Prednisolone for Dogs and Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Veterinarians prescribe Prednisolone for dogs and cats to help manage:

• Allergic skin disease and severe itching
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Asthma and chronic airway disease (especially in cats)
• Neurological inflammation or spinal disease
• Brain swelling or trauma-related inflammation
• Blood calcium reduction (when the calcium level in the blood is dangerously high)
• Certain cancers (as part of palliative or adjunct therapy)
• Anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening allergic reaction)
• Addisonian crisis (short-term, specific dosing)

Simply put, it:

• Reduces chemicals that cause swelling, redness, pain, and itching
• Suppresses immune reactions that are overactive or misdirected
• Stabilises blood vessels and inflamed tissues

In cats, Prednisolone:

• Reduces airway inflammation in asthma
• Controls allergic and inflammatory skin disease
• Suppresses immune-mediated conditions
• Helps manage chronic intestinal inflammation

Prednisolone for dogs must always be prescribed by a veterinarian. The dose depends on:

• Body weight
• Condition being treated
• Whether the goal is anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive
• Duration of therapy

Key principles:

• Give Prednisolone with food to protect the stomach
• Follow the exact dosing schedule
• Never stop Prednisolone suddenly after long-term use
• Tapering is required if used beyond 1-2 weeks

Puppies have developing immune systems and immature organ function. Veterinarians may:

• Use the lowest effective dose
• Avoid prolonged courses
• Monitor growth and immune response closely

Medium-sized dogs often tolerate Prednisolone predictably when dosed correctly. Monitoring remains essential, particularly for increased thirst, appetite, and behavioural changes.

Medium-sized dogs often tolerate Prednisolone predictably when dosed correctly. Monitoring remains essential, particularly for increased thirst, appetite, and behavioural changes.

Large dogs may require higher total doses due to body weight. But dosing must remain strictly weight-based. Long-term therapy often requires:

• Periodic blood tests
• Liver enzyme monitoring
• Reassessment of ongoing need

Prednisolone is commonly used in cats because it does not require liver conversion. Typical feline dosing depends on the condition but is 1-2 mg/kg once or twice daily, adjusted based on response Important considerations:

• Use feline-appropriate formulations
• Monitor appetite, weight, and behaviour
• Long-term therapy should use the lowest effective dose

Kittens are particularly vulnerable to steroid side effects, including:

• Growth suppression
• Immune suppression
• Gastrointestinal upset

Side effects depend on dose, duration, and individual sensitivity.

Common:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Panting
• Restlessness

Long-term or high-dose:

• Muscle weakness or wasting
• Thin skin or hair loss
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Increased infection risk
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Elevated liver enzymes

Common:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Less common but serious:
• Diabetes mellitus
• Skin fragility syndrome
• Increased infection risk

Overdose or prolonged excessive dosing may cause:

• Severe gastrointestinal bleeding
• Extreme weakness
• Hormonal imbalance
• Neurological signs

Cats experiencing an overdose may show:

• Severe lethargy
• Vomiting
• Sudden weakness
• Signs of diabetes

• Store at room temperature
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep in original packaging
• Keep out of reach of pets and children
• Do not use expired medication

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet shows these signs of emergency:

• Vomiting or black, tarry stools
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Signs of infection (fever, discharge, wounds that don’t heal)
• Extreme lethargy or weakness
• Excessive drinking and urination beyond expected levels