Natural Supplements for Dogs With Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

The adrenal glands, found in humans and animals, produce adrenaline. Damage to the glands may cause dysfunction resulting in disease. The two most common adrenal gland diseases in dogs are Addison̵7;s disease and Cushing̵7;s syndrome. Addison̵7;s disease leads to symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, pain and muscle weakness, while Cushing̵7;s syndrome leads to increased water consumption and urination, excessive appetite and weight gain.

  1. Herbal

    • Most dogs with one of these diseases require medicines prescribed by a veterinarian. However, a number of natural supplements are available that can help relieve the symptoms of the illness and promote the well-being of the patient, although none actually is known to cure adrenal disease. Some herbs are particularly good for supporting adrenal functions, such as licorice, borage and ginseng. Oil extracts from borage, primrose and black currants are recommended in controlled quantities for autoimmune disorders. Gingko leaf extract increases the flow of blood to the brain, which can help in cases of secondary Addison̵7;s disease caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland.

    Non-Herbal

    • Other natural products that are non-herbal also may be useful for supporting the dog with adrenal gland dysfunction. Fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, colostrums and probiotics, has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and helps the body to regenerate cells. Synthetic melatonin is produced chemically to mimic the hormone secreted by the pineal gland, which helps to calm dogs and reduce stress. Melatonin should be used only under the direction of a veterinarian, however, as some medical professionals dispute its use in dogs with Addison's disease. Probiotics and colostrum help to keep the dog̵7;s gut healthy and can be added to the diet in natural form or as a supplement.

    Flower Essences

    • The tincture of a flower is a diluted substance produced when the bloom lies soaking in water for several hours in the sun. The substance is combined with alcohol to preserve it and diluted further before use. Flower essences are useful in treating emotional distress resulting from adrenal gland disorders, and combinations of essences can be tailored to specific situations. For example, a combination of the essences of the Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem is well-known for its calmative effect on people and animals. This five-flower combination was developed by Edward Bach, a British physician, homeopath and bacteriologist, in the 1930s, and is known generically as "Bach's Rescue Remedy."

    Combined Remedies

    • Several combination remedies are vet-approved for use in dogs with either Addison̵7;s disease or Cushing̵7;s syndrome. A commercially available, natural product that slows hormone production includes borage, milk vetch to simulate liver function, bistort and wild yam for anti-inflammatory properties, licorice to stimulate the adrenal glands and the immune system, dandelion and glycerine. The product is designed to balance hormonal actions and increase the dog̵7;s resistance to infection while repairing cell enzymes.

    Check With Your Vet

    • Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet. Check before implementing any natural supplements, to ensure that they don̵7;t clash with the dog̵7;s prescription medication. If you plan to administer a number of natural supplements, you should do it under the supervision of a homeopathic or holistic veterinarian, as some supplements, such as melatonin, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.