Natural Remedies for Canine Cushing’s Disease
Dogs often turn out to be the most dependable companion for us humans, especially those who usually find themselves lonely. More and more have been adopting dogs. However, it’s not always fun and games because having a dog comes with a huge responsibility. It is highly essential to keep them healthy and disease-free.
Cushing’s disease is among the prevalent canine diseases, especially in older dogs. It is known that the culprit of Cushing’s in dogs is a tumor in the pituitary gland that may either be harmless or fatal. Going in-depth, the excess production of the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) due to the pressure put on the gland by the tumor is the leading cause. This secretion has no response and is also uncontrolled. Untreated dogs may give in to infection of the pancreas, kidneys, heart disease, and nervous disorders. But if prevented or treated well, the chance of survival is high.
Most pet owners would observe behavioral inconsistencies, such as excessive panting, loss of interest in daily activities, and lethargic behavior in dogs with Cushing’s disease. In addition, some physical Cushing’s disease dog symptoms that you should look out for are:
- thinning of hair
- head looking a little ‘bony’
- hyperpigmentation of the skin
- increase in the size of the abdomen
- increase in thirst and appetite
- weight gain
- Frequent urination
When a dog is confirmed to have Cushing’s disease, you may ask, “What is the best treatment for Cushing’s disease in dogs?” Well, many pet owners opt for natural treatment for Cushing’s in dogs. This is for the reason that giving pharmaceutical drugs can be toxic to dogs. It may damage organs and can cause side effects that could possibly make dogs feel worse.
Some easy-to-find natural treatments are meant to normalize the cortisol level produced by the adrenal glands and can also help in detoxification. Here are some effective home remedies for Cushing’s disease in dogs:
Dandelion
It is a pesky but potent herbal solution for a lot of diseases. Its extract is a known powerful healer of wounds or any external injuries. In homeopathy, its tonic can be utilized as a blood purifier that cures inflammation, kidney problems, and liver disorders. It controls the production of ACTH, which lowers cortisol production.
Burdock
This is another herb that works wonders. It naturally detoxifies the bodily tissues while getting rid of the toxins. It is also an effective controller of sugar levels in the body.
Arsenicum
This must be taken in its most diluted form. It is effective in addressing water retention in the body by controlling the thirst and frequent urination of the dog.
Sulfur and Hepar Sulph
Sulfur is one of the main chemicals in the body that makes up the bodybuilding proteins called amino acids. It significantly improves hair loss and skin hyperpigmentation. Hepar Sulph works in healing wounds, infections, and irritated skin.
Astralagus
This herb helps in lessening the bad cells induced by the tumor. It also helps boost the immune system.
Mercurius
“In homeopathy, this is used as Mercurius Corrosives. Mercury Cl is the source of this derivative. This is used to address thirst and cure ulcers and diarrhea.”
In severe cases where the tumor is diagnosed to be malignant, additional efforts or therapy may be necessary. Some supplemental natural remedies for Cushing’s disease in dogs are extracts of Oleander, flaxseed oil (or any source of Omega-3), black seed oil, or any other cancer-reducing medications. Apart from that, natural ingredients can be included in the dog’s diet, particularly highly digestible proteins, such as chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, and egg whites.
Before using herbal medicine for your dog, note that it is still necessary to consult your vet. It is always best to have a professional assist you with what you are going to do. You must also be watchful for overdoses and interactions. Giving too many natural remedies can also be toxic to your dogs. Further, not only prescription medications can interact with herbal products. Some herbs can also interact with other herbs. If you own a female dog, you should also make sure that your dog is not pregnant. Some home remedies can cause undesirable effects on developing offspring.
To date, surgical procedures to remove pituitary tumors in dogs are still being studied. This is why surgery isn’t an option to treat Cushing’s disease. If the condition is severe and the prognosis is poor, some pet owners go for the last resort, which is euthanasia. Although this is rapid and very peaceful, it is still controversial and is considered unacceptable for many.
Natural remedies have their advantages and disadvantages. It is always best to consult a professional and discuss the possible risks and benefits of the different forms of treatment available for your fur best friend.
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