Atopy is associated with irritation in certain parts of the body. A higher dose is used at first but this is quickly tapered down once the condition is controlled. Prednisone is given every other day so as to allow the pet one day of recovery from the prednisone's hormonal actions. An atopic dog will respond within days. Problems arise when the pet's need for itch control demands excessive use of prednisone.
Prednisone is a hormone, affecting all body symptoms.
Cats are more resistant to the negative effects of steroid hormones thus they are able to take long acting injections as frequently as every three months. If a cat seems to require an injection every other month, efforts should be made to seek an alternative form of management. It should be noted that antihistamines are far more effective in cats than in dogs. Reliable itch control is frequently obtained but the down side is that the cat in question must take medication twice a day, potentially indefinately. These products are NOT analogous to adding oil to the pet's food.