Medication Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Prednisone for Dogs
Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid used in dogs to reduce inflammation and suppress immune-mediated disease. It's one of the most-prescribed vet drugs for allergies, autoimmune conditions, and certain cancers.
What Prednisone is used for in dogs
- Severe allergic itch and inflammation
- Autoimmune disease (e.g. immune-mediated hemolytic anemia)
- Some inflammatory or neoplastic conditions
- Addison's disease (cortisol replacement)
How it works
Prednisone is converted in the liver to prednisolone, which broadly suppresses inflammation and immune activity. The effect is powerful but non-specific, which is why it's typically tapered when stopped.
Available formulations
1 mg tablet
5 mg tablet
20 mg tablet
Oral suspension
Side effects to know
Common side effects
- • Increased thirst
- • Increased urination
- • Increased appetite
- • Panting
These usually resolve on their own. If they persist past the first few doses, ask your vet.
Call your vet immediately if you see
- ⚠ Gastrointestinal ulcers (black/tarry stools, vomiting blood)
- ⚠ Diabetes mellitus (with long-term use)
- ⚠ Cushing's-like signs (pot belly, hair loss)
- ⚠ Severe infections (because of immune suppression)
Drug interactions
- • NSAIDs (e.g. carprofen, rimadyl) — never combine without vet guidance
- • Diuretics
- • Insulin
- • Live vaccines
When not to use
- • Active untreated systemic infection
- • Diabetes (use carefully)
- • Concurrent NSAID therapy
- • Pregnancy (typically avoided)
Monitoring during treatment
Long-term prednisone usually requires periodic bloodwork, urinalysis, and clinical exams to catch side effects early. Never stop suddenly — always taper.
Need a Prednisone refill?
RexVet is the first 501(c)(3) non-profit online vet service in the U.S. Talk to a licensed veterinarian by video, get your dogs's Prednisone prescription, and have it shipped through RexVetRx — all for $64.99 per visit.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Prednisone for Dogs
Frequently asked questions
How long can my dog stay on prednisone?
Short courses (1-3 weeks) are common. Longer use is sometimes necessary (e.g. autoimmune disease) but requires vet monitoring and the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects.
Can I stop prednisone suddenly?
No. Abrupt discontinuation after more than a couple weeks can cause an Addisonian crisis. Your vet will design a taper schedule.
Why is my dog so thirsty on prednisone?
Increased thirst and urination are the most common side effects of prednisone and usually fade as the dose decreases. Provide constant access to water and accept more bathroom breaks during treatment.
Can RexVet refill prednisone?
Yes, for an established condition with a current vet relationship. We commonly help manage taper schedules and refill for chronic immune-mediated conditions via video visit.
Can I give my dog prednisone with rimadyl or carprofen?
No — combining steroids with NSAIDs greatly increases the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers. Always tell your vet every medication your dog is on.
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Sources
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping medication for your pet.