What Is Prednisolone and How Does It Work?
Prednisolone is a synthetic steroid designed to function like the glucocorticoids found in the canine immune system. These natural hormones help control swelling, pain and other immune responses to infection and trauma. In a dog with allergies to flea bites or environmental irritants, the immune system overreacts to perceived threats by releasing chemicals that often cause skin to become sore and inflamed. Prednisolone helps suppress the actions of these chemicals, leading to a reduction in allergy-related skin symptoms. Prednisolone tablets are most frequently prescribed as small, round white pills in 5 mg doses. Your veterinarian is the best source for the right therapeutic dose for your dog.
Prednisolone Side Effects and Guidelines for Use
Prednisolone is generally considered safe for use in most dogs. Many respond favorably to the medication without experiencing serious reactions, however, some side effects have been reported. Since prednisolone affects water and sodium levels, some of the most common adverse reactions are related to imbalances in these nutrients, including weight gain, water retention, frequent urination and extreme thirst and hunger.
Although prednisolone is considered easier to absorb and metabolize than other corticosteroids, it may disrupt the gastrointestinal system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea and gastric ulcers. One possible solution to these unpleasant problems may be to look for prednisolone enteric tablets. These have a unique enteric coating that slows the digestive process so the pills are broken down in the small intestine instead of the stomach. This delayed digestion may help relieve some stomach disorders attributed to prednisolone.
To help ensure the safe use of prednisolone, the drug is not recommended for the treatment of skin allergies among dogs that are:
- young, pregnant or nursing
- currently taking another NSAID
- allergic to prednisolone or other corticosteroids
- recognized as having a history of heart, kidney or liver problems
Allergies can cause pain, inflammation and other uncomfortable skin conditions in affected dogs. Prednisolone may be a fast and effective way to help control these problems in pets with sensitive immune systems. Knowing how the medication works, its side effects, and the guidelines for proper use can help owners decide whether prednisolone is the right option for managing their dog's skin allergies.