- Addison’s disease in dogs is an uncommon disorder of the adrenal glands. Addison’s disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism and it is caused by the deficiency of one or more essential hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Addison’s disease is difficult to diagnose since the signs are similar to other illnesses and they can be inconsistent. That being said, Addison’s disease can become a life-threatening emergency if the hormone levels become critically low.
If your dog is suddenly vomiting, having diarrhoea and collapsing visit the nearest veterinary clinic for immediate supportive care and treatment.
- Is Your Dog at Risk of Developing Addison’s Disease?
- What Causes Addison’s Disease in Dogs?
- What Do the Adrenal Glands Do in Dogs?
- What are the clinical signs of Addison’s Disease in dogs?
- How is Addison’s in dogs diagnosed?
- What is the Treatment for Addison’s disease in dogs
- Can Addison’s Disease in Dogs be an Emergency?
- What’s the prognosis of Addison’s disease in dogs?
- Addison’s disease in dogs is an uncommon disorder of the adrenal glands. Addison’s disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism and it is caused by the deficiency of one or more essential hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Is Your Dog at Risk of Developing Addison’s Disease?
- Addison’s is usually diagnosed in young and middle-aged dogs.
- Female dogs are more at risk of developing Addison’s as compared to male dogs.
- Poodle, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler are breeds predisposed to Addison’s disease.
If your dog meets these criteria, you need to get their hormone levels checked at least twice every year!
What Causes Addison’s Disease in Dogs?
Addison’s Disease in dogs is caused by a lack of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce multiple hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone. These are responsible for maintaining the level of electrolytes in our systems, blood pressure, hydration levels, stress responses and metabolism.
Addison’s disease in dogs has a hereditary factor. Multiple studies show a common genetic factor among particular breeds of dogs that increase their susceptibility towards hypoadrenocorticism.
What Do the Adrenal Glands Do in Dogs?
The adrenal glands are two small but vital organs located just above each kidney. Despite their size, they play a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s internal balance and ability to cope with everyday stress.
These glands produce several hormones, the most important of which are cortisol and aldosterone.
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” It helps the body respond to physical and emotional stress, supports normal blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and helps maintain energy levels. Cortisol also plays a role in immune system regulation and blood pressure stability.
Aldosterone is responsible for regulating electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium. It helps the kidneys retain sodium and water while excreting excess potassium. This balance is essential for maintaining normal hydration, blood volume, nerve function, and heart rhythm.
Together, adrenal hormones help regulate:
- Stress response and coping ability
- Electrolyte balance (sodium and potassium)
- Blood pressure and circulation
- Hydration status
- Energy metabolism and stamina
When the adrenal glands malfunction, as in Addison’s disease, the body can no longer regulate these systems properly. This leads to low sodium levels, high potassium levels, dehydration, poor circulation, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, collapse and shock. Without timely Addison treatment in dogs, these imbalances can quickly become life-threatening.
What are the clinical signs of Addison’s Disease in dogs?
Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s Disease can elicit multiple signs which can be easily confused with the signs of other diseases. Addison’s disease symptoms in dogs can come and go, and can be highly non-specific.
Acute symptoms of Addison’s disease include sudden collapse, severe vomiting, dehydration, dangerously low blood pressure, and profound weakness. These require emergency care to prevent organ damage or death.
Other signs of hypoadrenocorticism or Addison’s disease in dogs –
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Shaking or trembling
- Low heart rate
In a few cases, Addison’s disease can present itself as Addisonian crisis in dogs, which is a medical emergency. It can show up as a sudden illness with vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse.
So, if your dog has been showing any of the 10 signs mentioned above over a few weeks, in different intensities, you need to consult the veterinarian. Choose a veterinary clinic with an advanced diagnostic setup, treatment area and in-patient facility.
What are the Common Clinical Symptoms and Warning Signs of Addison’s Disease
Mild Symptoms (Early Stage):
In the early stages, symptoms of Addison’s disease are subtle and may come and go:
- Low energy or reduced enthusiasm for activity
- Occasional vomiting or loose stools
- Gradual weight loss
- Reduced appetite or picky eating
Because these signs are mild and inconsistent, they are often overlooked or attributed to stress, diet changes, or minor illness.
Moderate Symptoms:
As hormone deficiencies progress, symptoms of Addison’s disease become more noticeable and frequent:
- Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Shivering or trembling
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or lethargy
At this stage, dogs may appear unwell for days, improve temporarily, and then worsen again.
Severe Symptoms → Addisonian Crisis:
A sudden and severe drop in adrenal hormones can trigger an Addisonian crisis, which is a medical emergency:
- Sudden collapse or extreme weakness
- Abnormally slow heart rate due to high potassium levels
- Critically low blood pressure
- Severe vomiting and diarrhoea
- Shock and poor circulation
If your dog shows these signs, consult a Vetic vet immediately.
How is Addison’s Disease in Dogs Diagnosed?
