What are the first signs of Cushing's disease in dogs?
Kacey Hermann
2025-07-31 20:14:40
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Your nine-year old dog has been drinking a lot more lately and eating everything in sight. Plus, he's losing hair and has a pot-bellied appearance. Symptoms in dogs include increased thirst increased urination increased appetite reduced activity excessive panting thin or fragile skin hair loss recurrent skin infections enlargement of the abdomen, resulting in a "pot-bellied" appearance. The disease develops slowly and the early signs are not always noticed. Cushing's disease typically occurs in middle-aged to older dogs.
Cruz O'Connell
2025-07-31 18:29:57
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Most owners will notice excess thirst and urination. One of the first signs owners often notice is that their dog suddenly begins needing to go out to the toilet in the middle of the night. Signs your dog may have Cushing’s include drinking lots and urinating frequently, hair loss, weight gain, panting, changes to the skin’s appearance and abdominal swelling – but these can be signs of lots of other health conditions too and many healthy older dogs get a bit of a middle aged spread anyway. There can also be hair loss, weight gain, panting, skin changes, lowered immunity and abdominal swelling, which can make the belly appear to sag. A lack of energy is another symptom you may notice.
Erik Gaylord
2025-07-31 15:49:27
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Hair loss can be common in dogs with Cushing’s and you may find that your dog is losing their fur along both sides of their body, over their belly and / or along their tail. For some dogs this hair loss can be extreme, leaving them only with fur over their head and feet. Yet for other dogs it may more subtle – with signs such as having a dull coat, hair not growing back after being clipped or blackhead formation in the armpits or groin. In dogs with Cushing’s this cycle slows down, or stops completely, meaning hair that falls out fails to regrow. Skin can also become thinner as a result of excessive cortisol and when this is combined with a reduction in the function of the immune system then recurrent skin infections can also become a problem.
Raleigh Bogan
2025-07-31 14:44:44
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The most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease seen in dogs include: Increased appetite
Excessive thirst or drinking
Thinning of the skin
Hair loss
Frequent urination
Muscle weakness
Enlarged abdomen, potbellied appearance
Panting
Lethargy
If your dog has Cushing’s disease you will see at least one of these symptoms, however it is uncommon for all of these symptoms to be present.
It is essential to contact your vet immediately if your dog is displaying any of the symptoms above.
Dogs with Cushing’s disease have an increased risk of diabetes, kidney damage, blood clots, and high blood pressure.
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