We understand how challenging it can be to care for a dog with Cushing’s disease. Our goal is to support you with holistic solutions to enhance your dog’s quality of life. While Cushing’s disease is a lifelong condition, there are many ways to provide relief and help your dog feel their best.
What Is Canine Cushing’s Disease?
Canine Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a hormonal disorder that occurs when your dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a hormone the adrenal glands produce. Cortisol is crucial in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and stress responses. However, when cortisol levels become excessive, it can lead to various health problems.
There are two main types of Cushing’s disease in dogs:
- Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease is the most common form of Cushing’s disease, where a tumor (usually benign) develops in the pituitary gland, causing it to produce excessive amounts of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol.
- Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease occurs when a tumor in one of the adrenal glands leads to the overproduction of cortisol. The tumor may be benign or malignant.
One of the hallmark signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs is the bloated, “pot-bellied” abdomen. This occurs due to increased fat in the abdominal organs and the weakening of the abdominal wall.
Other common symptoms include:
- Panting
- Increased thirst and/or urination
- Thin skin
- Chronic skin infections
- Dark-colored skin spots
- Skin mineralization
- Slow skin healing
- Persistent bladder infections
A definitive diagnosis of Cushing’s disease requires veterinary testing, typically including the ACTH stimulation test or the low-dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test. The adrenal glands can also be assessed using ultrasound.
Sometimes, holistic veterinarians may bypass traditional testing, especially in cases of atypical Cushing’s disease, where symptoms align with Cushing’s, but test results appear normal. Whether it’s conventional or atypical Cushing’s, natural remedies can benefit both conditions.
Eastern and Holistic Medicine for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), both Cushing’s and Atypical Cushing’s are treated using the same holistic protocols. These protocols focus on balancing the body’s energy and addressing underlying causes. Therefore, standard testing is not always necessary to begin holistic treatments.
Learn More About Dog Cushing’s Disease
To better understand Cushing’s disease and how it affects your dog, we recommend reading our eBook, Solutions for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease: How to Make Your Best Friend Feel Better, authored by holistic veterinarians Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron. This resource offers practical advice and natural remedies you can use at home to help your dog feel better.
Supplement with Melatonin and Lignans
Melatonin and lignans are among the first natural remedies recommended by our founding veterinarians, Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron. These supplements work synergistically to address hormonal imbalances and other symptoms associated with conditions like Cushing’s disease.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), melatonin is recognized for its cooling properties, which help regulate body temperature and address heat-related imbalances.
- TCVM Perspective: Melatonin helps cool the body, nourish Yin, and clear heat, making it particularly beneficial for dogs with Cushing’s disease.
- Recommended Type: Look for high-quality, veterinarian-recommended melatonin supplements to ensure purity and proper dosage. Our vets recommend K9 Select Beef Flavored Melatonin.
- Benefits:
- Helps balance hormones and supports adrenal function.
- May slow tumor growth due to its regulatory effects on cell cycles.
- Promotes restful sleep and relaxation.
- Supports overall health through its antioxidant properties.
Lignans
Lignans are plant-based compounds classified as phytoestrogens, which can mimic or modulate the body’s estrogen activity. They are a natural way to help lower cortisol levels, especially when combined with melatonin.
- TCVM Perspective: Lignans are believed to harmonize and support the body’s endocrine and immune systems, addressing imbalances associated with excessive cortisol production.
- Recommended Type: HMR lignans, derived from the Norwegian Spruce tree, are highly bioavailable and provide consistent results. Our vets recommend K9 Select Peanut Butter Flavored HMR Lignans.
- Benefits:
- Helps reduce cortisol levels, helping to manage Cushing’s symptoms.
- Improves skin and coat health, addressing issues like dryness or hair loss.
- Supports heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Boosts immune function and contributes to overall wellness.
Together, melatonin and lignans provide a balanced, natural approach to managing adrenal and hormonal imbalances, supporting your dog’s health and quality of life. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations and dosing guidance.
