Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition where the adrenal glands aren't producing enough glucocorticoids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). Holistic treatments include close monitoring of your pet, acupuncture therapy and herbal supplements.
Things You'll Need
- Herb supplements including licorice, milk thistle, slippery elm, ginger, and dandelion.
Instructions
Have your veterinarian examine your dog. Once you receive a diagnosis of Addison's disease from your vet, you can proceed with treatment. Don't try to diagnose your dog yourself.
Help your dog increase its appetite. Appetite loss is a common symptom of Addison's disease. Warm your dog's food or include nutritional human food in your dog's diet. Read commercial dog food labels and aim for the most nutritious, natural variety.
Take your dog to a holistic veterinarian. Your regular vet may practice holistic as well as traditional medicine, so start with her first. Ask for a reference if your vet doesn't practice holistic medicine.
Follow instructions of your holistic vet. These may include having your dog undergo acupuncture or color light therapy and/or giving him herbal supplements.
Administer holistic medications at home as instructed by your vet. Some herbs that may help treat canine Addison's disease are licorice, milk thistle, slippery elm, ginger, and dandelion.
Follow up with your traditional vet as well as your holistic one (if they are not the same) during your dog's treatment. If you don't see improvements, you may have to consider traditional medicine.