The veterinarian needs to do more than the regular physical evaluation to confirm Addison’s disease in dogs since it is one of the most difficult metabolic disorders to diagnose.
Your dog will require –
- Complete blood count
- Biochemistry tests
- Urine tests
- Evaluation for electrolyte imbalances, such as low sodium and high potassium
- ACTH Stimulation test (the golden standard)
- Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate adrenal size
- ECG if potassium levels affect heart rhythm
Sometimes, X-ray is also required for Addison’s disease diagnosis in dogs, to understand the cause of the hypoadrenocorticism and rule out other disorders.
What is the Treatment for Addison’s Disease in Dogs?
Addison’s disease is highly manageable with lifelong hormone replacement. Addison treatment in dogs usually includes two parts: emergency stabilisation (if needed) and ongoing therapy.
Medications and Veterinary-Supervised Treatment Options
- DOCP injections (Percorten-V®, Zycortal®) to replace aldosterone and maintain electrolyte balance
- Fludrocortisone, an oral alternative that provides mineralocorticoid support (and mild glucocorticoid effects)
- Daily oral steroids (such as prednisone) to replace cortisol
- IV fluids and emergency medications during an Addisonian crisis
- Routine electrolyte monitoring to ensure sodium and potassium levels remain stable
Important: Hormone doses must never be adjusted without veterinary guidance, as improper dosing can lead to serious complications.
Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care for Dogs with Addison’s Disease
With proper care, most dogs live full and active lives. Long-term management includes:
- Regular blood tests every 1–4 months, especially during the initial treatment phase
- Electrolyte checks after any medication or dose change
- Temporary “stress-dose” steroids during travel, boarding, surgery, or illness
- A balanced diet and controlled, consistent exercise routine
- Ongoing monitoring of appetite, thirst, body weight, and overall behaviour
The treatment for Addison’s disease in dogs typically requires a lifelong supplement of cortisol and aldosterone.
Cortisol supplements are given with an oral steroid and aldosterone supplements require another supplement that commonly comes in an injectable form. Right now, another oral supplement is available in the US which can replace both cortisol and aldosterone supplements thereby reducing the number of medicines your dog has to take daily.
The dose of each of these medicines and supplements depends on your dog’s weight, age, existing medical conditions, medical history and lifestyle. The ideal way to go about treating Addison’s disease in dogs is by monitoring your dog’s overall health and response to the treatment and reducing the medicine dose to the lowest effective dose possible.
In some cases of acute Addisonian crisis, dogs may require IV fluid along with IV medicines to protect their gut health and organ functions.
Get your dog’s hormone levels monitored regularly at a Vetic clinic.
Can Addison’s Disease in Dogs be an Emergency?
Yes. An Addisonian crisis can be fatal if untreated. Addison’s disease emergency in dogs, an Addisonian crisis, occurs when hormone levels drop suddenly and severely, leading to collapse, shock, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and dangerously low blood pressure. Without immediate Addison treatment in dogs, this condition can be fatal.
Emergency care involves:
- Rapid IV fluid therapy
- Hormone replacement
- Electrolyte correction
- Continuous monitoring of heart function and blood pressure
Early recognition and prompt veterinary intervention are critical. If your dog collapses, vomits severely, or appears suddenly weak, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What’s the Prognosis of Addison’s Disease in Dogs?
While there’s no cure for Addison’s disease, any dog can live a long and happy life with the right medication.
With timely diagnosis and correct treatment, most dogs with Addison’s disease have excellent chances of living a high quality of life.
There is no natural remedy for Addison’s disease. You cannot stop the medicines once you see your dog is eating and playing normally. You need to visit the veterinarian at least once in 4 months to follow-up on their Addison’s Disease management journey.
FAQs About Addison’s Disease in Dogs
Can my dog live a normal life with Addison’s disease?
Yes, with proper treatment, most dogs can live a long, happy, and healthy life despite Addison’s disease.
How often will my dog need medication for Addison’s disease?
Your dog will need lifelong hormone supplements daily to manage Addison’s disease and maintain their health.
How does Addison’s disease affect my dog’s overall health?
Addison’s disease disrupts hormone production, affecting the kidneys, heart, and digestive system, leading to dehydration, low blood pressure, and weakness.
Can Addison’s disease in dogs be cured?
There’s no cure, but it can be effectively managed with lifelong medication and regular vet check-ups.
Does Addison’s disease affect only certain dog breeds?
Yes, breeds like Poodles, Great Danes, and Labrador Retrievers are more prone to developing Addison’s disease.
How can I tell if my dog is having a flare-up of Addison’s?
Watch for lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and shaking, which may signal a flare-up of Addison’s disease.
Will my dog need regular blood tests after being diagnosed?
Yes, routine blood work every few months ensures medication is working and your dog’s health remains stable.
Can Addison’s Disease in dogs be an emergency?
An Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency where a dog suddenly collapses due to dangerously low hormone levels.
