As cortisol is the key contributor to Cushing’s syndrome, we have written quite a bit about it in that context already. However, in this post, we are going to step back a bit and focus on what it does in non-Cushing’s dogs as well. What other diseases are associated with cortisol? And, if it is responsible for these diseases, then why do dogs, humans and other animals produce it in the first place? What is Cortisol? Cortisol is commonly known as a...
Supplement manufacturers heavily promote the active ingredients in their supplements but rarely highlight their inactive ingredients and, unfortunately, seem not to spend much time thinking about them. But, they should, as the “inactive” ingredients lurking at the bottom of a supplement label may be negatively impacting your pet’s health. In this post, we will let you know why hidden ingredients are added to supplements and which ones may be harmful to your pet, especially if they are suffering from Cushing’s syndrome,...
What are the causes of skin and hair problems in your Cushing’s dog? Cushing's syndrome is caused by long-term, elevated levels of cortisol (typical Cushing’s syndrome) or other corticosteroids (atypical Cushing’s syndrome) in your dog. Cushing’s dogs are especially susceptible to skin and hair problems due to a number of effects of Cushing’s syndrome, including: Skin changes— In the short-term, corticosteroids can actually reduce hair loss. However, long-term exposure to cortisol and/or other corticosteroids can result in thinning of skin and weakness...
Your veterinarian may order several tests to monitor your pet’s general health or to diagnose specific conditions. In this post, we want to take a look at some of the tests your dog may have gotten and what the results may mean. Knowledge of the various tests will not only empower you to make informed treatment decisions on your pet’s behalf but also help you prioritize which tests to get if you can’t afford them all. You can save time, money,...
Milk thistle has been used by physicians and herbalists since ancient times to treat liver disorders. In modern times, the range of uses of milk thistle has expanded to include treatment of diabetic and related conditions, use as an antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory, treatment for mushroom poisoning, treatment of certain cancers, and even psychological conditions such as gambling addiction, methamphetamine addiction, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Clinicaltrials.gov lists 65 completed and on-going human trials for those and many other conditions. In fact,...
The most likely cause of a change in your dog’s poop is a change in their normal routine. Changes in eating habits, exercise, and daily routine can cause changes in poop. If the change in poop can’t be explained by changes in your dog’s daily life, consulting a veterinarian is the first thing you should do. Below are some of the things to look for and some possible causes if you spot a difference in your dog’s poop that can’t be...
The one thing everyone knows about melatonin is that it is the “sleep hormone”. This is wrong. Rather, melatonin is a darkness hormone that tells the body time of day and season of year. It is released (primarily) from the pineal gland when sensors in the eye detect diminishing light or darkness. In humans, this leads to a series of functions, including causing us to want to sleep and to stay asleep. However, melatonin is evolutionarily one of the most...
If you are taking lignans and melatonin as a hormone balancer or are giving the combination to your dog, cat or other pet for Cushing’s syndrome or another hormone-related condition and are not seeing the results you expect, there are several things you can try:
Aging dogs require different care than younger dogs. Some dogs will put on weight because of less mobility. Some become friendlier and want more attention from their owner, while others may become short-tempered or worried because they might not see or hear as well as they did before. They may be more susceptible to injury […]
If Independence Day and New Year’s Eve fireworks drive your pets crazy or if your pets get anxious when they travel or experience new surroundings, people or pets, you may have considered the use of melatonin for their relief. What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone produced, primarily, in the pineal gland of mammals. Melatonin […]
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