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Steroid Treatment – Effects in Dogs
What are steroids?
Corticosteroids (commonly referred to as steroids or cortisone) are a class of steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of activities in the body, including the stress response, immune system response, control of inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of blood electrolyte levels.
The adrenal glands produce two forms of corticosteroids:
Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, corticosteroids are a valuable class of medications. They are commonly used to treat mild inflammatory conditions and/or to suppress the inflammation associated with an allergic response. When administered in high doses, they act as immunosuppressant drugs meaning they suppress or prevent an immune response.
>"For decades, this class of drugs has benefited humans and animals."
Most forms of corticosteroids that are prescribed are synthetic, and include prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. These synthetic forms of corticosteroids are many times more potent than the naturally occurring forms found in the body and typically last much longer. Because of their increased potency and duration of activity, if synthetic corticosteroids are used, the patient must be carefully monitored to minimize the risks of serious side effects.
For decades, this class of drugs has benefited humans and animals. They are a vital part of the treatment protocol for many life-threatening diseases. Their benefits far outweigh any risks in the majority of cases. When used properly, very few side effects occur.
Corticosteroids may have both short- and long-term side effects that cause different problems in your dog.
Short-term side effects are those that we expect a dog to experience when initially placed on corticosteroids. These side effects depend both on the type of steroid prescribed and on the dosage administered, and include:
Some pre-diabetic dogs may become diabetic with corticosteroid usage. In many of these cases, the diabetes resolves once the steroid is discontinued.
If any of these side effects occur, they can often be eliminated by lowering the dosage or frequency of administration. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe another type of corticosteroid in an attempt to reduce the side effects. The objective is to determine the lowest dose of medication that controls the condition with the least number of side effects.
Some diseases and medical conditions require long-term treatment with corticosteroids, at either an anti-inflammatory dose or an immunosuppressive dose. When corticosteroids will be used for more than three to four months, particularly at immunosuppressive doses, additional side effects become a concern. The most commonly seen long-term side effects include:
An excessive level of corticosteroids may cause Cushing's disease. When a dog is on long-term, high doses of glucocorticoids, there is an increased risk that a condition called iatrogenic (medication induced) Cushing's disease will develop. The clinical signs of Cushing's disease include increased thirst and urination, an increase in UTI's and skin/ear infections, a pot-bellied appearance, thinning skin, and hair loss. In the treatment of some diseases, the risk of iatrogenic Cushing's disease is unavoidable. To minimize this risk, corticosteroid doses are tapered down over time, or several different drugs may be used in combination.
Fortunately, most dogs can safely use corticosteroids if a few simple guidelines are followed, such as:
Corticosteroids can be life-saving medications and improve the quality of life for many dogs. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can safely administer these drugs and provide your dog with the high quality of care he needs and deserves. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog's medications, please contact your veterinarian.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Dec 5, 2022.
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