Our Top Three Products for Dog Cushing's

Pet Wellbeing is focused on providing dogs with the best quality of life. Thankfully, there are three key products that can help support Cushing's.

Cushing's disease is the result of excessive levels of cortisol (a steroid hormone) in your dog's body for a long period of time. Cortisol is naturally produced by the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidneys. During times of stress, or simply when more cortisol is needed, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands signal the adrenal glands to release more of the hormone into the body. There are three types of Cushing's disease that disrupt this process, and create a harmful level of cortisol in the body.

• Pituitary dependent - Affecting the majority of dogs with the disease, a tumor develops on the pituitary gland, signalling the adrenals to overproduce cortisol.
• Adrenal dependent - Much less frequently, a tumor may develop on one of the adrenal glands, directly leading to the overproduction of cortisol.
• Iatrogenic - After chronic use of corticosteroid drugs, used to treat other illnesses, Cushing's-like signs begin to develop.

How do you know if your dog is suffering from Cushing's? The disease is not very easy to diagnose, as cortisol levels fluctuate in the body at all times. A dog with Cushing's may exhibit these signs:

• Increased thirst and appetite
• Frequent urination
• Loss of hair
• Skin problems
• Panting
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Cushing's Care Kit for Dogs includes Adrenal Harmony Gold, Pet Melatonin, and Milk Thistle.

Adrenal Harmony Gold

This natural, liquid supplement was developed by our holistic veterinarians to support dogs with the physical manifestations of Cushing's. The therapeutic actions of the ingredients are: adaptogenic, antioxidant, and to give support to an overactive nervous system. These herbs are particularly suited to target the adrenal glands and their functions, but also exert an effect on the pituitary and hypothalamus glands.

"Adaptogens" are a classification of herbs considered to support the adrenals, helping the body adapt naturally to stressors and produce normal, healthy levels of cortisol. Unlike drugs, adaptogens will not stimulate or depress adrenal function, but instead they will help the glands normalize their production of hormones. As antioxidants, they will also combat oxidative (free radical) damage that can lead to degeneration.

Together, the ingredients in Adrenal Harmony Gold target key cellular mechanisms to help maintain normal balance.

Pet Melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone produced in the pineal gland of dogs (and other animals), and plays a large role in regulating sleep patterns. It also has a role in the regulation of cortisol production.

In dogs, melatonin supplementation has been shown to target the adrenal cells and the amount of cortisol they make. This may support normal hair growth, normal appetite, and regular urination in dogs. It has been shown that having a consistent level of melatonin in the body can help support balanced cortisol output by the adrenal glands. Melatonin inhibits some of the enzymes needed for the body to produce more cortisol.

Pet Melatonin is different from the melatonin used for human consumption. Unlike capsules or tablets, its unique liquid form makes it ideal to administer to dogs of all sizes in the correct amounts. It is synthetically derived and not made from the pineal glands of pigs. A synthetic melatonin ensures safety from viruses or other microbes that can be present in animal tissues. Pet Melatonin is also not a quick release or a slow acting form of melatonin. A simple form of melatonin is the ideal way to administer this supplement to a dog, and not quick or slow release. Pet Melatonin is enhanced with natural bacon flavor so it is something your dog will enjoy.

Milk Thistle

The liver performs dozens of different functions in the body, including clearing out toxins. Yet liver disease (including cirrhosis) is one of the most common health problems in older canines. It can damage all functions of the dog's liver, leading to very harmful health effects. Milk Thistle can help protect your pet against fatty liver, which is a risk if your pet suffers from Cushing's disease (due to elevated blood sugar levels).

Even canines without liver disease may need support to metabolize and excrete prescription medications, which are often damaging to the liver.

Milk Thistle should be administered to every dog taking liver-taxing medications and especially if the liver is damaged or diseased. Milk Thistle is not contradicted with conventional medications and is gentle enough for long term use.

Why choose this kit for your canine friend?

• Certified organic and ethically wild-harvested herbal ingredients:  Our formulas are entirely prepared from organically grown and ethically wild-harvested herbs.
• Good Manufacturing Practices:  All of our formulas are manufactured in a facility that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Full Spectrum Extract:  The full biochemical spectrum of the herbs is preserved  to ensure the potency of the extract.  All raw materials are tested for identification and purity.
• Every batch tested:  Every batch of our Adrenal Harmony Gold is tested to ensure the highest quality and potency.  Every single batch.
• FDA-Registered Facility:  Our manufacturing facility is FDA-registered.  Strict quality control procedures are meticulously monitored.
• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Guidelines:  PetWellbeing.com complies with the provisions of the CVM's good guidance practices for pet dietary supplements.  All ingredients and caution statements adhere to these national guidelines.
• It's Guaranteed:  In addition to the superior quality of our products, you are also protected by our Five-Star Experience or it's FREE guarantee.

Who makes Cushing's Care Kit for Dogs?

