Cushing’s disease occurs because of a malfunction in the dog’s endocrine system. The adrenal glands make too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Vets diagnose Cushing’s syndrome by conducting blood tests. This guide explains what Cushing’s is, what the proven treatments are, and why CBD is not a proven treatment for it.
What Is Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs?
Cushing’s syndrome, also called hyperadrenocorticism, means the body makes too much cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone. It helps the body respond to stress, but too much of it causes harm. In most dogs, the cause is a small tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain. This gland tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. A smaller number of dogs have a tumour on an adrenal gland itself. Common signs include drinking more water, urinating more often, eating more, losing hair, and a pot belly. Dogs may also become lethargic and get skin infections. Vets diagnose Cushing’s with blood tests, such as the ACTH stimulation test or the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. An ultrasound can show the adrenal glands. Cushing’s is most common in older dogs. It needs lifelong care from a vet.
Is CBD a Proven Treatment for Cushing’s?
No. This is the key point of this guide. CBD is not approved for treating Cushing’s disease in dogs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any CBD product for use in animals. The only CBD product the FDA has approved is Epidiolex, a human medicine for rare seizure disorders. There is no good evidence that CBD lowers cortisol, treats Cushing’s, or shrinks tumours in dogs. The claim in this post’s title that CBD is the “safest treatment” for Cushing’s is unproven. No study has shown that CBD is safe or effective for this use. CBD is not a replacement for proven treatment. If your dog has Cushing’s, follow your vet’s plan. Do not rely on CBD alone.
What Are the Proven Treatments?
The main treatment for Cushing’s is medicine. Trilostane is the most common drug. It lowers cortisol production. Dogs on trilostane need regular blood tests. The vet checks the cortisol level and adjusts the dose. Mitotane is another drug. It works by damaging the adrenal glands. It is used less often today. Surgery can remove an adrenal tumour. Radiation can treat a pituitary tumour. These options suit only some dogs. Your vet will choose the best option for your dog’s age, health, and tumour type. Treatment is lifelong. It needs regular vet visits and blood tests. With proper treatment, many dogs live for years with a good quality of life. Never stop prescribed Cushing’s medicine without your vet’s advice. Stopping it suddenly can make your dog very ill.
Risks of CBD for Dogs
CBD is not risk-free for dogs. Studies have found side effects. Dogs can become drowsy. They can get diarrhoea. Blood tests can show raised liver enzymes, which may mean the liver is under strain. CBD can interact with other medicines your dog takes. It can change how those medicines work. Product quality is another problem. Studies have found that some CBD products contain a different amount of CBD than the label says. Some contain THC. THC is toxic to dogs. It can cause wobbliness, drooling, and collapse. If you are thinking about CBD for your dog, talk to your vet first. Ask about the risks, the interactions with your dog’s medicines, and whether any product is safe. Do not give your dog CBD products made for humans. Do not guess a dose. There is no approved dose of CBD for dogs with Cushing’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD the safest treatment for Cushing’s syndrome in dogs?
No. That claim is unproven. CBD is not approved for treating Cushing’s in dogs. There is no good evidence that it lowers cortisol or shrinks tumours.
What causes Cushing’s syndrome in dogs?
Too much cortisol. In most dogs, the cause is a small tumour on the pituitary gland. A smaller number of dogs have a tumour on an adrenal gland.
What are the signs of Cushing’s in dogs?
Drinking more water, urinating more often, eating more, losing hair, a pot belly, lethargy, and skin infections. Vets diagnose it with blood tests.
What is the proven treatment for Cushing’s in dogs?
Medicine, most often trilostane, with regular blood tests. Surgery can remove an adrenal tumour. Radiation can treat a pituitary tumour. Your vet chooses the best option.
Can CBD harm my dog?
Yes, it can. CBD can cause drowsiness, diarrhoea, and raised liver enzymes. It can interact with other medicines. Some products contain THC, which is toxic to dogs. Talk to your vet first.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. It does not replace advice from a veterinarian. Do not stop prescribed medicine or start CBD without talking to your vet. This guide gives no medical advice for readers.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026