Excessive thirst after Prednisolone in dogs

57 reports to the FDA describe excessive thirst in dogs given Prednisolone. That is 4.7% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

57Reports

51%Marked serious

12%Recovered

16%Died or euthanised

31 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

8 20%

1–2 days

4 9.8%

3–7 days

2 4.9%

1–4 weeks

5 12%

Over a month

22 54%

How the animals did

Recovered

7 12%

Still unwell when reported

25 44%

Euthanised

9 16%

Not known

16 28%

Problems reported at the same time

41 72%

12 21%

10 18%

10 18%

10 18%

9 16%

9 16%

8 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Prednisolone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

Steroids commonly cause increased thirst, urination and appetite, especially at higher doses.

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisolone cause excessive thirst in dogs?: 57 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 31 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Excessive thirst with similar medicines

Excessive thirst after Prednisone 498 reports · 5.6% of its reports
Excessive thirst after Dexamethasone 99 reports · 3.6% of its reports
Excessive thirst after Prednisolone + Trimeprazine 128 reports · 6.1% of its reports

All reported side effects of Prednisolone in dogs · Medicines most reported with excessive thirst