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How Your Pet’s Adrenal Glands Affect Their Health & Immunity

Vet Talks 4 min read

When we talk about immunity and overall wellness in our pets, we often think of vaccinations, nutrition, or regular exercise. But one often-overlooked part of the body that plays a vital role in maintaining your pet’s health and immunity is the adrenal glands. These small but powerful organs are crucial in regulating your pet’s response to stress, energy levels, and immune function.

In this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of adrenal glands and pet immunity and discuss how to support your pet’s adrenal health naturally.

What Are the Adrenal Glands?

Your pet has two adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney. Though tiny in size, they are responsible for producing essential hormones that influence many of the body’s systems. These hormones include:

  • Cortisol: the stress hormone that helps manage inflammation, blood sugar, and metabolism.
  • Aldosterone: helps regulate electrolytes and fluid balance.
  • Adrenaline (Epinephrine): released during fight-or-flight situations, boosting heart rate and energy.

These hormones are crucial for your pet’s ability to respond to stress, maintain immune balance, regulate metabolism, and stay energized.

How the Adrenal Glands Impact Your Pet’s Health

The adrenal glands don’t work in isolation, they’re part of a broader system known as the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis), which controls your pet’s hormonal and stress responses.

Let’s look at three major areas impacted by adrenal function:

1. Metabolism and Energy

Cortisol, one of the main hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, plays a direct role in converting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into usable energy. When adrenal function is disrupted, it can result in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain or loss, muscle weakness, or digestive issues.

2.  Immune System Regulation

One of cortisol’s key roles is to keep the immune system in check. While a healthy amount of cortisol helps modulate inflammation and immune responses, too much or too little can suppress the immune system, making pets more vulnerable to infections, allergies, and chronic illnesses.

3. Response to Stress

Whether it’s environmental stress, separation anxiety, illness, or pain, the adrenal glands help your pet cope. Chronic stress can cause adrenal fatigue, which affects your pet’s resilience and recovery. In turn, this can disrupt sleep, digestion, and immune function.

Adrenal Dysfunction and Its Effects on Immunity

Adrenal disorders are not uncommon in dogs and cats, and they can significantly compromise the immune system. Two of the most recognized conditions are Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease.

Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Cushing’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Common signs include:

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Potbellied appearance
  • Hair loss
  • Thinning skin
  • Frequent infections

Excess cortisol suppresses immune responses, leaving pets more prone to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. It also slows wound healing and increases inflammation throughout the body.

Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Addison’s disease, on the other hand, results from underactive adrenal glands, leading to a deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. This can cause:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Poor appetite
  • Low heart rate
  • Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low sodium, high potassium)

Because cortisol helps regulate immune responses, a lack of it can cause immune dysfunction, poor stress tolerance, and frequent illness. In severe cases, an Addisonian crisis can be life-threatening without prompt veterinary care.

Supporting Adrenal Health Naturally

Whether your pet has a diagnosed adrenal condition or you simply want to keep their endocrine and immune systems strong, there are several natural ways to support adrenal gland health.

1. Reduce Stress

Chronic stress is a leading contributor to adrenal imbalance. Consider the following tips:

  • Provide a calm, stable environment.
  • Stick to routines, pets thrive on predictability.
  • Use calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps during stressful events.
  • Consider gentle, natural calming supplements like Lesstress, which may help soothe nervous tension and support the HPA axis.

2. Optimize Nutrition

A nutrient-dense, species-appropriate diet is essential for adrenal support. Focus on:

  • High-quality protein to support muscle maintenance and hormone production.
  • Healthy fats, particularly omega-3s, for anti-inflammatory support.

For pets with adrenal disorders, feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the workload on the adrenal glands, which are involved in regulating metabolism and stress responses.

3. Use Natural Supplements for Support

At NHV, we’re passionate about using plant-based remedies to support wellness. For adrenal and immune health, here are a few standout products:

  • Supraglan: Formulated to support the adrenal glands and endocrine system, it includes ingredients like eleuthero and astragalus to help balance cortisol levels naturally.
  • Milk Thistle: Provides antioxidant and liver support, which is vital for hormone metabolism and detoxification.
  • Multi Essentials: A daily multivitamin to fill nutritional gaps and balance immune function.
  • Lesstress: The natural (non-addictive) sedative properties of Lesstress gently relax the nervous system and endocrine system.

Why Adrenal Health Matters

The adrenal glands and pet immune system are closely linked

The adrenal glands and pet immune system are closely linked. When the adrenal glands are functioning well, your pet is better able to handle stress, fight off infections, and maintain vitality. However, when they’re overworked or underperforming, it can lead to immune compromise, hormonal imbalances, and a host of health challenges.

If you suspect your pet may be experiencing adrenal dysfunction or if you want to explore natural ways to support their health, reach out to your veterinarian and explore NHV’s wide range of herbal support supplements designed to work alongside conventional care.

Dr. Mehdi Esmatparast, DVM, Ph.D.

Dr. Mehdi Esmatparast, DVM, Ph.D.

Dr. Mehdi Esmatparast, a veterinarian from Iran, obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Urmia University in 2008 and later earned his Ph.D. in Theriogenology from the University of Tehran in 2017. With over 15 years of experience in research and veterinary medicine practice, Dr. Mehdi is dedicated to providing exceptional care for pets. He enjoys spending quality time with his family and his two beloved cats, Sushi and Cookie.

Published: April 18, 2025

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