Prednisone and Prednisolone for Dogs and Cats

Prednisone for dogs and prednisolone for cats are commonly prescribed medications used to reduce inflammation and manage various medical conditions in pets. These corticosteroids play an important role in treating everything from allergies and immune disorders to certain cancers and chronic illnesses. However, because they affect many body systems, it’s essential for pet parents to understand how these drugs work, what side effects to watch for, and how to use them safely.

What Are Prednisone and Prednisolone?

Prednisone and prednisolone are synthetic corticosteroids—powerful drugs that mimic the effects of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These hormones help regulate inflammation, immune responses, and stress in the body.

Prednisone is commonly prescribed for dogs, and once administered, it’s converted by the liver into prednisolone, the active form of the drug.

In cats, this conversion is less efficient. That’s why prednisolone for cats is generally preferred to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Despite being similar, your vet will choose between the two drugs based on your pet’s species, medical condition, and liver function.

What Do These Medications Treat?

Because prednisone and prednisolone affect nearly every system in the body, they have a wide range of uses in veterinary medicine. These drugs are typically used to manage:

• Allergies (such as itchy skin, hot spots, or food sensitivities)
• Inflammatory diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, hemolytic anemia)
• Certain types of cancer (as part of chemotherapy or palliative care)
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Neurologic disorders (e.g., spinal cord inflammation)
• Addison’s disease (when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient hormones)
• Shock and emergency conditions (to help stabilize blood pressure)

Prednisone or prednisolone may be prescribed alone or alongside other medications, depending on your pet’s diagnosis.

How Prednisone and Prednisolone Work

These drugs suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. That means they can ease symptoms like swelling, pain, and redness, but they also make it harder for the body to mount an immune response. This is helpful in autoimmune conditions or when inflammation itself becomes harmful, but it also means pets can be more vulnerable to infection while on the medication.

Prednisone for Dogs: Common Uses and Considerations

Prednisone for dogs is often used to manage chronic conditions, including skin allergies, arthritis, or autoimmune diseases. Because it reduces inflammation so effectively, it can greatly improve a dog’s quality of life, but long-term use comes with risks.

Tips for Dogs on Prednisone

• Always follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions. Do not stop the medication abruptly.
• Give prednisone with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
• Ensure fresh water is always available, as prednisone increases thirst.
• Monitor for behavior changes such as restlessness or aggression.
• Do not give with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) unless your vet directs otherwise, as this can increase the risk of ulcers or bleeding.

Prednisolone for Cats: Why It’s Preferred

Cats do not metabolize prednisone efficiently, which is why most vets prescribe prednisolone for cats instead. This medication can be used to treat feline asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and immune-mediated conditions.

When using prednisone for cats (in rare cases where it’s prescribed), close monitoring is essential to ensure the drug is effective and not causing adverse effects. Your vet will generally favor prednisolone because it's easier on your cat’s system and works more predictably.

Prednisone for Dogs Side Effects (and Cats Too)

Like all powerful medications, prednisone and prednisolone come with potential side effects. These may vary based on the dosage, length of use, and individual sensitivity.

Short-Term Side Effects:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Panting
• Restlessness or behavior changes
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Long-Term or High-Dose Side Effects:

• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Muscle wasting or weakness
• Liver enlargement or dysfunction
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Stomach ulcers
• Increased risk of infections
• Poor wound healing

Special Warning:

Never stop prednisone abruptly if your pet has been on it for more than a few days. A gradual tapering is required to allow the adrenal glands to resume normal hormone production. Stopping suddenly can cause serious complications, including adrenal crisis.

Who Should Not Take Prednisone or Prednisolone?

Not all pets are good candidates for corticosteroid therapy. Prednisone and prednisolone should be avoided in:

• Pregnant animals
• Pets with untreated infections, especially fungal infections
• Animals with a history of steroid sensitivity
• Pets with diabetes (unless benefits outweigh the risks)

Always tell your vet about any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. These drugs may interact with:

• Vaccines
• NSAIDs (like Rimadyl or meloxicam)
• Diuretics
• Seizure medications
• Antifungals and antibiotics

Dosage Guidelines for Prednisone and Prednisolone

The correct prednisone dosage for dogs or prednisolone dosage for cats depends on the condition being treated, your pet’s weight, and overall health. Your veterinarian may prescribe one of the following dosage strategies:

• Anti-inflammatory doses: 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg) up to twice daily
• Immunosuppressive doses: 1 to 3 mg per pound (2 to 6 mg/kg) up to three times daily
• Addison’s disease or cancer: Custom doses tailored to your pet’s specific needs

The goal is always to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Over time, your vet may gradually reduce the dose to minimize side effects.

Brand Names and Formulations

Prednisone and prednisolone are available in various forms and strengths.

Common Brand Names:

• Human formulations: Prelone®, Key-Pred®, Predalone®, Delta-Cortef®, and generics
• Veterinary formulations: Prednis-Tab®, Solu-Delta-Cortef®, Meticorten®, Sterisol®, Cortisate-20®

Available Forms:

• Tablets: 1 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg
• Syrups or Suspensions: Typically 1 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL
• Injectables: From 20 mg/mL to 125 mg/mL concentrations

Talk to Your Vet

Prednisone and prednisolone can be life-changing medications for pets suffering from chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and other serious conditions. However, because these drugs impact so many body systems, they should only be used under veterinary supervision.

Your vet will help determine the best treatment plan, including dosage, tapering schedules, and monitoring for side effects. Whether you're managing prednisolone for dogs, prednisone for cats, or anything in between, staying informed is one of the best things you can do to keep your pet safe and healthy.