When the topic of adrenal glands is brought up, people usually think of adrenaline. It’s the hormone that courses through our veins on roller coasters and makes dogs bare their teeth at perceived threats. But the adrenal glands do more than prepare dogs to defend themselves. They produce hormones that regulate many bodily systems necessary for survival.
Most commonly found in dogs that are eight years and older, Cushing’s disease is a condition that affects your aging pet’s pituitary and adrenal glands. Unfortunately, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for regular signs of aging—but they can have much worse consequences.
Sasha is a Maltese/Shih Tzu cross who is full of energy and has a serious mind of her own. She loves going for her daily walks with her dad Kerry, chasing her fellow pup pal Abby, and sourcing out treats wherever she goes. When she started to wind down, lose her hair, and get very, very hungry, her parents knew something was up. Skeptics by nature, they took a leap of faith and tried out an herbal solution. They would be extremely thankful that they did!
Tasha the golden doodle loves donut holes (known as Tim Bits in Canada) almost as much as she loves opening presents on Christmas morning. So it was extra devastating to receive a diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease in early December. After one week on meds her parents thought she wouldn't make it until Christmas. But they weren't going to let that happen, and it seems they managed to work a miracle!
Kiya is not your ordinary pug. In all her 11 years she has lived life on her own terms, and just when you think you have her figured out, she will keep you guessing. When some unexpected side effects of medication for a completely unrelated diagnosis lead to Cushing’s Disease, her situation went from rough to worse. Fortunately, her parents took the advice of a friend on an herbal remedy and made life just a little smoother. Sometimes it’s not easy being an unpredictable pug!
That's right! April is Cushing’s Disease Awareness Month, designed to inform all pet owners about this endocrine disorder and its effects. What do you know about Cushing's and how it affects our pets' adrenal glands? Learn how to identify, treat, and understand the disease to be prepared for your pet's wellbeing.
Dog households typically have an ever-present water bowl (or two or three) to allow their thirsty pups to quench their thirst as often as they need to. Dogs lose a lot of water by panting and urinating, which means they need to rehydrate after exercise, playtime and at random points throughout the day.
Dog owners are very in-tune with their canine best friends; you know how often they eat and drink, when they go to the bathroom, how much they like to play and much more. This is why many dog owners get immediate red flags when they notice something as simple as their dog suddenly drinking a lot more water or having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Last month I visited with my boxer friend, Andy. Normally, Andy and I get along like peas and carrots, but our visit was hampered by a very strange show: he drank water almost non-stop and peed all over my house! Not only that he appeared unlike his usual self: he was thinner in the bod and hair. No, he wasn't drunk. Poor guy, turns out he has dog Cushing's Disease!
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