I'm going to talk to the vet later, but does anyone know about dogs and steroids?

[BertrandRussell]

My dog has an ear infection and has been prescribed steroids because the ear canal is very swollen. She has had 2 so far, and they seem to be making her very jittery and barky. She practically never barks, by last night I was out for a couple of hours and my neighbour had to go and get her because she was barking so much. Is this a known side effect?

Steroids suppres the immune system

Once you stop the steroids and the immune system returns to 'normal' the ear infection will come back.
Steroids don't get rid of the infect. They stop the immune system from attacking it. They may do a temporary job, but if you rely on steroids or antibiotics, once stopped the infection will almost always likely come back.

You need to actually fight the infection rather than rely on steroids.

But yes this may be why. All drugs have a risk of side effects.

She has antibiotics for the infection as well.

The vet suggested that she may have been barking because she was hungry- the steroids can make them absolutely ravenous apparently!

Hi Bertrand - my dog has been on steroids loads. They never made her jittery, but yes they do make them very hungry and thirsty! My dog pants a lot on them as well. Obviously drinking more makes them pee more, so...?

It'll probably settle down, but if the dog is not right in 3-4 days they might just not suit him. Vet is best person to talk to!

Oh duh sorry...you've already spoken to them. Hope the dog is a bit more settled now!

Our dog has had more than his fair share of steroids for a chronic health issue that has now resolved. As well as making him hungry they made him much livelier. For us that meant he was more like his normal self, perhaps for you dog OP it's made her too lively?

My dog had a very bad reaction to them. Was very poorly and I had to stop them. Obviously not the norm, but keep a close eye just in case.

It's definitely hunger-she's barking at her empty bowl now! Thank heavens it's only a 5 day course or she'd be the size of a barrage balloon........