Rather, they are reserved for those with severe, year-round clinical signs that are unresponsive to other treatments. Many dogs with inhalant allergies only show clinical signs for a few weeks during the year, whenever the allergen involved is present in the air. Spring and fall are peak seasons for allergic disease in dogs and people. These seasonally affected animals can usually be handled without allergy testing, by employing different types of symptomatic therapy. For years, prednisone has been the cornerstone of symptomatic treatment for allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid, a group of drugs that are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
Prednisone is generally very effective in reducing the itching and skin inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis. However, prednisone has many potential side effects. Animals on prednisone drink more water and urinate more frequently. Long term use can adversely effect the dog's adrenal glands, liver, kidneys, and immune system. I try to use as little prednisone as possible to control a dog's clinical signs.