Let's face it — it's no fun looking into the eyes of a sick dog. Cushings disease in dogs is life-threatening condition that also affects the quality of your dog's life. It may impact their pituitary and adrenal glands in a negative way by producing excess hormones, and this can affect many of their bodily functions. Unless the dog also has a tumor, symptoms will appear gradually, rather than in a dramatic fashion. Also, if the symptoms of canine Cushings disease take some time to develop, your dog's treatment will require a great deal of time and patience. This condition did not happen overnight so neither will any remedy work over night. What are the signs of canine Cushings disease?

Symptoms of Canine Cushings Disease

Older dogs are most prone to developing Cushings disease, and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and include some of the following:

• Panting
• A bulging abdomen (pot belly).
• Increased eating and drinking
• Increase in urination
• Higher blood pressure
• Hair loss
• Skin discoloration and lumps (slow healing)
• Various nervous system disorders
• Muscle weakness
• General sense of malaise

Causes of Cushings Disease in Dogs

The presence of tumors may increase as a dog ages, therefore, tumors are a piece in the Cushings disease puzzle. It is not surprising, therefore, that this condition is found more often in dogs that are middle-aged or older, and the average age for a dog needing treatment to combat it is 10 years. Certain breeds are considered to be at greater risk for developing Cushings disease and include the following:

• Poodles
• Beagles
• Yorkshire terriers
• Boston terriers
• Scottish terriers
• Boxers
• German Shepherds
• Dachshunds
• Labrador retrievers
• Golden retrievers

Researchers also tell us that, in regard to the pituitary-dependent type of Cushing's, 75% of the dogs weigh less than 44 pounds, and about half of the adrenal-based cases are in the same weight category.

How to Diagnose Cushings Disease in Dogs

Since the usual danger signs-such as diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, seizures, and pain, are not present, your pet will not seem to be seriously ill. You may think that the symptoms are a part of normal aging. For example, muscle weakness may cause your dog to become lethargic and less interested in exercise, which may not surprise you if you have an older dog. As a result, many pet owners often hesitate to seek professional help for their dog until the symptoms can no longer be ignored and the disease has already begun to take its toll.

Veterinarians can discover dogs with Cushings disease by administering a conclusive blood test. They also use other tests to determine if it was cause by an adrenal gland tumor or a pituitary gland tumor. For example, when a previous inflammatory condition your pet had seems to disappear, this can be an indirect symptom of the problem. Furthermore, arthritis or chronic allergies may also improve when canine Cushings disease is present because your dog is producing excess amounts of cortisone. Ironically, your pet's quality of life may be reduced in some respect when you begin to treat Cushings disease because those other health problems could become bothersome once again.

How to Treat Cushings Disease in Dogs

Your best option, as you consult with your veterinarian in treating this problem, is to take a holistic approach in caring for your dog. Natural remedies can be an important part in maintaining the balance and health of your pet's adrenal glands and help maintain their overall health as well. Also, with the holistic approach, support of the body's organs and systems is considered to be essential. This is true for both you and your pet. Natural remedies work well since they are gentle on body and support more than the affected area.

Do yourself a favor and find out how you can safely and naturally treat Cushings disease in dogs.