When researching medicines prescribed for our animals, the term “steroids” can easily send alarm bells ringing, as it’s widely known as a dangerous drug.

While steroids refer to chemicals that have been synthesized to mimic some hormones if the body cannot produce them naturally, not all “steroids” are linked to dangerous drugs. Steroids are man-made medicines aimed at helping cells, tissues, and body organs function properly due to hormone imbalance. 

There are two main types of steroid medication: corticosteroids and anabolics a.k.a. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids or AAS for short. By knowing the difference between these two, you will understand which steroid is potentially dangerous as medication for you or your pet.

What are Corticosteroids and When are They Prescribed as Treatments?

Corticosteroids are a class of synthetic drugs recommended as treatment to help boost the production of cortisone hormones produced by the adrenal glands. As a medicine, corticosteroids enable the body to respond to a wide range of normal activities such as immunity response, stress response, nutrient metabolism, maintenance of blood electrolyte levels, and in addressing occurrences of internal inflammation.

Corticosteroids are prescribed to balance a body’s cortisone hormone level, hormonal imbalances are manifested by inflammations. During treatment for hormonal imbalance, the body system reacting to the treatment will stop producing substances that can further cause inflammation in the tissues of the organs affected.

Caring for Pets that Receive Steroid Medications

While most animals can tolerate corticosteroids as medications, there are guidelines that pet owners must follow to ensure their safety:

Corticosteroid protocols require daily dosage only during the initial phase of treatment, usually for a life-threatening disease.

Although most dogs have exhibited tolerance for corticosteroids, some canines experience itching or pain. If so, it would be best to inform the veterinarian, as he may recommend an alternative treatment; or prescribe a medication that will act as a stomach protectant.

If your dog requires corticosteroid usage as long-term treatment (3 to 4 months), your pet’s condition should regularly be evaluated. That way, the veterinarian will know if other treatment options can be prescribed.

The key takeaway is to work closely with the veterinarian to ensure that the corticosteroid is safely administered.

What are Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Why Its Use is Being Abused

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are also chemical-based drugs designed to increase male testosterone hormones produced by the gonads in the male testes. While the adrenal glands also produce testosterone hormones, they can only produce at low levels.

Yet AAS as a medical treatment is no longer widely supported and only in extreme cases. Mainly because medical researchers have collected scientific data that show synthetically produced testosterone hormones can adversely affect other naturally occurring hormones; including those that promote sperm production.

While AAS gained notoriety as androgenic drugs used to enhance the strength, endurance, and muscle-building ability of many athletes, it has become illegal to use or buy AAS without a proper medical prescription.

As an alternative to medically prescribed AAS, and for use in building muscles, there are pharma grade steroids in Canada (steroids Canada) developed for pharmaceutical companies. Still, pharma grade steroids are not readily accessible as they have to be purchased only from authorized pharmaceutical firms or sellers.