Caring for a Dog With Cushings Disease
It can be tough news when you discover your pup has been diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, but it doesn't mean that they cannot live a happy life full of joy and relief from symptoms! With proper measures like nutrition support through proper meals and specific foods, coupled with natural methods like essential oils or herbs; you can ensure your pup will continue living life to its fullest potential!
The prevalence of Cushing's disease in dogs varies by breed, age, and sex. It is estimated that Cushing's disease affects approximately 1-2% of the general canine population. The most common breeds are poodles, dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Yorkies, Staffordshire Terriers, and Boxers. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older dogs, and it appears to affect female dogs 5x more often than males.
Cushing's Disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, an increase in appetite, hair loss, skin infections, and weakness or lethargy. In more serious cases, it can result in high blood pressure and heart problems.
Cushing’s Disease can compromise your dog’s immune system and lead to other serious health issues. In some cases a tumor develops on the adrenal gland and surgery may be recommended for removal.
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing several different hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. They can become imbalanced due to conditions like Cushing's Disease or other medical issues that affect hormone production. When this happens, it can lead to dramatic changes in the way your body functions.
We often talk about the impact of stress, fear and anxiety on the adrenals. In normal dogs, an incident will spike cortisol in the adrenals and they return to normal levels pretty quickly. In a Cushing’s dog, cortisol production stays elevated. So you must look to the source of stress.
It doesn’t always mean “Anxiety”. I had a dachshund mix years ago diagnosed with Cushing’s. This was long before I knew anything about real nutrition & natural wellness. He lived to almost 18. As I consider now what may have been at the root of his Cushing’s, a stressful state of mind does NOT align. He was not a stressed out dog. But his body may very well have been under stress, as I was not feeding great food, I did all the vet suggested vax, flea and tick, yard chemicals, and so on. So we have to consider stress as related to inflammation too.
So what can you do to support your dog?
Go Natural.
Some Basic Changes:
Lose the toxins (always, but especially when your dog is sick with potential tumors!)
Evaluate your vaccine requirements and schedule. Discuss Waivers with your vet.
Address the Stress & Anxiety. perhaps even your own.
Reduce Inflammation
Explore Energy Work — Acupuncture, Acupressure, Reiki, Raindrop or other modalities that will help reduce stress in your dog.
Review our Cushing’s Guide & The Anxiety Guide if your dog has signs of stress.
Proper nutrition is important for supporting dogs with Cushing's disease. Feeding your dog a balanced diet low in carbohydrates, grain free can help keep them healthy and energized. High-quality fresh, real protein sources like turkey, beef, or fish are essential for helping ensure nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium reach their organs and cells. Adding fresh colorful fruits and non-starchy vegetables offer antioxidants that can aid in fighting off disease and support a strong immune system.
You also need consider the following nutrition supplements:
Omega 3
Probiotics
Digestive Enzymes
Antioxidants
Medicinal Mushrooms - Chaga is a good one.
Glandulars - like supports like
See supplements on Dr. Ruth’s Page — schedule a pet coaching session and I’ll help you review supplements.
Essential oils are also a great natural way to support dogs with Cushing’s disease. Create a calming environment for your pup with essential oils such as nutmeg and balsam fir support the adrenals while cedarwood lavender that have calming properties to reduce anxiety levels as well as any discomfort from the disease itself. Other essential oils such as frankincense are helpful for stimulating circulation through the lymphatic system which helps suppress inflammation associated with Cushing’s Disease. Similarly herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root help detoxify your pet’s body while aiding in digestion and reducing stress levels associated with the condition.
Herbs are another excellent way to help support dogs with Cushing’s. There are several that address stress & cortisol levels. Consier Ashwaganda or Rhodiola as options to support the adrenals. Also consider Turmeric, Ginger, Green Tea or Medicinal Mushrooms to fight inflammation. See supplements on Dr. Ruth’s Page — schedule a pet coaching session and I’ll help you review supplements.
Visit My Guide To Supporting Dogs With Cushings For More Details
Dog Mama this is a serious issue. You must not forget veterinary care and will need regular lab work to monitor your dogs cortisol production, vitamin and mineral levels, blood pressure and glucose as there is an increased risk of diabetes in dogs with Cushing’s.