Dog Cushing’s Disease Symptoms: What Every Owner Should Know

Noticing changes in your dog that just don’t seem quite right can be unsettling, especially when those changes seem to be happening gradually over time. If your dog has been drinking more water than usual, gaining weight around their belly, or losing patches of fur, Cushing’s disease may be worth discussing with your veterinarian. Understanding the symptoms of this condition early can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s comfort and long-term quality of life.

Common Causes

Cushing’s disease, known medically as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when your dog’s body produces too much cortisol — a hormone that plays a role in managing stress, weight, and immune function. While a certain amount of cortisol is essential for your dog’s health, chronically elevated levels can affect nearly every system in the body.

There are three primary forms of this disease, each with a different underlying cause. Understanding which type your dog has is an important part of determining the right course of treatment.

• Pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease: This is by far the most common form, accounting for roughly 80 to 85 percent of cases. It occurs when a small, usually benign tumor on the pituitary gland causes the body to overproduce cortisol.
• Adrenal-dependent Cushing’s disease: In this form, a tumor on one of the adrenal glands — located near the kidneys — is responsible for the excess cortisol production. This type accounts for the remaining 15 to 20 percent of naturally occurring cases.
• Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease: This less commonly discussed form is caused by prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, prescribed to treat other conditions. It typically resolves when the medication is gradually discontinued under veterinary supervision.
• Breed predisposition: Certain breeds appear to be more susceptible to developing Cushing’s disease, including Poodles, Dachshunds, Beagles, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. Middle-aged to older dogs are most commonly affected.
• Unknown genetic factors: Researchers continue to study why some dogs develop this condition while others don’t, and genetics are believed to play a contributing role in many cases.

When it comes to diagnosing the underlying cause, your veterinarian will use a combination of blood panels, urine testing, and specialized hormone tests to figure out what’s driving the excess cortisol. The two most commonly used tests are the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDS) and the ACTH stimulation test. Each measures how your dog’s body regulates cortisol under specific conditions, helping distinguish between pituitary and adrenal involvement. Neither test is perfect on its own, which is why vets often use them in combination before arriving at a confident diagnosis.

Age plays a significant role in who develops this disease. The vast majority of affected dogs are middle-aged to senior — typically between eight and twelve years old — and the condition is rarely seen in dogs younger than six. There’s no strong evidence of a seasonal pattern in how Cushing’s disease develops, but symptoms like excessive panting and heat intolerance may feel more pronounced during warmer months, which can sometimes prompt owners to seek veterinary attention at that time of year.

It’s also worth noting that iatrogenic Cushing’s disease is entirely preventable with careful medication management. If your dog has been on long-term steroids for allergies, immune conditions, or joint disease, talk to your vet about periodic reassessment. The goal is always to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest period necessary — and your vet can help you navigate that balance without compromising your dog’s underlying treatment.

Symptoms to Watch For

One of the reasons Cushing’s disease can be challenging to catch early is that many of its symptoms mimic the normal signs of aging. Your dog may seem to be “just getting older,” when in fact their body is quietly struggling with hormone imbalance. Knowing what to look for can help you advocate for your pet at the right time.

Common symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs include:

• Increased thirst and urination: Your dog may suddenly be emptying their water bowl much more frequently or having accidents indoors despite being reliably house-trained for years.
• Increased appetite: A noticeably stronger or more urgent desire to eat is one of the hallmark signs of this condition.
• Pot-bellied appearance: Excess cortisol causes fat to redistribute and muscles to weaken, leading to a rounded, distended abdomen even if your dog hasn’t gained significant overall weight.
• Hair loss and skin changes: Symmetrical hair thinning or loss, particularly along the sides of the body, is common. The skin may also appear thin, fragile, or prone to bruising.
• Lethargy and exercise intolerance: Your dog may seem less enthusiastic about walks or playtime than they used to be, tiring more easily than expected.
• Muscle weakness: As cortisol depletes muscle mass over time, your dog may struggle to climb stairs, jump onto furniture, or rise from a lying position.
• Panting: Unexplained or excessive panting, even when your dog is resting comfortably, is another frequently reported symptom.
• Recurring skin infections: Dogs with Cushing’s disease often have a compromised immune response, making them more vulnerable to bacterial skin infections that are slow to heal.

Because these symptoms develop slowly and overlap with other conditions, Cushing’s disease is sometimes missed for months or even years. If several of these signs are present at the same time, it’s worth bringing them to your vet’s attention as a cluster rather than individually.

