Loss of appetite after Prednisone in dogs

1,664 reports to the FDA describe loss of appetite in dogs given Prednisone. That is 19% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,664Reports
72%Marked serious
13%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
12 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
242 19%
1–2 days
178 14%
3–7 days
157 12%
1–4 weeks
280 22%
Over a month
441 34%

How the animals did

Recovered
200 12%
Recovered with lasting effects
23 1.4%
Still unwell when reported
634 38%
Died
167 10%
Euthanised
318 19%
Not known
322 19%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
30
1–3 years
264
4–7 years
540
8–11 years
546
12+ years
267

About this medicine

Prednisone reduces inflammation and immune activity.

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

Questions owners ask

Can Prednisone cause loss of appetite in dogs?
1,664 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 12 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).

Loss of appetite with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Prednisone in dogs · Medicines most reported with loss of appetite