dog medication?

Question

has anyone ever had to give their dog Methylprednisolone (a steriod) , if so how much and why? My vet prescribed a low dose for my dog for allergic dermatitis and after reading up on it, I'm scared to death of the medication. It has bad side effects. Wonder why he just didnt give antiobotics like normal.

Answer 1

If it's an allergy problem and there is no infection an antibiotic isn't going to help. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Steroids are very bad things if used for long periods of time but used for short periods of time they don't usually have all of the bad side effects that you see when you look them up. If you're really worried about this medication call up your vet and ask them about it. They may be able to give your dog something else.

Answer 2

Prednisone is used frequently for anything that needs some relief from irritation. You dog's dermatitis is probably very itchy and the prednisone will help with the relief. Your vet would only give your dog antibiotics if he feels the skin is infected. If it's not infected, and antibiotic won't do anything for your dog. Prenisone use is fine when used for an occasional problem, however, long term use can cause some problems down the line later on. I'm sure your vet is aware of this and he is only giving your dog this medication until he has relief from the irritation from his dermatitis. Unfortunately, it will only cause relief...it will not take care of the dermatitis. After your dog is done with the prescription...his dermatitis can flair up again. For your dogs allergies, I would look at what is causing the dermatitis. Many dogs have allergies from the food they eat. Or, is the dermatitis caused by fleas? If you solve what is causing the dermatitis and make changes that way...you dog may never need prednisone again.

Answer 3

Two of our dogs have been on prednisone for different reasons, and neither experienced any side effects. If you give the medication in the dosage that was prescribed, your dog should be fine. Just keep a close eye on the dog for the first couple of days and if you see anything weird, call the vet ASAP.

Answer 4

Don't be afraid of it. Cortico-steroids are the best thing for repeated allergic symptoms when antihistamines fail. And they use it for arthritis in some cases too. I wouldn't hesitate to give my dog steroids if my vet suggested it.
All meds have side effects, but short term use of steroids is very safe. It really is.
I have a son with asthma who took dozens of rounds of steroids in childhood for wheezing. I would never hesitate to use them. They are very safe when a doctor puts you on them for short term problems.

Answer 5

my 96lb husky is on this medication for his skin allergies along with benadryl. the steriods calm the itch and help keep him relaxed so he doesn't chew him self raw. the vet said there are lots of false info on this drug and the most important thing is to keep your pet comfortable and happy. he has been on this along with shots for 7 yrs.i take him off through the winter months then start again spring and summer. he takes 5mg up to 3 times a day then i start weening him off every 3 days,then if he starts itching again we start the routine again.the only side effects he has is eating and drinking a lot plus of couse big long pees.he is a big happy boy but his skin causes him to be on this drug a lot.take your vets advice and keep yopur pet comfortable until he gets better. good luck also rub medicated oatmeal conditioner on him and leave it on, it is very sootheing.

Answer 6

In most cases a steroid isn't bad in short term but if it's a long or continuos I won't give. just more problems waiting to pop up.