Prednisolone for Dogs – Active Corticosteroid
Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone (no hepatic conversion needed). Preferred in hepatic disease. Otherwise interchangeable with prednisone at same dose.
Dose by Indication
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory | 0.5-1 mg/kg | q24h |
| Immunosuppressive INDUCTION | 2-4 mg/kg | q24h or split BID |
| Immunosuppressive MAINTENANCE | 0.5-1 mg/kg | q48h alternate-day |
| Atopic dermatitis | 0.5-1 mg/kg | q24-48h tapering |
| IBD | 1-2 mg/kg | q12-24h tapering |
| Addison’s replacement | 0.1-0.2 mg/kg | q24h |
| Brain tumor palliative | 0.5-1 mg/kg | q24h |
Dose Table (1 mg/kg anti-inflammatory)
| Weight | Dose |
|---|---|
| 5 kg | 5 mg |
| 10 kg | 10 mg |
| 15 kg | 15 mg |
| 20 kg | 20 mg |
| 30 kg | 30 mg |
| 40 kg | 40 mg |
Tablet sizes: 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg (splittable).
Prednisolone vs Prednisone
| Feature | Prednisolone | Prednisone |
|---|---|---|
| Form | ACTIVE | Inactive (requires conversion) |
| Hepatic disease | PREFERRED | Avoid (impaired conversion) |
| Cats | PREFERRED | Poor conversion |
| Dogs healthy liver | Equivalent | Equivalent |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Taper Protocol After >2 Weeks Use
- Reduce by 25% every 1-2 weeks
- Transition to alternate-day dosing
- Taper alternate-day
- Goal: lowest effective dose or discontinuation
- NEVER abruptly stop – iatrogenic Addison’s risk
âš Critical Warnings
- AVOID NSAIDs – severe GI ulcer (5-7 day washout)
- Never abruptly discontinue after >2 weeks
- Diabetic dogs – worsens hyperglycemia
- Deep fungal infection – immunosuppression worsens
- Live vaccines – avoid
- Pregnancy – teratogenic
Side Effects
- PU/PD/PP, panting
- Muscle wasting, weight gain
- Elevated ALP/ALT
- Hyperglycemia
- Infection susceptibility
- GI ulceration (especially with NSAIDs)
- Cushingoid features (chronic)
- Bone loss, cataracts (chronic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Prednisolone vs prednisone – which should my dog take?
INTERCHANGEABLE in healthy dogs at SAME DOSE. PREDNISOLONE PREFERRED when: 1) HEPATIC DISEASE (prednisone requires liver to convert to active prednisolone; impaired conversion in liver disease = less effect); 2) CATS (poor prednisone-to-prednisolone conversion makes prednisolone strongly preferred); 3) Critical situations needing immediate active form; 4) Liquid formulations more available. PREDNISONE acceptable when: 1) Healthy liver function; 2) Cost-sensitive (slightly cheaper); 3) Familiarity; 4) Available formulation. DOSE EQUIVALENT 1:1 – 5 mg prednisone = 5 mg prednisolone in healthy liver. For chronic conditions like atopy or IBD where hepatic function may decline over time, some vets default to prednisolone. Both work for: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, atopic dermatitis, IBD, allergic reactions. Discuss with vet for individual recommendation.
How much prednisolone for my dog?
DEPENDS on indication. Most common doses: 1) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY 0.5-1 mg/kg PO once daily; 2) IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE INDUCTION (IMHA, ITP, lupus) 2-4 mg/kg/day initially; 3) MAINTENANCE immunosuppressive 0.5-1 mg/kg alternate-day; 4) ATOPIC 0.5-1 mg/kg taper to alternate-day; 5) IBD 1-2 mg/kg taper; 6) ADDISON’s replacement 0.1-0.2 mg/kg daily. EXAMPLES (1 mg/kg): 1) 5 kg = 5 mg; 2) 10 kg = 10 mg; 3) 20 kg = 20 mg; 4) 30 kg = 30 mg; 5) 40 kg = 40 mg. Tablets 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg splittable. Give with food. NEVER abruptly stop after >2 weeks use – taper 25% every 1-2 weeks. AVOID NSAIDs (severe GI ulcer). Work with veterinarian for personalized protocol + monitoring.
What side effects can my dog have on prednisolone?
COMMON (expected): 1) PU/PD/PP (polyuria/polydipsia/polyphagia) – increased thirst/urination/appetite; 2) PANTING – thermoregulation effect; 3) Weight gain; 4) Mild lethargy initially. DOSE-RELATED: 1) MUSCLE WASTING (chronic high dose); 2) Cushingoid features (pot belly, hair loss, thin skin); 3) Elevated ALP/ALT on bloodwork; 4) Hyperglycemia (caution diabetics); 5) Behavior changes (aggression rare). SERIOUS (less common): 1) GI ULCERATION + PERFORATION especially with NSAIDs (NEVER combine); 2) Infection susceptibility; 3) Cataracts long-term; 4) Bone loss; 5) Pancreatitis; 6) Iatrogenic Addison’s if abruptly stopped after >2 weeks; 7) Diabetes (rare, more common in cats); 8) Demodicosis flare; 9) Calcinosis cutis (skin calcium deposits) chronic high dose. MANAGEMENT: 1) Lowest effective dose; 2) Alternate-day dosing for chronic use; 3) Taper appropriately; 4) Monitor bloodwork; 5) AVOID NSAIDs; 6) GI protection if needed (omeprazole); 7) Watch for infections. Most side effects reversible with dose reduction.
Related PuppaDogs Calculators
Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:
- Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
- Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
- Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
- Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
- Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)
References & Further Reading
The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.
- Plumb DC. Prednisolone, prednisone.
- Center SA. Hepatic considerations.
- Lowe AD et al. Glucocorticoids in dogs.
- Greco DS. Endocrine emergencies.
- PuppaDogs. Prednisone Calculator, Dexamethasone Calculator. puppadogs.com.
