If a dog has Cushing’s disease, they may have symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight gain around the midsection, and hair loss. So, what is Cushing’s disease in dogs? Cushing’s disease is caused by an excess of corticosteroids, which are hormones produced in the pancreas that regulate many bodily functions.
Treatment for Cushing’s disease depends on how advanced the disease is in your pet. Here are steps to follow if your pet is diagnosed with this disease.
Address Behavioral Problems
If your dog has Cushing’s disease, there are changes you can make in his diet and routine that may alleviate some of his symptoms. The key is to approach it from a behavioral standpoint and a physical one.
Research shows that behavioral modifications can lessen a dog’s suffering. There are various behavior modification methods, and some involve using medications, while others do not use medication and focus on other types of training techniques, such as favorable reinforcement.
Know What Not to Feed
It’s tempting to give your dog everything. After all, they love it. But many foods can cause health problems if given too much or too often. Once you already have the answer to what is Cushing’s disease in dogs, you should know what foods are off-limits. When you find out your dog has a condition like Cushing’s disease.
Don’t cut these from your dog’s diet altogether, but do use them sparingly and always in moderation. You may also want to try swapping their regular kibble for one made specifically for pets with a sensitive stomach or low in protein and fat; see if that helps their symptoms.
Try Using CBD for Cushing’s Disease
Recent studies have shown that CBD oil may help dogs with Cushing’s disease. CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from marijuana and hemp plants. It has been used to treat seizures, pain, anxiety, and other medical conditions in humans and pets.
CBD oil has been shown to help reduce inflammation that is common in dogs with Cushing’s disease. This oil has also helped reduce pain, itching, and other symptoms associated with this condition.
CBD oil for dogs can be applied to their food or given orally. It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian before giving your pet CBD oil if there are any interactions with medications they are already taking.
Visit a Vet
To choose a vet that is best suited for your dog’s specific needs, it’s essential to do your research. Do some digging into Cushing’s disease and talk to a veterinarian about their expertise and treatment plan. Your dog may need help from a specialist, so consult a vet you trust. If you don’t have one, try asking friends for referrals or visit your local veterinary college for some information.
Decide on Treatment
If the vet analyzes and confirms that your dog has Cushing’s disease, they will likely advise you on whether treatment is necessary. Often, a course of daily medication can significantly reduce symptoms and make your dog more comfortable. If any of the medications don’t work for your puppy, discuss with the vet about other options, as it may take a few tries before you find one that suits your pup.
Understand the Costs Involved
Treatment options for dogs with Cushing’s disease vary and will depend on what stage of progression your dog is experiencing. You should also consider how long you expect your pet to live. If it is close to reaching life expectancy, treatment may not be worth it. The cost of treating a dog with Cushing’s disease can range from $1,000 to $2,000. However, some treatments can cost up to $5,000.
Following all the steps above can ensure your pet doesn’t have to suffer for long. Or, with the proper treatment, his fight with the disease could become accessible.
