Natural Support for Adrenal Disorders in Dogs
Adrenal disorders in dogs, such as Cushing’s Disease and Addison’s Disease, are complex conditions that significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. These disorders involve hormonal imbalances caused by dysfunction in the adrenal glands or related systems. By understanding the root causes and exploring holistic treatments, including CBD and a balanced diet, pet parents can support their furry companions naturally and effectively.
What are Adrenal Disorders?
The adrenal glands are small glands located above each kidney. They are a part of the endocrine system, which is a collection of glands that produce hormones. The adrenal glands produce essential hormones, including sex hormones and stress hormones. In the case of adrenal gland disorders, the glands either produce too much or not enough hormones.
As stated in The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on the subject of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, when hormones are unbalanced for any extended period of time, it “nearly always result(s) in dysfunction or disease.”
What Causes Adrenal Disorders in Dogs?
Adrenal disorders are caused by problems with one or both adrenal glands, causing the production of too much or not enough hormones. For instance, Cushing’s Disease involves the production of too much cortisol, and with Addison’s Disease in dogs, not enough cortisol is produced.
Adrenal disorders are sometimes caused by masses or tumors on the adrenal or pituitary gland, which can be the case for Cushing’s Disease and Pheochromocytomas.
More recently, it has been suggested that spaying or neutering too early may be leading to increased hormonal imbalances and endocrine dysfunction. After a spay/neuter, the adrenal glands must take on the burden of producing sex hormones due to the absence of the reproductive organs. Sex hormones are not solely necessary for reproduction, they also play a role in a dog’s growth and development, behavior, immune system, as well as their susceptibility to cancer, diabetes and other metabolic or endocrine-related disease.
Taking over production of these hormones can overwhelm the adrenal glands, leading to disruption of their hormone production, which can lead to dysfunction and disease. A 2013 UC Davis study analyzed the multiple organ systems that may be adversely affected by neutering. Their analysis revealed that early neutering was associated with an increased occurrence of Hip Dysplasia, Cranial Cruciate Ligament tear, and Lymphosarcoma.
Common Adrenal Diseases in Dogs
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Cushing’s Disease, also known as hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism, involves the production of too much cortisol hormone. Cortisol helps control stress, weight, infections, and blood sugar. Too much cortisol, or not enough cortisol, can wreak havoc on your pet’s overall health.
Pituitary Dependent Cushing’s Disease is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, and is the most common type, occurring in 80-90% of animals with Cushing’s Disease. Adrenal Dependent Cushing’s Disease is caused by a tumor on the adrenal glands, and is the second most common, occurring in about 15% of animals with Cushing’s. Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by over-prescription of steroids, and is the least common type of Cushing’s.
Related: CBD for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Addison’s Disease in Dogs
Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is when the adrenal glands no longer produce, or cannot produce enough hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone. It is commonly caused by some type of immune-mediated response resulting in destruction to the adrenal tissue. It can less commonly be caused by trauma, infection, or cancer.
The other form of Addison’s may be caused by a tumor or some type of pituitary defect. This may occur when a dog has been treated with steroids long-term or has abruptly stopped taking any medication. Iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism can also develop in dogs after ending long-term steroid use.
Related: Managing Addison’s Disease in Dogs
Signs Your Dog May Have an Adrenal Disorder
- Increased thirst or urination
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Lethargy or weakness
- Hair loss or thinning coat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety
CBD for Adrenal Disease in Dogs
CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring the body back to balance. This includes hormonal imbalances like the cortisol imbalance from the adrenal or pituitary glands. CBD is also helpful in the case of adrenal disorders caused by tumors, as CBD has been found to trigger apoptosis (natural cell death) in cancer cells. It has also been found to reduce the growth of tumors by preventing the formation of blood vessels that feed the tumor’s growth.
Balancing Hormones Naturally
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system present in all mammals that helps maintain homeostasis. By modulating ECS receptors, CBD can support hormonal balance, including cortisol regulation, helping to manage adrenal disorders.
Reducing Tumor Growth
In cases where adrenal disorders stem from tumors, CBD may help by inducing apoptosis (natural cell death) in abnormal cells and inhibiting blood vessel formation that fuels tumor growth.
Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief
CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can ease symptoms of adrenal disorders, such as joint pain and inflammation caused by hormonal imbalances.
For dogs with adrenal disorders, we recommend CBD Dog Health’s HEAL: CBD Oil for dogs, which is an 1100mg Full Spectrum Hemp Extract. Based on research and our experience, we recommend starting with 35-50 mg daily to treat Cushing’s Disease or Addison’s Disease in dogs. Within that range we recommend you start low and adjust based on your pet’s response to determine your optimal dose.
Related: CBD Dosage for Dogs
Diet and Nutrition for Adrenal Health
Feed a Species-Appropriate Diet
A fresh, raw, or gently cooked diet is ideal for dogs with adrenal disorders. Commercially processed kibble often contains inflammatory ingredients like grains, fillers, and artificial preservatives, which can worsen hormonal imbalances and strain the endocrine system.
Support Gut Health
Since 70–80% of the immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial. Adding probiotics and digestive enzymes to your dog’s diet can strengthen gut health and reduce inflammation.
Supplements for Gut Health
To further support gut health, add a probiotic supplement like Fidospore, to aid with digestion and reduce leaky gut. Additionally, a mucosal support supplement, MEGAMUCOSA, which is formulated with immunoglobins and amino acids to support a healthy mucosal barrier.
Supporting the Endocrine System
Symplex M or Symplex F to support the sexual endocrine system. Symplex M is a testicular health supplement that supports the healthy function of the testes and the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands. Symplex F supports the healthy function of the ovaries and the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands.
Holistic Approaches to Managing Adrenal Disorders
Supplementing with CBD
CBD Dog Health’s HEAL: CBD Oil for Dogs offers a full-spectrum hemp extract designed to support overall health. For adrenal disorders, start with 35–50 mg daily and adjust as needed based on your pet’s response.
Minimizing Environmental Toxins
Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides, household cleaners, and synthetic flea and tick medications, which can burden your dog’s endocrine system.
Avoid Over-Vaccination
Follow a tailored vaccination schedule to prevent unnecessary strain on your dog’s immune system. Consult with a holistic veterinarian for personalized advice.
Delay Spaying/Neutering
Avoid spaying or neutering your pet too early. Many integrative veterinarians recommend waiting until your dog reaches full maturity (1–2 years or older) to support proper hormonal development.
About Angela Ardolino
Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.
Angela is the founder and formulator behind CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.
Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.