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Dog on prednisone: Is this dose too high given his panting and peeing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Newfoundland | Male | neutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 165 lbs

My 9-1/2 year old Newfoundland went into the vet for a growth in his ear.it came on within 2 weeks. The ear canal was blocked so he developed an ear infection. The vet put him on four tablets of 20Mg prednisone twice a day for ten days. This is day six. I dropped him down to three each two times a day as he pants excessively and pees in his sleep, when he walks, etc. My concern is that this was way too high of a doseage. That was 160 Mg a day. He also has laryngeal paralysis

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 11th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In my professional opinion, this is a much higher dose than what I would use. I normally do not exceed 60mg daily regardless of the size of the dog just because of the potential side effects such as gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding as well as the undesirable side effects you describe. I recommend you bring up your concerns to the prescribing veterinarian who knows the case well, to taper his dose down slowly. It is important to not discontinue or lower too much this medication acutely as problems can arise with this approach. For now, look for any evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding such as black, tarry stools. If observed, let your veterinarian know right away. Good luck with your boy!

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The dosage Wick is receiving is approx 2.13 mg/kg based on his body weight and mg/day he received. This dosage is okay and within the correct dosage range for this drug based on his body weight. The typical dosage for Pred (if used as an immunosuppressive) is 2.2mg/kg per day. I hope this helps!

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