free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

1-877-937-4372 the pet expert hotline

free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

Supraglan™ for dogs

Natural Cushing’s Disease, Adrenal, and Addison’s Support for dogs

USD $50.95
Supraglan™ for dogs USD $50.95 Add to Cart

Caring for Addison’s And Cushing’s Disease in Pets

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
A veterinarian inspecting a dog with Cushing's disease.

The health and wellness of your fur-kiddos is always a top priority. At NHV, we completely agree, and we are dedicated to supporting your little ones. Understanding common health issues is an important step in ensuring your little ones stay healthy and happy, and that’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease in pets. These two diseases mainly affect our canine companions, but they may also affect cats, although not as commonly.

The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are located in front of the kidneys

The adrenal glands are located in front of the kidneys, and they produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. These hormones are important as they play a role in balancing electrolytes and stress. When the adrenal glands don’t produce and regulate hormones as they normally should, it can cause serious health implications for your fur-baby.

What is Cushing’s

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an overproduction of cortisol. There can be a couple of causes to this. The first and most common cause is a tumor in the pituitary gland. Cushing’s is more common in older dogs, and certain breeds may be predisposed. Some other causes may include a tumor in the adrenal gland itself or the overuse of certain pharmaceuticals such as steroids.

What is Addison’s

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is caused by an underproduction of adrenal gland hormones, most commonly cortisol and aldosterone. It’s also more common in older dogs and seen more frequently in certain breeds. This can lead to a potentially dangerous situation, often referred to as an “Addisonian crisis.” Some symptoms to watch for may include:

  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Recurrent illness or decreased immunity
  • Electrolyte imbalances on a blood panel, likely elevated sodium and potassium levels
  • Loss of appetite

Daily Care Tips

Managing Cushing’s or Addison’s may feel overwhelming, but there are ways to manage your pet’s symptoms, which may help to make a difference in their wellness.

Cushing’s Disease

  • Diet: You may notice that your pet is gaining weight due to cortisol overproduction. Some dietary considerations to make may be to focus on a balanced, low-fat diet with nutritious foods. Try to avoid high-calorie treats and aim for food products with healthy ingredients.
  • Exercise: Since Cushing’s can contribute to muscle weakness, it’s a good idea to maintain a short and manageable exercise regimen. Short walks are great, and you may also consider an option like hydrotherapy.

Addison’s Disease

  • Diet: Addison’s can cause electrolyte imbalances. You can incorporate lean proteins and healthy fats into your pet’s diet, making sure you’re feeding high-quality foods. Foods high in potassium, like bananas and sweet potatoes, may be avoided due to their impact on electrolyte balance.
  • Exercise: Similar to Cushing’s, short and low-impact exercise is best for little ones dealing with Addison’s. With this condition, the energy levels of your fur-kiddo can fluctuate so you’ll want to monitor how they are feeling.

Stress Management

It’s important to manage stress for pets dealing with Cushing’s and Addison’s disease to avoid exacerbation of their symptoms. Try to maintain a consistent routine and provide a calm, quiet resting area where your pet can relax. It’s also advisable to minimize exposure to major life changes to help reduce stress in pets.

Veterinary and Holistic Treatments

Diagnosing Cushing’s and Addison’s disease may involve a physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes X-rays and ultrasounds. Laboratory testing can reveal abnormalities that are critical to making a diagnosis.

Treatment for these diseases can involve prescription medications, such as steroids, IV fluids, symptom monitoring, and less commonly, surgery. While there is not a cure for Addison’s and Cushing’s, your fur-baby’s quality of life can be managed with treatments, and many go on to live normal lives.

Holistic Support for Pets with Addison’s and Cushing’s Disease

NHV supplements may help support adrenal gland hormone regulation

In addition to medical treatments, natural remedies can also be extremely beneficial in supporting symptoms of Addison’s and Cushing’s disease. NHV supplements may help support adrenal gland hormone regulation and the accompanying symptoms.

NHV’s Adrenal Super Support and Nutritional Balance Kit contains three beneficial supplements that can support your fur-kiddo as they deal with an adrenal gland disorder.

  • Supraglan has properties that support the balancing of adrenal gland hormones and help the body respond to stress and inflammation.
  • Milk Thistle detoxifies the liver by removing toxins and the main active ingredient in Milk Thistle is Silymarin which helps prevent toxins from binding to the liver.
  • Multi Essentials is packed with nutrients and vitamins that may help to fill nutritional voids, balance energy levels, aid in effective digestion, and benefit overall health.

You may also consider adding a calming supplement like Lesstress to help with symptoms of stress and anxiety, which is important for managing Addison’s or Cushing’s disease in pets. Lesstress uses herbs with stress reducing properties like, Lemon Balm, and can also support healthy immunity.

Ready to Start Supporting Your Pet?

Cushing’s and Addison’s disease can be challenging; however, with proper treatment, symptom monitoring, holistic support, and lifestyle changes, pets can live fulfilling lives. Should your fur-kiddo exhibit signs and symptoms of Cushing’s or Addison’s disease, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.

NHV supplements can benefit your pet by providing additional support to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. With the right combination of veterinary care and holistic treatments, your pet can feel their best and continue to thrive. If you have any questions about how to support your pet with supplements, reach out to our Pet Experts using the chat below!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: April 11, 2025

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like