Cushing’s Disease is an endocrine disorder that affects the majority of dogs when they get old. It is a common condition in middle-aged to older dogs, and it can be a life-threatening condition if not treated or monitored carefully.
A tumor causes this disease on the pituitary gland, which causes excessive production of the hormone ACTH. In response, the adrenal glands produce excess cortisol. If left untreated, most of these pets will die from infection or malnutrition due to poor immune function.
In most cases, your vet can prescribe medications such as trilostane, mitotane, or melatonin, along with a low-salt diet, to manage the condition. However, these treatments would need to be continued for the rest of the dog’s life.
While some dogs can take oral medications without any side effects, others cannot tolerate them well and may develop vomiting or diarrhea as a result. Dogs who have been taking these drugs for a long time may also produce some severe health conditions.
Luckily, these alternative remedies below have been shown to work as Cushing’s treatment for dogs with no side effects:
1. Pineapple juice
Like humans, pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that is believed to provide benefits against inflammation and swelling in your dog’s body.
Pineapple juice contains a decent amount of bromelain, which can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling caused by Cushing’s disease. It helps the dog recover from the early stages of this condition.
Start using pineapple as one of your dog’s medications to treat chronic itching. In addition, it may also reduce your dog’s anxiety and aggression.
2. Turmeric
It is a common spice used in Indian cuisine, but it also has unique anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit your pet’s health. Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, can help reduce inflammation associated with Cushing’s disease.
You should administer about 100 milligrams of curcumin per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Make sure you read the label carefully to determine how much turmeric is contained in each capsule before giving it to your pet.
Make sure that you give your dog about one-half teaspoon of coconut oil for every 20 pounds of their weight. It will improve the bio-availability of curcumin and provide additional anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and bruising in the dog’s body. While most dogs do not have too much trouble absorbing vitamin C from different sources, those who have been taking medications for a long time may not be able to do so.
Use supplemental vitamin C instead of consuming oranges or other fruits rich in this vitamin because these have a high glycemic index which can worsen the symptoms of Cushing’s disease. There are also certain foods that you should avoid feeding your dog if he is taking medications for this condition.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
These essential fats can help reduce inflammation in several ways, including reducing the formation of cytokines, which are molecules associated with an immune response. It may be effective when treating dogs with inflammatory disorders such as juvenile arthritis and even cancer.
In conclusion, Cushing’s disease is a severe condition that needs to be carefully managed by your vet. Luckily, there are nutrition-based remedies you can use at home with excellent results.
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