Canine Cushing's Disease Recommended Diet

Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance

Tried and Tested Dental Dog Treats

Pet Insurance

How to Stop the cat from Scratching Furniture

Pet Insurance

Crate Training a Dog

Does your dog have Cushing's disease? There are lots of things that you can do in your own home to help keep your pet healthy while managing this disease.

The food that you simply feed your dog can make a big impact on the outcome and control over Cushing's disease. Using the healthy diet and with the help of certain supplements, your dog can live an extended and happy life with Cushing's disease.

Below you’ll find an ideal canine cushing’s disease recommended diet.

What Is Canine Cushing's Disease?

Cushing's disease happens when your dog's body produces higher levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone from the adrenal glands. This high level of cortisol is either made by the adrenal gland overworking due to a mass on the adrenal gland or a mass in the brain telling the adrenals to make more steroids. Once the adrenals don't function properly, it cause difficulties with metabolism, stress levels, and blood pressure level.

Common Indications of Canine Cushing's Disease

There are lots of signs that could indicate that the dog might have Cushing's disease. The common signs which are observed in dogs with Cushing's disease are:

A Pot Belly Appearance

High levels of cortisol cause your pet to retain water and putting on weight. This will be most commonly observed in your dog's abdomen. Your pet will have a potty belly appearance.

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Cortisol will even affect liver values. In case your dog has Cushing's disease, they will will often have high liver values. Many times, high liver values are the initial thing that signals the vet that your dog might have Cushing's disease.

Increased Thirst

Your dog may be drinking more water due to the increased steroids which are circulating within their body.

Increased Urination

A dog that's drinking more water is also gonna need to urinate more.

These signs would all indicate that the dog would need to see a vet and potentially be tested for Cushing's disease. Should you choose believe that your pet has Cushing's disease, a veterinarian will want to run tests to see if this is exactly what causes these signs. An easy blood test can easily diagnose Cushing's disease.

What to Look for inside a Diet

When you are looking for a diet for your dog that has Cushing's disease, there are lots of things that you have to consider. These are merely some things that you need to consider when choosing a diet that's best for your dog with Cushing's disease.

Digestible Protein

Your dog will have to be fed a diet that is full of digestible proteins. Dogs with Cushing's disease usually have difficulties with muscle loss. By increasing their protein intake, you are able to help to keep your dog from losing muscle tissue.

Moderate Fiber

You may wish to feed your pet with Cushing's disease an eating plan that has a moderate quantity of fiber. Fiber helps the GI system function properly. Look for a diet having a fiber amount of 8-17%.

Low in Fat

Dogs with Cushing's disease commonly have high cholesterol and commonly develop pancreatitis. An eating plan that is lower in fat can help keep these two issues from occurring in your dog with Cushing's disease. You will want your canine's diet to contain under 12% fat.

Low in Sodium

Diets that are lower in sodium can help your pet be able to regulate their blood pressure level better. It will help decrease the quantity of water retention and your dog's thirst level.

Low in Calcium

Dogs who have Cushing's disease also commonly develop bladder stones in the high amounts of calcium in their urine. By feeding an eating plan that's lower in calcium and never giving your dog treats which contain extra calcium can help your dog with Cushing's disease from developing bladder stones.

Also, making sure that your dog has free use of water will also help with stone formation. You shouldn't withhold water from your dog unless you happen to be told to by your vet since they're using a surgical procedure the next day.

Recommended Pet food For Cushing's Disease

When looking for pet food for the dog with Cushing's disease, these are several diets that you ought to consider. While there might be many great diets, these are just several that people recommend that you think about.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics

These three dog foods are high in protein and lower in fat, that is what dogs with Cushing's disease need. Many adult dog food diets will meet your dog's needs.

When switching diets speak to your vet concerning the food that you're going to change to and ensure that it’s appropriate for your pet. Also, make sure that you switch diets slowly which means that your dog has a much more comfortable adjustment period when switching towards the new food.

Supplements for Canine Cushing’s Disease

While often your dog’s condition can easily be managed with diet and perhaps medication, your dog with canine Cushing’s disease can usually benefit from certain supplements.

Common supplements that you ought to consider for the dog with Cushing's disease are:

Fish oil supplements: Fish oil is recognized to help reduce the amount of triglycerides and fats in your dog's bloodstream. This can also help to improve your canine's coat and skin. Wild salmon oil is one of the best for dogs.
Probiotics: Probiotics are very useful in helping your dog conserve a healthy GI system. The medications for Cushing’s that your veterinarian may prescribe for the dog could cause signs of diarrhea or GI upset.
Herbs: There are lots of herbs that may help your dog with Cushing's disease. Engage with your vet about milk thistle, burdock, Si Miao San, nettle, rosehips, and apple cider vinegar treatment.

Treatment for Canine Cushing’s Disease

If your pet has Cushing's disease, there are various ways they can be treated. These are probably the most common drugs used to treat Cushing's disease inside your dog:

Vetoryl (trilostane): the most common drug that is used to deal with Cushing's disease. Medicines might be expensive but will help reduce the level of cortisol in your dog's body.
Lysodren (Mitotane) is definitely an older drug that not many vets use because of the negative effects. This is a cheaper option but does come with negative effects for example diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole) is definitely an antifungal medication which might help treat Cushing's disease if it is caused by a pituitary tumor. This isn't a commonly prescribed medication by veterinarians since this drug can also cause many liver issues if taken long-term.
Selegiline is used to deal with Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor helping with cognitive dysfunction.

In rare incidents, there are tumors that are growing in your dog's adrenal gland. The tumors may be able to be removed surgically. A veterinarian will discuss the pros and cons of surgery and medical control over this ailment.