Feed a Low-Fat Diet
Dogs with Cushing’s disease often suffer from hyperlipidemia, an abnormally high level of fats in the blood. Managing fat intake is crucial to reducing the strain on their metabolic system and preventing complications like pancreatitis or further hormonal imbalances.
A low-fat diet helps dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease for several reasons.
A low-fat diet helps:
- Reduce the risk of pancreatitis, a common complication in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
- Support the liver and kidneys, often under stress due to high cortisol levels.
- Maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, improving overall health.
Homemade Low-Fat Meals
Our veterinarian-crafted recipes are an excellent resource if you’re looking for tailored dietary solutions for managing your dog’s Cushing’s disease. Developed by PET | TAO’s veterinarians to support their clinic clients, our recipes are specifically designed to address the nutritional needs of dogs at different stages of Cushing’s disease.
Preparing meals at home allows for precise control over ingredients and portion sizes. A slow cooker makes the process easy and ensures that meals are nutrient-rich and digestible.
Whether your dog is in the early stage, mid-stage, or late stage, these recipes provide balanced, low-fat, and energetically cooling meals to help reduce symptoms and support overall health. If you are interested in cooking for your dog, you can find detailed instructions in the following articles:
- How to Cook for a Dog with Cushing’s Disease
- Early-Stage Cushing’s Disease Recipe
- Mid-Stage Cushing’s Disease Recipe
- Late-Stage Cushing’s Disease Recipe
Our recipes use carefully selected ingredients, aligning with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) principles, to promote energetic balance and optimal wellness. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new meals to ensure they complement your dog’s treatment plan.
Commercial Options
If cooking at home isn’t feasible, PET | TAO offers canned formulas to support dogs with Cushing’s disease by providing a TCVM energetically balanced diet. While these diets are not low-fat, our veterinarians have found that most dogs with Cushing’s respond exceptionally well to the following options.
PET | TAO Solution Chill
PET | TAO Solution Chill Canned Formula is designed to help dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease by addressing heat 
imbalance and promoting energetic harmony, as understood through Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dogs with Cushing’s disease often exhibit symptoms like excessive thirst, panting, restlessness, and a tendency to overheat—all signs of Yin deficiency and internal heat. This formula’s cooling ingredients help counteract these imbalances, providing relief and supporting overall well-being.
The recipe features cooling proteins like turkey and catfish, which help dispel excess heat, and neutral ingredients like beef, carrots, and green beans that nourish the spleen and stomach meridians. By balancing Yin and Yang and aligning with the Five Elements, PET | TAO Solution Chill supports hydration, digestion, and temperature regulation, alleviating common Cushing’s symptoms.
This holistic approach ensures your dog receives a nutrient-dense diet that restores balance and addresses the root energetic issues contributing to discomfort. Whether your dog struggles with hot flashes, insomnia, or agitation, PET | TAO Solution Chill provides targeted relief and promotes a calmer, more comfortable state of health.
PET | TAO Harmony Limited Ingredient
PET | TAO Harmony Limited Ingredient Formula is 
a highly effective choice for dogs suffering from allergies, hot spots, and skin irritation. Crafted with Eastern Food Therapy principles, it restores energetic balance using carefully selected ingredients like turkey, carrots, and celery. As a neutral-to-slightly-warming protein, Turkey nourishes the spleen and stomach, strengthens Qi and Blood, and supports immunity. At the same time, vegetables like celery and spinach help clear internal heat, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the body, addressing the root cause of allergy symptoms from a TCVM perspective.
From a Western perspective, the formula’s use of turkey benefits dogs with food sensitivities, as it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions than other proteins. It includes antioxidant-rich vegetables like spinach and broccoli, which support immune health and reduce inflammation, while carrots and green beans promote digestion and overall wellness. This carefully balanced formula alleviates allergy symptoms, promotes healthy skin, and supports your dog’s overall well-being.
Our veterinarians frequently recommend Chill and Harmony Limited Ingredient for dogs with Cushing’s disease because they effectively improve overall well-being. As always, consult your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog’s specific needs.
