My dog has prednisone side effects. Can I stop his allergy meds?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Marcy McKeithen, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 16th, 2017

  I am so sorry that Dude is itchy! If the cortisone and prednisone don't work (which they normally do for environmental allergies), he may have a different kind of allergy. Some other allergies that dogs get include flea allergies (so you want to make sure that he is on adequate flea prevention monthly) or food allergies. Food allergies are a little bit more tricky because they can take a while to be diagnosed. You should talk to your veterinarian about a food trial and/or referral to a veterinary dermatologist to get more help.

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on August 24th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know this without an examination and it is hard to see it based on this picture. However, based on your description, I think this is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. Prednisone is not likely to be harmful to be used for a short amount of time to help with itch. However, longterm, it can result in chronic side effects. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

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  Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 20th, 2017

  I would be more suspicious of mange. Mange is caused by a microscopic mite that can thrive on dogs receiving prednisone regularly. This causes them to be very itchy. Allergies are still possible, but the prednisone would normally mask the signs of allergies and it would be rare for him to still be itchy. It's best to take Noah to the vet for an exam. They can check for mange and prescribe treatment if needed. I hope that helps and Noah gets better soon.

  

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