Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder in dogs caused by excess cortisol, most often due to a benign pituitary tumor. Dogs typically show increased thirst, urination, appetite, panting, and a pot-bellied appearance, along with skin and coat changes. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life for several years after diagnosis.
Dogs with Cushing’s need significantly more hydration. Give Bone Broth or Beam Mineral and Electroylte Set for Pets (20% off SAVINGPETS).
Avoid processed diets (kibble). Feed a raw or gently cooked diet with salmon, lean beef or skinless chicken.
Probiotics can support a dog or cat with Cushing’s and help with digestion. We recommend Adored Beast Love Bugs.
Cushing’s disease (hypercortisolism) is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much ACTH, which then signals the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and the body’s stress response. The most common cause is a benign pituitary tumor called an adenoma. Cushing’s is more common in dogs. It is rare in cats.
Warning Signs of Cushing’s Disease
Veterinarians often refer to the “Five P’s”:
Other changes include thinning skin, symmetrical hair loss, recurrent skin infections, and a dull or fragile coat.
Can Cushing’s Be Prevented?
Cushing’s caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce the risk of steroid-induced Cushing’s by monitoring cortisol levels, avoiding long-term steroid use when possible, and checking in regularly with your vet for early detection.
Treatment Options
Dogs who receive proper treatment and monitoring can maintain a good quality of life. Treatment may include medication to regulate cortisol levels, surgery to remove adrenal or pituitary tumors, and in some cases radiation or chemotherapy. Pituitary tumors may sometimes be removed through a minimally invasive approach through the nose; adrenal tumors are removed surgically based on size and location.
Common Signs of Cushing’s Disease
Life Expectancy
Most dogs live 1.5 to 5 years after diagnosis. Lifespan varies based on age, other health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, and the type of tumor. Many dogs ultimately pass from unrelated age-related conditions rather than Cushing’s itself.
Stages of Cushing’s Disease
While not formally staged, Cushing’s is often described in early, intermediate, and advanced phases.
Early Stage:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increased appetite
- Mild pot-bellied appearance
Intermediate Stage:
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Panting
- Thinning hair coat or hair loss
- Noticeable skin changes
Advanced Stage:
- Significant muscle wasting
- Extreme fatigue
- Mobility difficulties
- Skin infections, lumps, or lesions
- High risk of secondary infections
- Possible complications involving the kidneys, heart, or spleen
Nutrition Guidance for Dogs With Cushing’s
Dogs with Cushing’s benefit from a diet that reduces inflammation, supports hormone balance, and avoids foods that strain the kidneys, heart, or immune system.
Foods to Avoid
Foods That Support Dogs With Cushing’s
Additional Support
Why Dogs With Cushing’s Lick Excessively
Excessive licking is common and may be due to:
Other symptoms may include poor coat quality, oily or smelly skin, confusion or disorientation, delayed responsiveness, or even episodes of collapse in advanced cases.
Hydration Reminder
Dogs with Cushing’s often drink significantly more water, so never restrict their water intake. Always provide fresh, clean water and monitor any sudden increase or decrease in thirst.
Cushing’s disease is becoming a bigger problem for dogs. This disease is a condition of overproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are always working overtime, combating toxins and stressful insults to the body. The adrenal glands are responsible for the “fight or flight” condition in the body. If they become exhausted, as in Addison’s disease, there is no ability to fight or flee; the body just gives up.
Foods that can help reduce and treat symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:
It is not worth putting the dog through testing. It is alway best to try adding in food as it may be a temporary hormonal issue (especially after a spay). If symptoms progress, then get the pet tested.
Muscle wasting is a very common and often frustrating part of Cushing’s disease. Elevated cortisol over time puts the body in a constant breakdown state, where muscle tissue is gradually lost and replaced with weakness and fatigue. Many pet parents notice thinning in the back legs, a loss of topline, or an overall “fragile” appearance that seems to progress even when their dog is still eating well.
When starting Vetoryl, the goal is to bring cortisol back into a more balanced range. As that happens, the body is no longer being signaled to continuously break down muscle. This alone can help slow or stop further wasting, and in some cases, gentle rebuilding of muscle mass can begin. However, medication by itself doesn’t always fully restore what’s been lost, especially if the condition has been present for a long time.
Rebuilding muscle requires giving the body the raw materials and support it needs to repair. High-quality, species-appropriate protein plays a central role here, as it provides the amino acids needed for tissue repair. Just as important is digestion. If the gut isn’t properly breaking down and absorbing nutrients, even the best diet won’t translate into recovery. Supporting digestive function and reducing inflammation can make a meaningful difference in how well the body uses what it’s being given.
Movement also matters, but it should be gentle and consistent rather than intense. Regular walks and light strengthening activities help signal the body to rebuild muscle without adding additional stress. Over time, with balanced cortisol, proper nutrition, and thoughtful support, many dogs can regain strength, stability, and a better overall quality of life.