Symptom Severity at a Glance

Not every symptom warrants the same level of urgency. This quick-reference table can help you decide how quickly to act based on what you’re observing.

Symptom	Risk Level	Action Required
Increased thirst and urination	Mild	Monitor closely; schedule a routine vet appointment
Pot-bellied appearance with muscle weakness	Moderate	Call your vet within a few days to discuss
Symmetrical hair loss and skin thinning	Mild	Document with photos; raise at your next vet visit
Recurring or slow-healing skin infections	Moderate	Call your vet within 24–48 hours
Excessive panting at rest	Moderate	Contact your vet if it persists beyond 24 hours
Sudden disorientation or behavioral changes	Serious	Seek veterinary care immediately
Seizures or loss of coordination	Serious	Go to an emergency vet without delay

Breeds Most at Risk

While Cushing’s disease can affect any dog, certain breeds show up in veterinary practices far more frequently than others — and that pattern isn’t random.

Poodles (both miniature and toy varieties) are among the most commonly diagnosed breeds. Research suggests they have a genetic predisposition to pituitary tumors, the underlying cause in the majority of Cushing’s cases. If you have a Poodle over the age of seven showing any combination of the symptoms above, it’s worth raising Cushing’s disease specifically with your vet rather than assuming it’s routine aging.

Dachshunds are another well-documented high-risk breed. Their predisposition appears linked to a broader tendency toward hormonal and adrenal irregularities, and they are overrepresented in both pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent forms of the disease. Because Dachshunds are also prone to back problems that can cause lethargy and reluctance to move, Cushing’s symptoms can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to spinal issues — making awareness especially important for this breed.

Beagles and Boston Terriers also appear more frequently in Cushing’s disease diagnoses than their overall population numbers would suggest. While the exact genetic mechanism isn’t fully understood, both breeds seem to carry elevated risk, particularly as they enter their senior years. Owners of these breeds should be especially attentive to early warning signs like increased water intake and unexplained coat changes.

What You Can Do at Home

While Cushing’s disease is a medical condition that requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment, there are meaningful steps you can take at home to support your dog’s wellbeing in the meantime.

Start by keeping a written log of the symptoms you’ve observed, including when they first appeared and how they’ve changed over time. Note how much your dog is drinking and urinating compared to their normal baseline, and photograph any areas of hair loss or skin changes to share with your vet. This kind of detailed documentation can be incredibly helpful when your veterinarian is piecing together a diagnosis.

Keeping your dog comfortable at home also matters. Make sure fresh water is always available, since dogs with Cushing’s disease often drink excessively and can become dehydrated quickly. Provide a calm, low-stress environment, as high cortisol levels already place significant strain on your dog’s body. If your dog is showing muscle weakness, consider adding non-slip rugs to slippery floors and using a ramp or steps to help them access furniture or vehicles safely.

Adjusting your dog’s diet in consultation with your vet may also be beneficial, particularly if weight management is a concern. Avoid making any major dietary changes without professional guidance, as nutritional needs can vary depending on your dog’s specific health status.

When to See a Vet

If your dog is showing multiple symptoms from the list above — particularly increased thirst, a pot-bellied appearance, and unexplained hair loss occurring together — it’s time to schedule a veterinary appointment without delay. Cushing’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time if left unmanaged.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend blood work, a urinalysis, and one or more specialized hormone tests, such as a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test or an ACTH stimulation test, to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging such as an ultrasound may also be recommended to evaluate the adrenal glands.

If your dog is also experiencing neurological symptoms such as seizures, disorientation, or sudden behavior changes, seek veterinary care immediately, as these may indicate a growing pituitary tumor requiring urgent attention. Early diagnosis gives your dog the best possible chance at effective symptom management and a comfortable life.

How Pet Insurance Can Help

Treatment for Cushing’s disease can include long-term medication, regular monitoring bloodwork, and specialist consultations — costs that can add up significantly over time. Having a pet insurance plan in place before a diagnosis is made can help protect your budget and ensure you’re never forced to choose between your dog’s health and your finances.

Protective Care: Get a free pet insurance quote and protect your dog today

For times when you need immediate guidance from a licensed veterinarian without leaving home, telehealth services can be a lifesaver.

For more clinical details on canine health, you can refer to the professional guidelines from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Living with a dog who has Cushing’s disease can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right veterinary support and a little extra care at home, many dogs go on to live happy, comfortable lives after diagnosis. You noticed something was off, and that instinct to pay attention is one of the most powerful things you can do for your dog’s health. Keep advocating for them — they’re lucky to have you.