Table 2.

Increased vigilance and agitation during corticosteroid treatment. Behavioural signs, examples of possible situations and contexts, possible outcomes, and recommended actions.

Behavioural Signs	Example Contexts	Risk/Possible Negative Outcomes	Recommended Actions
General alertness and tension. Startle reactions to sounds, novel and surprising stimuli. Excessive reactions when approached or touched. Avoidance of contacts with people. Withdraw from people or situations. Tendency to hide.	When approached or touched. In noisy and busy domestic environments. In unpredictable social situations (e.g., in the presence of strangers, children, other dogs). When there are loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms).	Reduction of social interactions and worsening of the owner-dog relationship. Hiding and refusing to be handled. Snapping or biting.	Ask unfamiliar people not to touch the dog and not to approach him/her. Keep the dog separated from young children using secure barriers. Limit exposure to noisy environments. In case of severe signs of fear, seek professional behavioural support.