From Dr. Steve Marsden:
For dogs that show symptoms of Cushing’s, they should be put on a real food diet and add (if necessary) Four Marvels from Kan Essentials. You can watch the logic for this approach here on my YouTube video Cushing’s Disease Without Drugs.
Dr Karen Marsden:
Cushing dogs with red bumps or pimples need the herbal formula Xian Fang Ho Ming Yin/Sublime Joint Formula/Sublime Formula for Sustaining Life. The Sublime Formula was published over 500 years ago as a herbal antimicrobial for severe infections and the prevention of their progression to fatal septicemia. Specific uses for this formula include: Poorly healing wounds on the extremities, infections of the digits or hand/paws , inflamed tumors or masses of the digits or forearm, and osteomyelitis and severe osteoarthritis. From a conventional medical perspective, this formula is well suited to its traditional indications of reducing inflammation and combating infection. It may be used orally or topically in any situation where simultaneous antimicrobial and circulation enhancement is needed for superficial lesions. Kan Essentials has a version for animals, send email to Aleksandra Topic with the information in the graphic below. Please give it in addition to the other herbal formulas. With Cushing’s and any metabolic syndrome (think diabetes in humans), there is always a risk of poor perfusion and infection to the extremities or skin.
To order send email with the following info to Aleksandra Topic.
Trilostane (Vetoryl) is one of the most common medications used to manage Cushing’s disease, and while it can help regulate cortisol levels, it’s important for pet parents to understand how strong this drug is. Some dogs tolerate it very well, while others may experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or simply seeming “off” or more tired than usual. These early changes are often the first signs that the dose may need adjusting.
More serious reactions can include weakness, collapsing episodes, tremors, or even seizures. In rare cases, dogs can have an allergic response or develop a dangerous drop in cortisol known as a hypo-adrenal crisis, which is a medical emergency. This is why close monitoring, slow dosing adjustments, and regular ACTH testing are essential when using Trilostane.
Trilostane isn’t “good” or “bad” — it’s just a medication that requires careful oversight and a veterinarian who understands both the benefits and the risks. We encourage pet parents to explore supportive, holistic options to keep their dogs comfortable and balanced before using Trilostane. The goal is always the same: helping dogs with Cushing’s feel better, stay stable, and enjoy a good quality of life.
Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Trilostane – Vetoryl💊Drugs for Cushings Disease⚠️Potential Risks & Side Effects.”
Mitotane is a medication used to manage Cushing’s disease when the adrenal glands are producing too much cortisol, most often in dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s. It works by selectively destroying parts of the adrenal cortex — the area responsible for making cortisol — so the body can return to more normal hormone levels.
By targeting and breaking down cortisol-producing cells, Mitotane helps reduce overall cortisol output and minimizes ACTH-driven spikes that keep the body in a stressed state. It’s most commonly recommended for dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing’s, and in some cases for adrenal-tumor Cushing’s, depending on the type of tumor and whether surgery is an option.
It contains beneficial homeostatic soil organisms and postbi- otics from RISOBioticsTM microbiome support, whole quail eggs with their nutrient-rich shell and eggshell membrane, dandelion root and greens, chicory root, protein-rich spiruli- na, ashwagandha, cat’s claw bark, and diatomaceous earth. This gut elixir supports the gut microbiome with a symphony of microbiome wellness.
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“Cushing’s, Sex & Stress: The Hidden Hormone Struggle in Dogs & Cats” by Dr. Steve Marsden & Dr. Karen Marsden.
“Curing Cushing’s Disease Without Drugs (Part 1)” by Dr. Steve Marsden.
“Curing Cushing’s Disease Without Drugs (Part 2)” by Dr. Steve Marsden.
“Curing Cushing’s Disease Without Drugs (Part 3)” by Dr. Steve Marsden.
“Curing Cushing’s Disease Without Drugs (Part 4)” by Dr. Steve Marsden.
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This is what we we would do:
Early signs of Cushing’s disease in dogs often include increased thirst and urination, excessive panting, increased appetite, thinning hair, and a pot-bellied appearance. Some dogs may also develop recurring skin or ear infections. Because these symptoms can develop gradually, they are sometimes mistaken for normal aging, so changes in drinking, urination, or coat quality should always be evaluated.
Dogs with Cushing’s disease often benefit from a fresh, minimally processed diet that supports liver function, maintains stable blood sugar, and reduces unnecessary additives. Diets focused on high-quality animal protein, moderate healthy fats, and low inflammatory ingredients may help support overall metabolic balance. Avoiding ultra-processed foods and synthetic additives can also reduce additional stress on the liver and adrenal system.
Cushing’s disease typically requires veterinary diagnosis and monitoring, and many dogs are treated with medication. However, holistic support can play an important role alongside conventional care. Nutritional support, liver support, gut health optimization, stress reduction, and targeted supplements may help support the body’s resilience and overall quality of life. Any natural approach should be coordinated with a veterinarian to ensure safe monitoring of cortisol levels.
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