As our adored beasts age, we inevitably notice changes in their overall health. Sometimes they’re little things, but sometimes they’re not so little. If your dog has been drinking a ton of water lately, seems hungrier than usual, or suddenly has a round, pot-bellied tummy, you might have wondered whether this is just part of getting older or if something else is going on.

One possible cause is Cushing’s disease in dogs – a surprisingly common hormonal condition in our canine companions.

So what is Cushing’s disease? It often goes undiagnosed at the beginning, so it’s really important to know what to look for. Plus, how can you support your dog if they get a Cushing’s diagnosis? Let’s break it down.

What is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs, Exactly?

Cushing’s disease (also called hyperadrenocorticism) happens when your dog’s body makes too much cortisol. That’s the stress hormone. It’s the opposite of Addison’s disease, which is when the body doesn’t make enough cortisol.

When it’s balanced, cortisol helps the body handle stress, regulate metabolism, and support the immune system. And that’s good – your pup needs that.

But too much for too long? That’s when things start to go sideways.

Most cases of cushing’s disease in dogs happen because of:

• A small benign tumour in the pituitary gland (this controls hormone signaling)
• A tumour on the adrenal gland

Both types send the body into cortisol overdrive.

Cushing’s is actually pretty common, especially in middle-aged and senior dogs. Small breeds tend to be over-represented – think Poodles, Dachshunds, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Bichons – but any dog can develop it.

And because symptoms show up slowly, it’s easy to miss the early signs.

Symptoms to Watch For

Many symptoms seem like “normal aging,” which is why Cushing’s can fly under the radar for a while.

Some of the most common signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination (you may notice more accidents or excessive peeing)
• Big appetite
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Skin issues (thin skin, recurring infections)
• Excessive panting
• Muscle weakness
• Lethargy or decreased stamina

If several of these show up at once, or seem to slowly worsen, it’s time to head to your trusted veterinarian to see what’s going on.

Diagnosing Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Cushing’s can be difficult to diagnose. There’s no “one” test to determine if your dog has it. Instead, your vet might suggest a variety of tests.

After a basic physical exam and a discussion/review of medical history, the next step will be routine bloodwork and urinalysis. These tests don’t confirm Cushing’s, but they often show patterns that point toward it. The common clues here may be elevated liver enzymes, high cholesterol, diluted urine, high blood sugar, or signs of infection (especially in the urinary tract)

If these suggest adrenal imbalance, your vet may recommend endocrine-specific testing next.

1. The ACTH Stimulation Test (One of the Most Common Tests). This is usually the go-to test. This test stimulates the adrenal glands and blood is tested before and after. It shows if the If the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in response, it suggests Cushing’s.
2. The Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (LDDS) Test. This test is considered the most accurate overall and is commonly used when Cushing’s is strongly suspected. With this test, your dog gets a small dose of dexamethasone (a steroid). Blood samples are taken over 8 hours. In healthy dogs, cortisol levels drop with dexamethasone. In dogs with Cushing’s, cortisol doesn’t suppress like it should.

Conventional Treatment (Quick Overview)

Your vet will recommend treatment, the overall goal being to regulate cortisol production and reduce pituitary or adrenal tumours. This may include medications like Mitotane or Trilostane, surgery to deal with the tumours, or radiation. There are pros and cons with these, as with anything.

But many pet parents want to support their dog naturally as well, and that’s absolutely possible. That’s where we’re heading next…

Natural Supplements + Lifestyle Support for Dogs With Cushing’s

While supplements won’t replace vet care, they can play a huge role in supporting your dog’s liver, immune system, stress response, and overall wellbeing.

Here are some gentle, helpful options:

1. Milk Thistle (Liver Support) – Because cortisol overload puts stress on the liver, milk thistle can help by supporting detoxification and liver cell repair. It’s often recommended for dogs on long-term medication. Reach for our Liver Tonic for optimal liver support.
2. Ashwagandha (Stress + Hormone Balance) – This calming adaptogenic herb may help the body cope better with stress and support adrenal balance. It’s gentle, and many holistic vets use it for adrenal-related conditions.
3. Turmeric or Curcumin – Great for inflammation, antioxidant support, and overall immunity. It may help counter the inflammation that chronic cortisol can create.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega-3s can help with skin and coat health, inflammation, and immune support. Plus, many dogs with Cushing’s struggle with dry skin or poor coat quality. Our Potent-Sea is a sustainable option with above-average levels of EPA and DHA.
5. Probiotics – Cortisol impacts the gut! A healthy microbiome supports the immune system and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
6. Medicinal Mushrooms – Adaptogenic mushrooms are great for immune balance, stress support, and overall vitality. Reishi and turkey tail mushrooms are gentle enough for long-term use.
7. Homeopathy – Several homeopathic remedies are indicated for Cushing’s disease in dogs. It is of great benefit to work with a certified homeopath to get a protocol tailored to your animal. Phosphorous, Natrum Muriaticum, and Silica are the 3 go-to constitutional remedies.

Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips That Make a Difference

Aside from natural supplements, there are several things that you can do to support a dog with Cushing’s.

1. Focus on a fresh, low-processed diet – Highly processed diets can be inflammatory and taxing on the body. Fresh food, lightly cooked or raw (where appropriate), with high-quality protein can help support muscle maintenance and overall health.
2. Keep weight in check – Extra weight adds stress to the body and can make symptoms worse. Think short, frequent walks rather than long, exhausting ones. Here are some tips to help your dog lose weight safely.
3. Reduce stress in the home – Chronic stress affects cortisol… and these dogs already have too much of it. Consider predictable routines, calming enrichment, slow sniff walks, and gentle massage. Find more stress reduction tips in this post.
4. Avoid chemical overload – A dog with Cushing’s may have a more fragile immune system, and toxins in the environment can overwhelm it. Some easy swaps: use natural cleaners, avoid chemical flea/tick treatments when possible, and keep the air clean.

Can You Prevent Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

In most cases, no. It is often genetic or simply age-related.

But you can help support overall adrenal and immune health with:

• a high-quality, minimally processed diet
• daily, consistent exercise
• stress-reducing routines
• limiting environmental toxins
• regular vet checkups to catch early signs
• antioxidants to protect cell health and discourage the development of tumours (like our Vital Defense)

Good lifestyle habits won’t guarantee prevention, but they absolutely improve resilience as your dog ages.

Cushing’s disease can feel overwhelming at first – it’s one of those conditions with a long list of symptoms and a long road of management. But with the right combination of vet care, gentle natural supports, and lifestyle changes, dogs with Cushing’s can live happy, comfortable lives. If your dog has symptoms or a recent diagnosis, you’re not alone. With knowledge and a solid plan, you can absolutely help them feel better day-to-day.