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 [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 The lowest effective dose must be used, and treatment should not be withdrawn suddenly [2].
- Drug class
- Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, intermediate-acting)
- Sourced doses for
- Dogs, Cats
- Brands on this site
- Petpred, Prednicare, Prednidale, Solu-Delta-Cortef, Temaril-P
Prednisolone dose calculator
Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.
Prednisolone 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 |
What prednisolone is used for
How prednisolone works (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, contraindications and precautions
- 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].
Brands that contain prednisolone
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petpred | Sihil Animal Health | Prednisolone | India |
| Prednicare | Ecuphar (Animalcare Group) | Prednisolone | United Kingdom |
| Prednidale | Dechra | Prednisolone | United Kingdom |
| Solu-Delta-Cortef | Zoetis | Prednisolone | USA (FDA label) |
| Temaril-P | Zoetis | Trimeprazine + Prednisolone | USA (FDA label) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the prednisolone dose for dogs?
References
- Corticosteroids in Animals
Passage read from this source
Glucocorticoid-specific receptors in the cell cytoplasm bind with steroid ligands to form hormone-receptor complexes
Such proteins include lipocortin, a protein known to inhibit PLA2alpha
anti-inflammatory dosages (prednisolone, 0.5–1 mg/kg per day) alleviate pruritus
Longterm administration may lead to iatrogenic Cushing syndrome
- Prednicare 5 mg tablets — SPC
Passage read from this source
DOGS: 0.1-2.0 mg/kg/day
CATS: 0.1-2.0 mg/kg/day
The lowest effective dose must be used.
treatment may be given for one to three weeks at doses between:
- Prednidale 25 mg tablets for dogs — SPC
Passage read from this source
Dose: 0.1 - 2.0 mg per kg bodyweight per day.
administration for one to three weeks at the above dosage levels may be required.
For the treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases, including some autoimmune diseases
Do not use in animals with renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus or corneal ulceration.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.