safe, including the dog. Then call your veterinarian right away.
Urinary Tract Infections from Prednisone
Urinary incontinence in dogs from prednisone
Prednisone can predispose dogs to infections. If your dog is prescribed prednisone for the long haul, its important to montior him carefully for signs of trouble. Urinary tract infections in dogs taking prednisone are not uncommon and prednisone may mask the symptoms.
It can be challenging to distinguish whether these symptoms are due to a urinary tract infection or are simply a side effect of the prednisone because urinary tract infections frequently result in increased drinking and increased urination.
Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly check the dog’s urine for signs of infection while taking prednisone. Slide a clean tupperware container under the dog to collect a urine sample, and then bring the new sample to the appointment.
Veterinarians can examine a urine sample and look for bacteria or white blood cells, which are indicators of a possible urinary tract infection. A urine culture is recommended.
Prednisone is a medication that tends to raise blood sugar levels (glucogenic), especially in dogs whose blood sugar levels are not under complete control.
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Therefore, chronic steroid administration in pre-diabetic dogs may possibly result in the development of diabetes. Despite the fact that the onset of diabetes is more frequently seen in long-term steroid use, a dog who is on the verge of developing diabetes can be pushed over the edge with even just one dose of prednisone, says veterinarian Dr Joey.
Unfortunately, once the prednisone is stopped, the prednisone-induced diabetes in this situation is typically irreversible, though in some cases, improvement of diabetes may be possible a month or two after starting treatment.
Prednisone makes the insulin prescribed to manage diabetes less effective in dogs who already have the disease and may necessitate higher glucose dosages as a result, making the management of a diabetic dog more challenging. For this reason, unless it is absolutely necessary, I very rarely administer it to diabetic patients, says veterinarian Dr Christian K.
Adding to the complexity are the similarities between prednisone side effects and canine diabetes mellitus symptoms. As a result, dog owners who observe increased drinking, urination, and appetite may be unsure of whether these changes are due to the onset of diabetes or a side effect of the medication.
A complete blood panel and urinalysis must be performed to distinguish between the two in order to rule out or detect diabetes.
Avoid Urine Scald
Long-term urine contact with a dog’s skin can result in the bothersome condition known as urine scald. It’s crucial to regularly wash the dog to prevent this.
FAQ
Is peeing a side effect of prednisone?
If you experience more than one of the following while taking this medication: blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness, speak with your doctor right away.
Does prednisone affect a dog’s bladder?
Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and canine kidney disease are common conditions that can result in urine dilution. Some medications may result in urinary incontinence due to excessive urine dilution. Prednisone is the drug that causes urinary incontinence the most frequently.
Should I limit my dogs water while on prednisone?
Dogs on prednisone may need to go outside more often. Otherwise they—much to their chagrin—might accidentally urinate in the house. In spite of this, you should never, ever limit your water intake. A dog’s appetite is also increased by prednisone, but this does not mean you should give in to those beseeching eyes.
What are the side effects of prednisone in dogs?
- Increased thirst and appetite.
- Frequent urination.
- Panting.
- Lethargy.
- Development or worsening of infections (especially bacterial skin infections)
- Vomiting or nausea7