Is your dog showing changes in behavior recently?

Is your dog showing changes in behavior recently?

Is your dog showing changes in behavior recently? Is it droopy and moody, or could it be showing signs of unknown disease? In case you are suspecting Addison’s disease, here is an insight into identifying the condition your dog could be suffering.

Addison’s disease in dogs is difficult to diagnose due to the wide range of symptoms it depicts. It is often referred to as the great imitator. A Dog with Addison’s may experience bouts of gastroenteritis, dullness, low appetite, and poor response to stress. A notable trait also is the waxing and waning trait of the symptoms of Addison’s disease.

The reduction in levels of aldosterone produced has a pronounced impact on the dog’s health. It results in a decrease in levels of potassium, chloride, and sodium in serum, which in turn leads to complications in the heart and general circulatory system.

The other major steroid hormone whose production is affected by Addison’s is called Cortisol. The hormone plays a significant role in the dog’s health, such as regulating metabolism, the production of glucose, suppresses inflammation, and counteracts stress.

A reduction in the levels of Cortisol and aldosterone brings out the symptoms that veterinarians and pet owners see with the disease. The symptoms include;

Weight loss

A dog may depict drastic weight loss, which is as a result of reduced production of glucose in the body.

Anorexia

This condition often referred to as a lack of appetite. It is uncommon for dogs to lose appetite or even become choosy, which means that Anorexia is a red alert when it comes to the dog’s health.

Depression

A dog may show signs of depression, maybe generally moody and unreceptive, even after attempts to lighten up its moods.

Alopecia

This a condition where a dog loses fur from its skin.

Other symptoms of Addison’s include shaking, dehydration, weak pulse, fever, irregular heart rate, hyperpigmentation, and a painful abdomen. It is also essential to seek the services of a veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis of your dog.