It was a stormy Thursday night when the ER doors slammed open. In stumbled Tom, cradling his 4-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, Bella, who was trembling and collapsed in his arms. “Doc, dog Addison’s disease symptoms she was fine yesterday, now vomiting, weak, pale gums! Dog Addison’s disease treatment—can I do anything at home?” Bella’s pulse was fading fast.
We hit her with IV fluids and steroids. Spoiler: Bloodwork screamed Addison’s adrenal crash. Bella survived the crisis and, with dog Addison’s disease treatment (monthly shots + daily pills), she’s back surfing waves.
If your pup’s “off,” vomiting, or crashing, searching “dog Addison’s disease symptoms” or “dog Addison’s disease treatment” you’re in the right place. In my 14 years as a veterinarian, Addison’s is the “silent killer” that mimics tummy bugs. This 2025 guide covers symptoms, diagnosis, vet treatment, AND safe home support (no DIY cures only vet-approved extras). Let’s save your dog.
What Is Dog Addison’s Disease? (The Hormone Crash)
Dog Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) = adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol (stress fighter) and aldosterone (salt regulator). Result? Electrolyte chaos, shock, death if untreated.
- Cause: 80% autoimmune; rare: tumors, infections, meds.
- Risk: Females 2–6 yrs; breeds: Portuguese Water Dogs, Labs, Poodles, Bearded Collies.
- Stats: 1 in 500 dogs; 40.5K monthly searches for dog disease Addison’s.
Bella’s? Autoimmune hit mid-walk.
Dog Addison’s Disease Symptoms: From Sneaky to Crisis
Symptoms wax/wane—owners miss them for months.
| Stage | Dog Addison’s Disease Symptoms | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| Early | Lethargy, appetite loss, vomiting/diarrhea (often bloody), shaking, increased thirst/urination | “Just a bug” |
| Skin | Thin coat, hair loss, pale gums | Cortisol drought |
| Crisis | Collapse, severe vomiting, slow heart, hypothermia, shock | ER NOW |
Pro Tip: Journal symptoms Bella’s owner’s notes saved her life.
Diagnosis: Catching the “Great Pretender”
Mimics GI, kidney, heart issues. My protocol:
- Bloodwork: Low Na⁺/High K⁺, low glucose.
- ACTH Stimulation Test: Gold standard cortisol doesn’t rise = Addison’s.
- Ultrasound: Rules out tumors.
- Cost: $200–$500; crisis = $1,000+.
Dog Addison’s Disease Treatment: Vet Lifeline + Safe Home Support
NO HOME CURE Addison’s is 100% vet-managed. But home support speeds recovery.
Emergency Treatment (Hospital)
- IV fluids + electrolytes
- IV glucocorticoids (Dexamethasone)
- Mineralocorticoids (DOCP)
- GI protectants (sucralfate)
Long-Term Vet Treatment (90% Thrive)
| Med | Dose | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOCP/Zycortal | Injection every 25–30 days | $100–$200/shot | Replaces aldosterone |
| Prednisone | 0.1–0.2 mg/lb daily | $10–$30/month | Replaces cortisol |
| Stress Dosing | Double prednisone | — | For vet visits, surgery |
Monitoring: Bloodwork every 3–6 months. Yearly Cost: $500–$1,000 (generic = cheaper).
Safe Home Support (Vet-Approved Only)
NEVER replace meds—use these to support treatment:
1. Electrolyte-Rich Broth (Post-Crisis)
- Recipe: Boil chicken + ¼ tsp salt-free broth powder (PetSafe).
- Why: Rehydrates, gentle on gut.
- Dose: ¼ cup 2x/day (vet OK).
2. Stress Reduction (Critical)
- How:
- Quiet crate with heartbeat toy
- Short, calm walks
- Adaptil calming collar
- Why: Stress = cortisol demand = crash risk.
3. Bland Diet (During Flare-Ups)
- Recipe: Boiled chicken + white rice (1:2 ratio).
- Why: Easy on vomiting gut.
- Duration: 3–5 days, then transition.
4. Warmth & Comfort
- How: Heated bed, avoid cold floors.
- Why: Hypothermia common in crisis.
RED FLAG: Never give salt, herbs, or “natural cortisol” supplements can kill.
Dog Addison’s Disease Life Expectancy & Prevention
- With Treatment: Normal lifespan (10–15+ years).
- Without: Days in crisis.
- Prevention:
- Genetic testing (high-risk breeds)
- Annual bloodwork
- Stress-low life
Bella? 2 years post-diagnosis full zoomies.
Your Addison’s Action Plan: Save Your Dog
Dog Addison’s disease symptoms + treatment = early vet + lifelong meds + smart home support. Bella’s alive because Tom acted.
See vomiting + weakness? Vet NOW. You’ve got this.
Also Read:
- conjunctivitis in dogs – Eye red flags
- why is my dog licking everything – Stress signals
Dog Addison’s disease symptoms in small breeds?
Same lethargy, vomiting. More common in Standards.
Dog Addison’s disease treatment cost?
$1,000–$2,000/year (generic meds).
Can dog autoimmune disease cause Addison’s?
Yes—80% cases.
Dog Addison’s disease life expectancy without treatment?
Days in crisis.