The Good And Bad About Usage Of Steroids For Dogs

Steroids for dogs

Several mental and physical illnesses require frequent use of medicines and steroids. These conditions also include various autoimmune diseases. When used for an extended period, these steroids must be taken in low doses. Steroids are probably the most controversial medications for dogs. Still, they are given by veterinary professionals to treat various health issues such as skin inflammation, seasonal allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

What ate the major pros and cons of giving steroids to dogs?

There is no doubt that steroids are beneficial to treat various mental and physical disorders. However, there are several adverse effects associated with the use of steroids in dogs. Before giving any, pet owners must understand the pros and cons associated with them first. It is equally important to know if a particular steroid can interact with a specific medicine or dog food.

Anabolic steroids abuse and veterinary use for dogs

Anabolic steroids are often used for training fighting dogs and also in Korean kitchen to grow up meat dogs just like Europeans do it for cows. Both of these ways considered to be very cruel and we do not advocate or tolerate such practices
However, they could be widely used to treat various conditions – just like for humans. Steroids are useful to treat anemia, they are useful for post-surgical period or even at terminal state to easy the fate of the animal and improve quality of life.

When to give corticosteroids to your dog

Corticosteroids cover a broad range group of medicines for dogs. The most commonly used medications in this category are:
1. Prednisone
2. Temaril-P
3. Neopredef
4. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate
5. Methylprednisolone
6. Triamcinolone
These medicines are available in different forms, including oral tablets, topical sprays, creams, injections, and powders. Different steroids work differently. Their mechanism of action varies and works differently on different bodies. They affect every system internally, and therefore, you must consult with your veterinarian first before giving any steroids to your dog.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Steroids

The most common use of steroids is for reducing the symptoms of various skin conditions such as rashes and pruritus. Allergies are prevalent in dogs of different ages and breeds such as Boxers, Maltese, and Bulldogs. Such allergies may be food or flea related or due to seasonal allergens. To understand how steroids work is very complicated; however, it reduces itching by suppressing the production of histamines in the body.

New vs. conventional steroids for dogs

There are several side effects of steroids, and therefore, they should not be used for certain medical conditions. Some professional veterinarians keep on using some older steroids, such as anecdotal. In fact, many people have stopped giving such steroids to dogs due to a lack of scientific research to back their usage.
Earlier, steroids were prevalent among veterinarians for treating a shock in dogs. If a dog suffers from an accident or a mental trauma, he may be given steroids to help him recover from the shock. However, recent studies suggest that steroids are not safe to give to treat such medical conditions. These steroids can interact with other enzymes in the body, making the situation worse. This may lead to various gastrointestinal issues as well.
Today, steroids are not preferred to treat such medical conditions. Various oxygen therapies are used instead of using conventional steroids.

Non-steroidal medicines

Following non-steroidal medicines are very common among professional veterinarians:
1. Meloxicam
2. Carreon
3. Draconic
4. Fireboxes

Haemorrhage, gastrointestinal and kidney damage in dogs

Using these drugs with steroids can lead to specific adverse side effects such as gastrointestinal and kidney damage, haemorrhage, etc. There are several other adverse effects of using steroids. For instance, many dogs drink and urinate a lot. Some may become restless or clumsy. Some even begin to eat more than usual. Hyperactivity and restlessness are the two most common side effects of steroids in dogs.

Overproduction of cortisol in dogs

Some dogs may even become agitated or aggressive. If dogs are given steroids for an extended period, they may develop other diseases such as Cushing’s disease in which the body overproduces cortisol. The dog may experience a sudden weight gain, or persistent skin and urinary infections.

Conclusione

Never discontinue giving steroids abruptly. When such steroids are injected, the body’s original steroid levels also drop. So, the body requires some time to start producing its own cortisol again. If steroids are discontinued abruptly, your dog may suffer weight loss, nausea, diarrhoea, or anorexia. Therefore, these steroids should be gradually tapered to avoid the side effects mentioned above.
Steroids are extremely useful and beneficial for dogs. However, it would help if you gave them correctly to avoid its side effects. Try to consult with a veterinarian first before giving steroids to your dog.