These products are made by Pet Wellbeing, founded in 2001.  Our goal? To bring the wisdom and experience of our caring holistic veterinarians to your pet. When your pet is healthy, you're happy.

To fulfill our vision, our on-staff, holistic veterinarians have developed formulas using time-honored, traditional uses of herbs, and integrated the latest scientific research.  It is our aim to produce the best products for your pet that we can.

How to Use Cushing's Care Kit

• Under 30 lb: Give one drop per 2 lb (1 kg) of body weight
• 30 - 34 lb: 0.75 ml
• 35 - 44 lb: 1.0 ml
• 45 - 64 lb: 1.25 ml
• 65 - 79 lb: 1.5 ml
• 80 - 99 lb: 1.75 ml
• 100 - 119 lb: 2.0 ml
• 120+ lb: 2.25 ml

Shake well before use. Does not require refrigeration.

NOTE: If your dog has taken this formula for two weeks+ and you have not seen the expected results, you can safely double the administration amount.

• 1 - 10 lb..... 0.25 ml (1/4 dropper)
• 11 - 25 lb..... 0.5 ml (1/2 dropper)
• 26 - 100 lb..... 1 ml (1 full dropper)
• 100+ lb..... 1 - 2 ml (1 - 2 full droppers)

For use beyond two months, reduce daily amount by half. Do not administer to dogs under one year of age. Shake well. Does not require refrigeration.

• Under 30 lb: Give one drop per 1 lb (0.5 kg) of body weight
• 30 - 34 lb: 1.5 ml
• 35 - 44 lb: 2.0 ml
• 45 - 64 lb: 2.5 ml
• 65 - 79 lb: 3.0 ml
• 80 - 99 lb: 3.5 ml
• 100 - 119 lb: 4.0 ml
• 120+ lb: 4.5 ml

Cautions:

• If animal's condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian. 
• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Do not use with blood thinners.
• Do not use with conventional Cushing's disease medications.
• May be a GI irritant.
• An examination from a veterinarian is recommended prior to using this product.
  

• If animal's condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian.
• Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation.
• May cause drowsiness after administration.
• Caution with concomitant use of MAO inhibitors and sedatives.

• Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.
• If animal's condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian.
• An examination from a veterinarian is recommended prior to using this product. 
  

• Fresh Ashwagandha root (Withania somniferum):  A primary adaptogen in this formula, Ashwagandha assists the adrenal glands directly to respond normally and produce healthy amounts of cortisol. This is a well-known herb for helping the body's stress levels and supporting normal, restful sleep.
• Holy Basil leaf (Ocimum sanctum):  Also called Tulsi, Holy Basil is a gentle adaptogen for supporting the adrenal glands. Of key importance, adaptogens will neither cause the body to relax nor become stimulated, necessarily. Rather, their action is to assist the body to adapt as needed and bring it back into balance. For that reason, adaptogens are used for a variety of reasons when normal adrenal function is desired.
• Fresh Turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa):  One of the best antioxidant herbs available, Turmeric also supports liver health. Turmeric can be difficult for the body to absorb. Our extraction method using fresh, organic Turmeric is an extremely potent liquid extract, much stronger than a simple glycerin extraction. It captures all of the useful constituents of this herb, including curcumin and other curcuminoids.
• Bacopa herb (Bacopa monnieri):  Bacopa exhibits uses both as an adaptogen and as an antioxidant. It has also been used for stress and is said to generally contribute to healthy moods and cognitive function.
• Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus):  Another popular adaptogen, Astragalus helps the body's normal ability to adapt to stress. It also contains polysaccharides, constituents that assist the body's normal immune response to fight off bacteria and viruses.
• Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum):  A gentle and effective herb for normal liver function, Milk Thistle supports the liver's metabolization of drugs and toxins for excretion. Another function of the liver is to denature (take apart) circulating hormones, thereby helping to keep the balance of hormones in the body.
• Blessed Thistle flower (Cnicus benedictus):  Blessed or Holy Thistle has similar uses as Milk Thistle for liver support. Additionally, it has been shown to exhibit support for the immune system and digestion.
• Chaste Tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus):  Used for its gentle, tonic action on the anterior pituitary, Vitex is an amphoteric herb, meaning it will help maintain normal hormonal levels, rather than cause them to go higher or lower. Vitex is included in this formula for its affect on the pituitary's action in adrenal hormone regulation.
• Prickly Ash bark (Zanthoxylum americanum):  Used by many First Nations communities at one time, the bark of the Prickly Ash tree has been termed an "alterative", meaning that it will help support normal flow of lymphatic circulation. It also helps maintain normal arterial and capillary circulation.

... 485 mg per ml

Inactive ingredients: Deionized water, natural bacon flavor, vegetable glycerin.

• Melatonin... 3 mg per ml

Inactive ingredients: Deionized water, natural bacon flavor, vegetable glycerin.

• Organic Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum)

... 333 mg per ml 

Inactive Ingredients: Deionized water, natural bacon flavor, vegetable glycerin.