Pred can effect normal behavior in dogs. The most common thing I have seen is a drastic increase in water intake and thirst, which sometimes creates possessive guarding of the water bowl.
I have had several dogs on pred, and they do act a little different. He's also dealing with his back and hip.
Yes, steroids can affect a dogs behavior. Some will get aggressive and restless. Some you only notice increased drinking and urination. Aggressive behavior can be enhanced as well.
Maybe his back and hips (no idea what the issue is) are the reason he's not feeling playful. Steroids make you feel better but don't mask all of the pain/discomfort - if that's what is wrong.
Steroids made me and my dog aggressive. I had to stop taking them after 2 days, I felt a need to road rage. My dog did get aggressive to other dogs, so I'm glad you are not having that side effect. He could just not be feeling like himself.
Molly has had the same issues as Sabo, but we received Rimadyl instead. She's able to tolerate it for a few days, then gets stomach upset. But a lot of things give her stomach upset. See if you can change meds? Could Sabo still be feeling sore?
You also asked about sleep - prednisone gave me terrible insomnia. Maybe he is not sleeping and feeling very tired after a week on it.
Prednisone definitely affects their behavior. When both my puppies were on it, they were lethargic, didnt want to play, had to pee a lot..
It also suppresses the immune system so he can get sick easier, and wounds will take longer to heal.
Just curious, how long did they put him on it for? It's not a drug you want your dog to be on for a while, especially a young dog.
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