Our beloved dogs face many health challenges and dangers. Because of the toxins, pesticides and chemicals in their environment, they are at risk. Another risk factor comes from manufactured, industrially processed “dead” food.
The result? Debilitating conditions and diseases such as arthritis and cancer are prevalent.
Here’s one a lot of dog owners aren’t aware of, Cushing’s disease. It’s a common, potentially fatal condition that occurs mainly in middle-aged dogs.
Cushing’s results in the production of too much cortisol, a stress hormone that plays an important role in canine health. But too much of it can lead to problems, including a weakened immune system.
Does Your Dog Have Cushing’s?
Ask yourself these questions:
“Has my dog been having too many pee accidents lately?”
“Has he been drinking a lot of water?”
“Has he been eating too much?”
Additional Cushing’s symptoms include
- Lethargy and reduced activity
- Recurring skin infections or thin skin
- Hair loss
- Increased urination
- Abdominal swelling
So what causes Cushing’s? Typically, it’s caused by a tumor which can be either benign or malignant. In about 80-90% of diagnoses, the tumor is on the pituitary gland.
All the symptoms just mentioned can be an indication of other disease conditions, so it’s important to get your dog checked out by your vet.
How Is Cushing’s Disease Treated?
When it comes to treating Cushing’s disease, there is no “one size fits all” approach. The diagnosis will determine the course of treatment. Because surgery to remove the tumor is usually expensive and risky, in most cases, vets will prescribe medication to help manage your dog’s condition and lessen his symptoms.
Notice that I said “manage”. Medication may help, but it’s not a cure.
Optimizing Your Dog’s Environment To Reduce His Risk Of Cushing’s
Interestingly, Cushing’s is rare in dogs that live in wild, primitive conditions. So, it’s likely that our modern, industrialized environment and affluent culture are risk factors.
The toxins, pesticides and chemicals dogs are bombarded with daily from such sources as carpet cleaners, lawns, and processed food likely put them at risk of this common disease.
It may be possible to protect dogs from Cushing’s, and a host of other diseases and debilitating conditions, by optimizing their environment and reducing their exposure to toxic substances.
Even if, especially if, your dog already has Cushing’s, you want to do what you can to give him as healthy an environment as possible.
What About Nutrition?
The right diet—one with real, natural “alive” food, not a low-nutrient, highly-processed, mass-produced counterfeit, is critical.
Even if it won’t cure Cushing’s disease, such an approach to nutrition may very well give your dog a much higher quality of life. Also, the right nutrition plan can be a great compliment to the use of prescription medication to control this disease.
A solid, sensible approach to your furry friend’s diet can reduce elevated cortisol levels. It may lessen underlying disease conditions and just might give your dog a longer life.
Overcoming A Common Side Effect Of Cushing’s
Cushing’s disease can be debilitating to a dog’s health and well-being. Muscle atrophy is a common problem in dogs with Cushing’s. Naturally, this can lead to other health complications for your pet.
If your dog has Cushing’s, the right diet will include plenty of easy-to-digest protein. Good sources include egg whites, beef, lamb, salmon and organ meat such as liver. You also want to give your dog food that is low in sodium and fat with moderate levels of fiber.
Is This Your “Missing Link” In Your Dog’s Nutrition Plan?
If your dog has, or ever gets Cushing’s, the tips in this article just might help you give him a happier, healthier, longer life.
But don’t wait until your dog is sick, and you receive that unfortunate diagnosis. Take action now to help your dog become healthier. In addition to the right diet and plenty of exercise, sunshine and fresh air, Dogevity™ may be the “missing link” that can give your dog the health and vitality boost he needs.
Dogevity™ offers dogs a daily detox and immune system boost. Our exclusive, proprietary formula of raw, organic, wildcrafted herbs was created by a licensed naturopathic physician, veterinarian, and registered pharmacologist.
Dogevity™ guards and protects dogs’ health against toxins, pesticides, and chemicals that lurk in their food, water, and the grass they play in. It supports their ability to recover from illness, injury, trauma, and disease.
Simply sprinkle Dogevity™ in your dog’s food, and let the organic cleanse and detox begin!
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Here’s to your dog’s health and happiness!