Tips for Transitioning Diets
When transitioning your dog to a new diet, it’s crucial to do so gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. Sudden changes in diet can disrupt your dog’s digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting. To make the transition smoother, start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food, and gradually increase the proportion of the new food each day until your dog is fully transitioned. This gradual process allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the new food, reducing the risk of digestive issues.
During the transition, monitor your dog’s energy levels, coat quality, and overall well-being. If you notice any signs of discomfort or changes in health, consult your veterinarian. A change in diet can sometimes lead to positive improvements, such as a shinier coat or increased vitality. Still, monitoring your dog closely is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly.
For added health benefits, consider supplementing your dog’s new diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can help improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness. Our vets recommend Vet Classics Salmon Oil, a high-quality source of omega-3 fatty acids that can complement your dog’s diet and promote optimal health, especially for those dealing with allergies or inflammatory conditions.
Feed Freeze-Dried Raw Glandular Treats
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine emphasizes the importance of rebalancing and nourishing the body’s meridians to support overall health and address imbalances caused by conditions like Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s often affects the liver, kidney, spleen, and heart meridians, making it essential to support these organs through diet. One effective way to do so is by incorporating PET | TAO Freeze-Dried Raw Glandular Treats into your dog’s daily routine.
PET | TAO treats are crafted from freeze-dried raw organs, including kidney, liver, spleen, and heart, providing a potent source of nutrients that nourish the corresponding meridians.
Each organ offers specific benefits:
- Kidney Treats: Heart treats help strengthen the Kidney meridian, which is crucial for managing Yin and Yang imbalances. In TCVM, the Kidney is the root of life energy and supports hormonal balance, making kidney treats especially beneficial for dogs with Cushing’s disease.
- Liver Treats: The Liver meridian is associated with the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood. Feeding liver treats helps nourish this meridian, promoting detoxification and aiding in regulating cortisol levels, which are often elevated in Cushing’s disease.
- Spleen Treats: The Spleen meridian plays a vital role in digestion and the production of Qi. Spleen treats support digestive health, improve energy levels, and help stabilize blood sugar, addressing some of the secondary effects of Cushing’s disease.
- Heart Treats: The Heart meridian is linked to emotional balance and circulation. Heart treats can help calm anxiety, improve blood flow, and support the overall vitality of dogs affected by Cushing’s.
One significant advantage of PET | TAO treats is their freeze-dried raw formulation, which preserves the organs’ natural nutrients, enzymes, and energetic qualities. Unlike cooked or heavily processed treats, freeze-drying retains the organ’s original properties, making these treats a powerful addition to your pet’s diet.
The recommended daily amount varies based on your dog’s weight:
- For pets under 25 lbs: 1-3 treats per day.
- For pets 26-50 lbs: 3-5 treats per day.
- For pets over 50 lbs: Up to 10 treats per day.
PET | TAO treats are highly versatile and perfect for your dog’s daily routine. For optimal supplementation, break larger treats into 1-inch pieces. Then, feed them as treats or reconstitute them in warm water for 3–5 minutes to create a flavorful, nutrient-packed food topper. Whether used for training or as a meal enhancer, these treats make supporting your dog’s health easy without added hassle.
Adding PET | TAO Freeze-Dried Raw Glandular Treats to your dog’s diet provides a tasty snack and a health boost rooted in TCVM principles.
Provide Extra Liver Support
Cushing’s disease can cause hormonal imbalances that impact the liver’s ability to process and detoxify hormones. PET | TAO Harmonize Liver Supplement supports managing the condition by promoting liver health and detoxification from both Eastern and Western perspectives.
From a Western standpoint, liver support is crucial for managing Cushing’s disease, as the liver is responsible for processing hormones and eliminating toxins. The supplement contains Milk Thistle, which helps detoxify and regenerate liver cells, and Glutathione, an antioxidant that supports detoxification. Additionally, digestive enzymes like lipase and protease ease the liver’s burden by improving nutrient breakdown and absorption.
