DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE. Prednisone for Dogs With Allergies One of the most common reasons this drug is prescribed is for allergic conditions, which tend to make a dog very itchy and prone to scratching and licking themselves until they get skin infections. Prednisone can provide some much-needed relief and help to prevent future occurrences. It’s also helpful in treating sudden allergic reactions, such as a swollen muzzle following a bee sting. Prednisone for Dogs With Ear Infections Along the same lines, prednisone can also be very helpful for ear infections. The ear canals are an extension of the skin, and therefore ear problems often benefit from similar treatments to skin problems. Prednisone for Immune-Mediated Conditions in Dogs Just like humans, dogs can be affected by a number of different diseases that occur as the result of an overactive immune system. This can include chronic conditions such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain neurological conditions, to name a few. It also includes sudden, life-threatening immune reactions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a condition in which the body rapidly destroys its own red blood cells for reasons that are often unknown. Prednisone for Addison’s Disease in Dogs Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of two kinds of hormones: cortisol, as well as another class of hormone, called mineralocorticoids. The disease is most common in certain breeds such as Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers. This condition is fatal left untreated but can be managed well for years with the use of certain medications. Another drug is given to address the mineralocorticoid deficiency, but prednisone is used to fill the cortisol gap. During times of stress (such as if an Addisonian dog is ill or needs to board for a little while), prednisone can be lifesaving.Prednisone for Coughing and Asthma in Dogs Prednisone can be very helpful for certain types of coughs, especially genetic conditions like a collapsing trachea (a windpipe that narrows too much) and chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also used for some patients with asthma, a condition more common in cats than in dogs.