# Prednisolone for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Prednisolone is an oral glucocorticoid for dogs and cats. UK labels give 0.1–2.0 mg/kg a day, and anti-inflammatory doses of 0.5–1 mg/kg a day relieve allergic itch. The lowest effective dose must…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/prednisolone/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Prednisolone is an oral glucocorticoid for dogs and cats. UK labels give 0.1–2.0 mg/kg a day [2][3], and anti-inflammatory doses of 0.5–1 mg/kg a day relieve allergic itch [1]. The lowest effective dose must be used, and treatment should not be withdrawn suddenly [2].

- Class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, intermediate-acting)
- Brands: Petpred, Prednicare, Prednidale, Solu-Delta-Cortef, Temaril-P

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Anti-inflammatory / anti-allergic | 0.1–2 mg/kg [2] | PO | Once daily (morning) · Often 1–3 weeks, then alternate days | Label |
| Cats | Anti-inflammatory / anti-allergic | 0.1–2 mg/kg [2] | PO | Once daily (evening) · Often 1–3 weeks, then alternate days | Label |
| Dogs | Allergic itch (anti-inflammatory dose) | 0.5–1 mg/kg [1] | PO | Daily | Reference |
| Cats | Allergic itch (anti-inflammatory dose) | 0.5–1 mg/kg [1] | PO | Daily | Reference |

## Uses

- Dogs and cats: anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic treatment [2].
- Dogs: inflammatory and allergic diseases, some autoimmune and some neoplastic conditions [3].

## Mechanism of action

Glucocorticoids bind receptors in the cell cytoplasm and the hormone–receptor complex changes which proteins the cell makes; one of these, lipocortin, inhibits phospholipase A2, the first step of prostaglandin and leukotriene production [1].

## Safety

- Contraindicated with uncontrolled infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, heart failure, severe kidney insufficiency, corneal or gastro-intestinal ulceration, and in pregnancy [2].
- Do not use with live vaccines [2].
- Give in the morning to dogs and in the evening to cats, to match their natural cortisol peak [2].
- Long-term use may cause iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome; stopping suddenly may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis; alternate-day dosing reduces adrenal suppression [1].
- Glucocorticoids may trigger or worsen diabetes mellitus [1].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the prednisolone dose for dogs?

UK labels give 0.1–2.0 mg/kg a day, in the morning [2][3]; 0.5–1 mg/kg a day is the usual anti-inflammatory dose for allergic itch [1].

### Can prednisolone be stopped suddenly?

No — after longer courses stopping suddenly can cause an Addisonian-like crisis, so the dose is tapered [1][2].

## References

[1] Corticosteroids in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals
[2] Prednicare 5 mg tablets — SPC — UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate — Ecuphar SPC (2026). https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_113952.PDF
[3] Prednidale 25 mg tablets for dogs — SPC — UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate — Dechra SPC (2026). https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_2974718.PDF

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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