If your dog has recently finished a course of prednisone and is still panting, you’re probably wondering if this is normal or a sign of something more serious.
Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid commonly prescribed for allergies, inflammation, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. While panting during treatment is a well-known side effect, some dogs continue to pant even after the medication has been stopped.
We outline why dogs pant after prednisone, what other side effects might linger, and when to contact your veterinarian for help.
Dog Panting After Prednisone — Why It Happens
Panting after taking prednisone is a very common side effect in dogs. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that alters a dog’s metabolism, increases thirst, and stimulates the nervous system.
These changes often cause heavy panting, restlessness, and increased water intake, even when the dog is not hot or exercising.
The panting itself is not usually harmful, but it can make dogs uncomfortable and sometimes alarm their owners. In older dogs or those with underlying health issues, the increased stress from panting may feel more intense.
Dog Panting After Prednisone: Common Causes
Lingering Steroid Effects in the Body
Prednisone doesn’t leave the body immediately. Even after the last dose, it can take a few days to weeks for the drug and its effects on hormone regulation to fully clear, depending on the dosage and length of treatment.
During this time, your dog’s adrenal glands are slowly trying to regain their natural rhythm of cortisol production.
Because prednisone suppresses the adrenal system, panting may continue as the body re-adjusts.
This transitional phase is one of the most common reasons dogs still pant after stopping prednisone.
Read more: Dog Panting and Prednisone (Why it happens and what to watch for)
Rebound Anxiety and Restlessness
Prednisone can cause nervous system stimulation, leading to restlessness, pacing, and panting while on the drug.
Once the medication is withdrawn, some dogs experience a “rebound effect” where their nervous system remains temporarily overstimulated.
Your dog may continue panting at night, pacing, or appearing unable to settle. This usually improves with time, but if your dog seems unusually anxious, your vet may recommend supportive treatments like calming aids or adjusting the tapering schedule if prednisone is needed again.
Changes in Fluid Balance
While on prednisone, dogs often experience increased thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria).
When prednisone is stopped, the body has to readjust its fluid balance. During this period, your dog may still feel bloated or uncomfortable, leading to panting.
In some cases, the sudden shift in water regulation can make a dog feel overheated even when the environment is cool, prompting panting as a way to regulate temperature.
Heat Intolerance After Steroid Use
Prednisone alters the way the body handles electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which play a role in regulating body temperature.
Even after discontinuation, some dogs continue to struggle with heat intolerance, panting heavily after mild activity or when resting in a warm room.
If you live in a hot climate, keep your dog in a cool environment, provide fresh water at all times, and avoid exercise during peak heat hours.
Prednisone-Related Muscle Weakness
Extended prednisone use can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, especially in the hind legs. Even after stopping the drug, these effects can linger for weeks or months, depending on how long your dog was on treatment.
Weak muscles make movement more tiring, and panting often follows as your dog exerts extra effort to walk, climb stairs, or even stand up.
If panting is paired with noticeable weakness, a rehabilitation program or joint support supplements may help.
Underlying Condition Returning
Prednisone is prescribed to manage inflammation and suppress immune responses. Once the medication is stopped, the original condition may flare up again.
For example:
A dog with arthritis may begin panting again due to renewed joint pain.
A dog with allergies may pant from skin irritation and scratching.
Dogs with autoimmune diseases may experience fatigue, discomfort, or fever that causes panting.
In these cases, panting is not a direct side effect of prednisone withdrawal, but rather a sign that the underlying disease is resurfacing.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort After Prednisone
Prednisone can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers. Even after discontinuation, some dogs may experience lingering nausea, bloating, or stomach pain, all of which can trigger panting.
If your dog pants while also drooling, refusing food, or vomiting, this could point to GI irritation that hasn’t resolved after treatment. A vet may prescribe stomach protectants to help.
Adrenal Gland Suppression (Addisonian Effect)
Perhaps the most concerning reason for panting after prednisone is adrenal gland suppression. Prednisone mimics cortisol, so the adrenal glands “shut down” their natural production while the drug is in use.
If the medication is stopped too quickly (without a proper taper), the adrenal glands may fail to restart normal cortisol production.
This condition, known as Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism), can cause:
Weakness
Lethargy
Shaking or trembling
Panting
Vomiting or diarrhea
If your dog has recently stopped prednisone abruptly and is now panting excessively with other symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
What You Can Do at Home
If your dog is panting after prednisone, here are steps to keep them comfortable while monitoring their health:
Keep your dog cool: Provide fans, air conditioning, and a shaded rest area.
Offer constant water: Dehydration worsens panting and discomfort.
Limit stress and activity: Restlessness may persist, so provide calm routines.
Provide joint or muscle support: Gentle exercise, joint supplements, or vet-recommended rehab can help rebuild strength.
Track symptoms: Note when panting occurs (nighttime, after meals, after activity) and share this with your vet.
When to Call the Vet
Panting after prednisone is often harmless and improves with time, but call your vet if you notice:
Panting that is severe, constant, or worsening
Restlessness that prevents your dog from sleeping
Weakness, trembling, or collapse
Vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat
Signs of difficulty breathing (wheezing, pale gums, blue tongue)
Your vet may run bloodwork to check adrenal function, adjust your dog’s treatment plan, or prescribe supportive medications.
Related: Dog Panting and Medication (Here’s why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Panting after prednisone is a fairly common experience in dogs and is usually linked to lingering steroid effects, restlessness, heat intolerance, or the return of the underlying condition.
In most cases, it improves gradually as the body readjusts. However, if panting is severe, paired with weakness, or accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to rule out adrenal issues or other complications.