Can I do this?

[Chase and His Mom]

Oh, Chase loves the fall. His seasonal allergies make him so itchy scratchy! I know that we can go to the vet and she'll prescribe prednisone. My question to you is.... If I personally take prednisone in a very low dose (2.5mg), can I just give my medication to Chase and avoid my vet and treat at home? I know I know I'm opening myself up to criticism but as much as I love my vet, she's very expensive!
Thanks! :dogbark

[johnwa]

Hi!

Short answer, no. Never self medicate yourself or your dog with perscription drugs. On the other hand, if your vet has previously perscribed this drug for your dog and is familiar with your dogs condition, I see no reason for an office visit. Just call the office and have the vet give you a perscription. You can have it filled there or at your favorite drug store.

[Tom]

Personally, I would be very careful with prednisone because there are limits on how many times per year you can safely use this drug (a steroid) before it begins to supress your body's natural defenses (which can lead to greater problems). This is how it affects us humans and I would assume it has a similar effect on dogs. Thus, it would be best if your vet were aware of how many courses of prednisone your dog has had and the duration of each course prior to making additional prescriptions. This is important information to have should you change vets as well.

In other words, keep your vet in the loop here.

[konabear]

If its just seasonal, can he take an OTC if its just itchy scratchies? My vet will only give our GR a steroid shot under dire circumstances. Our GR has allergies, her Derma vet suggested Chlortrimeton, which is a people OTC. Always ask ur Vet questions, thats why we pay them big bucks to keep our :woofpup safe and healthy! And, dogs process meds quicker than humans!