Some people use health supplements to help manage their dog’s Cushing’s disease. The information below answers commonly asked questions about supplements. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (select any link to move to a certain question)
What are supplements?
Supplements for pets are usually referred to as “nutritional” supplements or “animal health” supplements. Nutritional supplements are products, such as vitamins and minerals, intended to provide nutritional value as a component of a complete and balanced diet. Health supplements are products that support the maintenance of normal biological structure and function in animals. Most of the supplements commonly used for Cushing's disease fall under the health supplement category.
Are supplements FDA-approved?
No, supplements intended for animals are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is one way that they differ from drug products, such as Vetoryl, which are approved and must demonstrate safety and effectiveness before being marketed.
Are supplements safe?
As mentioned above, companies don’t have to provide any proof that their animal supplements are safe before marketing them in the United States. That’s why it’s important to be careful about the products you choose for your pet. One thing you might want to look for is the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal. NASC is a non-profit group that sets safety standards for animal supplements. Companies that meet these standards are allowed to place a NASC seal on their products. You can find a list of NASC members here.
It’s also important to always read the ingredient list on the product label and consult with your veterinarian. Some ingredients aren’t safe for dogs with certain medical conditions (such as diabetes) or dogs on certain medications (such as blood pressure medication). For example, melatonin can cause insulin resistance and shouldn’t be given to dogs with diabetes.
How can I report side effects or adverse events?
If your pet experiences an adverse event involving a supplement, you can submit a report to FDA using the FDA safety reporting portal. If you're outside of the United States, please contact the agency that regulates veterinary medicine in your country.
Can any supplements effectively treat Cushing’s disease?
The only proven effective treatments are FDA-approved medications, which have undergone rigorous clinical trials prior to approval. Although a lot of companies say that their supplement products are an effective remedy for Cushing’s disease, these claims aren’t necessarily true. In fact, claims of effectiveness for many pet supplements are based on customer reviews rather than scientific studies. There have been very few studies done on alternative remedies for dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Is it ever okay to treat Cushing’s with supplements instead of medication?
It depends. Every dog is unique, and treatment decisions should be based on what’s in their best interests. For some dogs, such as those with kidney or liver disease or with very early Cushing’s, medication might not be the best option. Keep in mind that Cushing’s disease is (slowly) progressive, so symptoms can eventually overcome any effects of supplements, even supplements that initially seemed to work. Dogs have a higher risk of complications from Cushing's disease, including blood clots, high blood pressure, and diabetes, when cortisol levels aren't well controlled.
What kinds of supplements can I give to my dog for Cushing's disease?
The following are examples of supplements that might be used to support a Cushing's dog:
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that's naturally made in the body. Some people use melatonin supplements as a holistic remedy for Cushing’s disease or atypical Cushing’s disease in their dogs. Even when it works, response to this supplement tends to be slow, with any improvement usually taking at least four months.
NOTE: when purchasing melatonin, make sure it is not timed or extended release and does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Lignans
Lignans are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. Some pet owners combine lignans with melatonin and use them as a holistic remedy for Cushing's disease or atypical Cushing's disease. There are two types of lignans: HMR (hydroxymatairesinol) and SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside). HMR lignans are extracted from spruce trees, whereas SDG lignans are typically derived from flaxseed hulls. HMR lignans are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than SDG lignans, which means a smaller dose is needed if using HMR lignans.
Fortetropin
Fortetropin is a product developed and owned by MYOS (a muscle health company). It’s made from fertilized chicken egg yolks. There’s evidence that Fortetropin helps to build muscles and reduce muscle loss, which makes it potentially beneficial for dogs that have muscle weakness from Cushing’s disease.
Green-Lipped Mussel
Green-lipped mussel is a type of shellfish that’s available as both a food and a supplement. There’s evidence that it can support joint health and improve mobility in dogs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)
Omega-3’s are fats extracted from the body tissue of fish. Among other things, they’re known to fight inflammation, promote healthy skin, and lower blood pressure.
Milk Thistle (silybin/silymarin)
Milk thistle is a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. Studies show that it has the potential to protect and support the liver, meaning it can benefit dogs that have elevated ALT or other liver issues. It generally has little to no effect on ALP, however. Most milk thistle supplements consist of either milk thistle seed or extracts of milk thistle, known as silybin and silymarin.
References (external)
Lignans Information, by the University of Tennessee CVM
Veterinary Pet Supplements and Nutraceuticals, by Carrie J. Finno, DVM
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Assessing the Efficacy of Dietary Changes and Holistic Treatments, by Dr. Catherine Barnette, DVM