Side Effects Of Prednisone In Dogs

Increased Thirst and Urination

A common side effect of prednisone in dogs is increased thirst and urination. This is because prednisone can cause the kidneys to retain more water, which leads to increased urine production. As a result, dogs may need to urinate more frequently and may also drink more water than usual.

Increased Appetite

Another common side effect of prednisone in dogs is increased appetite. This is because prednisone can stimulate the appetite center in the brain, leading to increased hunger; As a result, dogs may eat more than usual and may gain weight. It is important to monitor your dog’s weight and food intake while they are taking prednisone and to make sure that they are not eating too much.

Behavioral Changes

Prednisone can also cause behavioral changes in dogs. These changes can include restlessness, anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. If you notice any behavioral changes in your dog while they are taking prednisone, it is important to talk to your veterinarian.

3.1. Restlessness

Prednisone can cause restlessness in dogs, which may manifest as pacing, panting, or whining. This is because prednisone can stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased activity and anxiety. If your dog is experiencing restlessness while taking prednisone, it is important to provide them with a calm and quiet environment and to avoid situations that may trigger their anxiety;

3.2. Aggression

Prednisone can also cause aggression in dogs, which may be directed towards people or other animals. This is because prednisone can increase irritability and возбуждение, leading to aggressive behavior. If your dog is exhibiting aggression while taking prednisone, it is important to keep them away from people and other animals and to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Prednisone can also cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and ulcers.

4.1. Vomiting

Vomiting is a common side effect of prednisone in dogs. This is because prednisone can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting. If your dog is vomiting while taking prednisone, it is important to give them small, frequent meals and to avoid giving them fatty or spicy foods. You should also contact your veterinarian if your dog’s vomiting persists or if they are also experiencing other symptoms, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.

4.2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common side effect of prednisone in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase the production of gastric juices, which can lead to diarrhea. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea while taking prednisone, it is important to keep them well-hydrated and to feed them a bland diet. You should also contact your veterinarian if your dog’s diarrhea persists or if they are also experiencing other symptoms, such as vomiting or abdominal pain.

4.3. Ulcers

Prednisone can also cause ulcers in dogs. This is because prednisone can decrease the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that help to protect the stomach lining. If your dog develops ulcers while taking prednisone, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog may have ulcers.

Infections

Prednisone can also increase the risk of infections in dogs.

5.1. Skin Infections

Prednisone can increase the risk of skin infections in dogs. This is because prednisone can suppress the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to bacteria and fungi. If your dog develops a skin infection while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

5.2. Urinary Tract Infections

Prednisone can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. This is because prednisone can suppress the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to bacteria. If your dog develops a UTI while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Muscle Weakness

Prednisone can also cause muscle weakness in dogs. This is because prednisone can interfere with the production of proteins that are essential for muscle function; If your dog develops muscle weakness while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Liver Damage

Prednisone can also cause liver damage in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase the production of enzymes that can damage the liver. If your dog develops liver damage while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Pancreatitis

Prednisone can also cause pancreatitis in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase the production of enzymes that can damage the pancreas. If your dog develops pancreatitis while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Prednisone can also cause Cushing’s syndrome in dogs. This is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight gain, and a pot-bellied appearance. If your dog develops Cushing’s syndrome while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Diabetes Mellitus

Prednisone can also cause diabetes mellitus in dogs. This is a condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy. If your dog develops diabetes mellitus while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cardiovascular Disease

Prednisone can also cause cardiovascular disease in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease include coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. If your dog develops cardiovascular disease while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Seizures

Prednisone can also cause seizures in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase the activity of the central nervous system. Symptoms of seizures include shaking, twitching, and loss of consciousness. If your dog develops seizures while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Immune Suppression

Prednisone can also cause immune suppression in dogs. This is because prednisone can suppress the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections. Symptoms of immune suppression include lethargy, weight loss, and recurrent infections. If your dog develops immune suppression while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Weight Gain

Prednisone can also cause weight gain in dogs. This is because prednisone can increase appetite and fluid retention. Symptoms of weight gain include increased body weight, a pot-bellied appearance, and difficulty breathing. If your dog develops weight gain while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Polydipsia

Prednisone can also cause polydipsia in dogs. This is a condition that is characterized by excessive thirst. Symptoms of polydipsia include increased water intake, frequent urination, and dehydration. If your dog develops polydipsia while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Polyphagia

Prednisone can also cause polyphagia in dogs. This is a condition that is characterized by excessive hunger. Symptoms of polyphagia include increased food intake, weight gain, and obesity. If your dog develops polyphagia while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Polyuria

Prednisone can also cause polyuria in dogs. This is a condition that is characterized by excessive urination. Symptoms of polyuria include frequent urination, large urine volumes, and dehydration. If your dog develops polyuria while taking prednisone, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.