Prednisolone Side Effects in Dogs

Prednisolone directly inhibits antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the kidneys, stopping the body from concentrating urine. Dogs will experience an urgent, frequent need to urinate massive volumes of clear fluid, driving them to drink water constantly. Never restrict their access to fresh water, as this can lead to rapid, dangerous dehydration.

The steroid acts as a powerful stimulant on the appetite centre of the brain. Dogs will beg constantly, steal food, or search through bins. Do not increase their primary meal portions, as this will lead to unhealthy weight gain and put extra strain on their joints.

Prednisolone causes mild weakness in the respiratory muscles and directly stimulates the respiratory centre in the brain. This results in continuous, dry, open-mouthed panting, even when the dog is resting in a cool room.

The steroid breaks down proteins in the skeletal muscles to fuel liver glucose production. This causes prominent wasting over the skull (temporalis muscles), spine, and hindquarters, making the dog look frail and struggle with steps.

A combination of progressive abdominal muscle weakness and steroid-induced fat redistribution causes the stomach to sag noticeably. This is often exacerbated by liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) caused by glycogen accumulation.

The skin loses its thickness, becoming paper-thin and easily bruised. In some cases, calcium deposits build up within the dermis (calcinosis cutis), appearing as hard, gritty, red, or white plaques that are intensely itchy.