In TCVM, Cushing’s disease is viewed as an imbalance in the body’s Qi, often related to excess heat and dryness. The supplement includes Dandelion Root, which supports liver Qi and helps eliminate excess heat, restore balance to the liver and overall body function, and address stagnation often associated with Cushing’s disease.
PET | TAO Harmonize Liver Supplement provides a holistic approach to liver health by combining liver-detoxifying herbs and nutraceuticals. This dual perspective helps support liver function, balance internal Qi, and enhance overall vitality, offering comprehensive care for pets with Cushing’s disease. As always, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Try a TCVM Herbal Formula
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine offers specialized herbal formulas to help dogs with chronic conditions like Cushing’s disease. Herbal formulas take a holistic approach, addressing the condition’s root causes and treating the entire animal rather than just alleviating symptoms. TCVM focuses on restoring balance within the body, which is particularly beneficial for managing the hormonal imbalances associated with Cushing’s.
For example, Jin Gui Shen Qi San is often used to tonify the kidneys and support energy flow. This is crucial for dogs with Cushing’s disease, as it helps to address both the overproduction of cortisol and the underlying Qi deficiencies. Key ingredients like Dang Gui and Huang Qi promote circulation and strengthen the immune system, aiding the dog’s recovery and overall vitality.
Another example, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, is used to clear excess heat and nourish Yin, balancing the body’s fluid systems. Combining herbs such as Shu Di Huang and Mu Dan Pi helps cool down internal heat and promote kidney function, which is often compromised in dogs with Cushing’s disease. This formula can help reduce symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, which are commonly seen in Cushing’s disease.
Rehmannia 14 is another powerful formula that tones the kidneys, supports adrenal function, and promotes overall fluid balance. Ingredients like Wu Wei Zi and Shan Zhu Yu nourish and support the adrenal glands, improving their ability to regulate hormone production. This formula is beneficial for managing the hormonal imbalances central to Cushing’s disease.
Lastly, the Ophiopogon Formula supports lung and kidney function and enhances Yin energy. This formula includes Mai Men Dong and Shan Zha, which help nourish the body’s fluids, alleviate dryness, and support overall vitality. They also address the dehydration and skin issues that may accompany Cushing’s disease.
These are just a few examples of herbal formulas commonly recommended by veterinarians to help manage Cushing’s disease. Many additional options are available, and your veterinarian will determine the most suitable formula based on your dog’s unique TCVM evaluation. Consulting a qualified veterinarian is vital to ensure the selected formula aligns with your dog’s specific needs. Additionally, TCVM herbal formulas require a veterinarian’s authorization to purchase.
Additional Support
If you need extra help managing your dog’s Cushing’s disease naturally or would like personalized advice on TCVM herbal blends, we are here to assist. You can schedule a TCVM telemedicine consultation with Dr. Marc Smith or Dr. Casey Damron for customized recommendations on diet, supplements, and holistic care for your pet.
You can also schedule an in-clinic appointment if you’re in the Middle Tennessee area.
Dr. Marc Smith – Natchez Trace Veterinary Services
Dr. Casey Damron – White Oak Animal Hospital
We hope this information helps and that you find the support your dog needs to feel better. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to let us know!
Sources:
- Canine adrenal and pituitary function tests. (n.d.). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/testing/testing-protocols-interpretations/canine-adrenal-and-pituitary-function-tests
- Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs – Vetrica. (2016, October 26). Vetrica. https://vetrica.com/cushings-syndrome-dogs/
- Cva, J. G. D. (2022, November 15). NATURAL APPROACH TO HYPERADRENOCORTICISM (Cushing’s disease) IN DOGS. IVC Journal. https://ivcjournal.com/natural-approach-cushings-disease-in-dogs/
- Dobias, P. (2023, July 6). Holistic Approach to Cushing’s Disease – Explanation, diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Dobias Natural Healing. https://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/natural-remedies-for-cushings-disease-in-dogs
- Greco, D. S. (2023, July 11). Cushing disease (Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism) in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-pituitary-gland/cushing-disease-pituitary-dependent-hyperadrenocorticism-in-animals
