Canine Cushing's disease, a complicated disorder caused when the adrenal glands produce too much of the steroid hormone cortisol, typically strikes dogs over the age of 6, according to Pet Education. The disease causes a variety of symptoms--including hair loss, excessive drinking, thinning skin and increased panting--and stresses the liver and kidneys. While veterinarians typically offer prescription medications to suppress cortisol production, some owners turn to all-natural, non-prescription supplements to use alone or in conjunction with traditional drugs.
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Dandelion, Magnolia Bark and Chasteberry
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Known to many as a backyard weed, dandelion offers strong medicinal properties, including the ability to help balance the kidney, liver and adrenal gland functions in dogs, according to Vet Info. Magnolia bark has been shown to control cortisol production and also may decrease anxiety and stress in dogs with hormonal imbalance. And chasteberry, an herb widely used for Cushing's disease in horses, produces a dopamine-like effect in the brain. Several herbal compounds for canine Cushing's include chasteberry as a key ingredient. Dandelion and magnolia bark can be used alone or with other herbal treatments.
Homeopathics
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Homeopathic medicines called corticotrophin, cortisone and thallium acetas all can be used safely when treating canine Cushing's disease, according to Vet Info. Homeopathic products begin with a plant, mineral or animal base, which goes through several phases of dilution until the medicine itself contains very small amounts of the original substance. The final products are believed to stimulate the body's immune response. For canine Cushing's, corticotrophin balances the adrenal glands and removes excess fluid in them. Cortisone controls the body's overproduction of hormones, and thallium acetas supports healthier skin and coat. Asenicum, which is another homeopathic, is recommended to help dogs with excessive thirst, according to Vet Info.
Phosphatidylserine
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Phosphatidylserine, a fat-soluble substance highly concentrated in the brain, offers natural cortisol suppression when administered in supplement form, according to Animal Wellness magazine. It can be purchased online without a prescription, usually as part of a supplement complex. The website Everything Golden says many dog owners report positive results using this supplement in conjunction with traditional medications. Phosphatidylserine also has been studied for its positive effect on animal cognitive function.
Supraglan
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The supplement Supraglan combines all-natural ingredients designed to treat canine Cushing's. Seven ingredients, including astragalus, bistort, borage, dandelion, eleutherococcus senticosus, licorice and wild yam, are thought to support the adrenals, balance endocrine hormones, suppress inflammation, and improve liver and kidney functioning. While Supraglan has not been studied scientifically as a Cushing's treatment, anecdotal evidence for the supplement can be found at the Pet Wellbeing Supraglan page.
Caution
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Dog owners faced with a new diagnosis of canine Cushing's disease should consult their veterinarians before starting an alternative, non-prescription treatment. Some animals will benefit most from a combination of traditional and all-natural treatments, according to Vet Info, and prescription medications should not be ruled out until all options have been considered.
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