🔍 Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs and Cats – A 2025 Vet’s Guide to Early Detection

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🧠 What Is Cushing’s Syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) is caused by chronic overproduction of cortisol, a hormone that regulates metabolism and stress response. When produced in excess, it disrupts many body systems over time. 🧪

🐶 Symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome in Dogs

In dogs, the onset of Cushing’s is usually gradual—many signs are mistaken for aging. Here are the most common changes owners notice:

🚰 Increased Thirst & Urination

• Dogs may drink far more than one cup per 10 lbs of body weight per day
• Increased urination, including incontinence and nighttime accidents
• Urinary tract infections may be present due to dilute urine

🍽️ Ravenous Appetite

• Dogs may beg constantly or steal food
• Increased appetite doesn’t mean the pet is “healthy”

🏀 Pot-Bellied Appearance

• Seen in >90% of dogs with Cushing’s
• Caused by weakened abdominal muscles and fat redistribution
• Often includes an enlarged liver

💪 Muscle Weakness

• Dogs may avoid stairs, hesitate to jump, or tire easily
• Breakdown of muscle protein leads to lethargy and poor tone

🧴 Skin & Coat Changes

Cushing’s can cause classic hormonal skin disease:

• Symmetrical hair loss (usually spares the head and legs)
• Thin, wrinkled skin that bruises easily
• Hair that doesn't regrow after clipping
• Persistent or recurring skin infections
• Darkened skin or blackheads (especially on the belly)
• Calcinosis cutis: calcium deposits in the skin, forming hard, raised plaques

🌀 Other Possible Signs

• 😤 Excessive panting or shortness of breath
• 🩸 High blood pressure
• 🔻 Protein loss in urine
• 🐾 Rare: severe stiffness (pseudomyotonia)

🚨 Complications from Untreated Cushing’s

Left untreated, Cushing’s can lead to:

• 🪨 Calcium oxalate bladder stones
• 💉 Diabetes mellitus
• 🫁 Pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clots in the lungs)

🐱 Cushing’s Syndrome in Cats

😼 Common Signs in Cats

• Increased thirst and urination
• Muscle wasting and weight loss
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Thin coat and fragile skin (can tear spontaneously)
• Curling of ear tips (unique to feline Cushing’s)

📉 Diabetes is the Big Clue

💡 In contrast to dogs, 80% of cats with Cushing’s are diabetic. Most are diagnosed with diabetes first—Cushing’s is suspected when insulin resistance becomes a problem.

• 💉 Diabetes that doesn’t respond to normal insulin doses may indicate Cushing’s
• 🐱 Cats with non-diabetic Cushing’s often don’t drink excessively

📲 Ask A Vet for Symptom Review

If your pet is showing increased thirst, belly bloating, or changes in coat or behavior, don’t assume it’s just aging. Connect with the Ask A Vet App for real-time support. 📱🐶🐱

Our team can help determine whether Cushing’s testing should be your next step. Visit AskAVet.com today. 🩺

✅ Summary: Key Symptoms by Species

Dogs:

• 🚰 Excessive thirst and urination
• 🍖 Increased appetite
• 🏀 Pot belly, weak muscles
• 🧴 Skin thinning, hair loss, blackheads
• 😤 Panting, high BP, bladder infections

Cats:

• 💧 Increased thirst/urination (if diabetic)
• 🐱 Thin, fragile skin
• 🎯 Ear tip curling
• 💉 Insulin-resistant diabetes is often the clue

💬 Final Words from Dr Duncan Houston

Cushing’s is a sneaky condition that mimics aging—but it’s absolutely treatable. Whether your dog is panting more or your cat’s diabetes isn’t under control, pay attention to the signs. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. 🐾🧬

Need a second opinion or want to go over lab work? Reach out via the Ask A Vet App or at AskAVet.com. We’re here to help. 🩺🐶🐱