What Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Cushing’s disease — also known as hyperadrenocorticism — is a condition that occurs when a dog’s body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands. While cortisol plays a vital role in managing stress, maintaining weight, and regulating the immune system, excessive levels can lead to serious long-term health problems.

In simple terms, dogs with Cushing’s disease have an internal “overproduction switch” that keeps releasing stress hormones even when the body doesn’t need them. Over time, this imbalance begins to affect multiple systems, leading to a gradual decline in your pet’s overall health and quality of life.

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease often develop slowly, which can make early detection difficult. If your dog has one or more of the following signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit and discuss testing options:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Increased appetite
Pot-bellied or bloated appearance
Thinning skin or hair loss
Panting or restlessness
Muscle weakness or lethargy
Slow healing or increased skin infections

These symptoms may vary in intensity and can sometimes be mistaken for normal signs of aging. That’s why professional diagnosis is important before beginning any treatment plan.

In most cases, Cushing’s disease is caused by a benign tumor in either the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) or the adrenal glands (near the kidneys).

Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s accounts for about 80–90% of cases and results from overstimulation of the adrenal glands.
Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s occurs when one or both adrenal glands grow a tumor that releases excess cortisol.

Certain medications that contain steroids can also cause a temporary form known as iatrogenic Cushing’s disease.

Traditional veterinary treatment often involves prescription medications that suppress cortisol production, such as Trilostane (Vetoryl) or Mitotane (Lysodren). While effective, these drugs can sometimes cause side effects, including weakness, vomiting, or, in severe cases, an Addisonian crisis — a sudden drop in cortisol that can be life-threatening.

For dogs with mild to moderate cases or for those sensitive to stronger medications, veterinarians and pet owners have turned to nutritional supplements like CushAway as a safe, natural first step in managing cortisol levels.

CushAway is a veterinarian-recommended nutritional supplement formulated with three active ingredients — phosphatidylserine, melatonin, and HMR lignans — that research shows can help reduce or regulate cortisol production naturally.

Unlike harsh chemical treatments, CushAway supports your dog’s body gently, improving hormone balance while promoting calmness, better digestion, and overall vitality. It’s made in an FDA-approved facility to human-grade standards and contains only safe, all-natural ingredients.