Addison's disease in dogs – signs and care
Contact a vet todayContact your vet today if you think your dog has this – it can become serious. It is a condition that causes dangerously low levels of steroid hormones in the body.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet today if you think your dog has this.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Let your dog rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Addison’s disease causes dangerously low levels of steroid hormones, which are essential for life.[1] Symptoms are often vague at first and can become more severe over time.[1] Left untreated, it is often fatal, but with treatment most dogs have a good outlook and can live a relatively normal life.[1]
Signs
gradual
Causes and risk factors
How a vet finds out
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Possibly an ECG
- Possibly an ultrasound scan
How vets treat it
- Steroids
- Fluids or a drip
- Medication
- Rest
Breeds prone to this
Veterinary charities list these breeds as more likely than others to get this condition. Each breed page lists the inherited conditions documented in the breed.
Great DaneWhat the experts say
“Although Addison’s can affect any dog, it’s most common in middle aged (4-6 year old) females, and is seen most often in certain pedigree breeds such as the Standard poodle, West Highland White Terrier, Great Dane and St Bernard.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is Addison's disease in dogs?
Addison’s disease causes dangerously low levels of steroid hormones in the body, and these hormones are essential for life.[1]
What signs can Addison's disease cause?
Signs can include low energy, reduced appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking and peeing more than usual, weakness, wobbliness and collapse.[1]
How does a vet check for Addison's disease?
A vet may use blood tests, urine tests and possibly an ECG and an ultrasound scan to help confirm Addison’s disease.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
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