What are the signs of addison's disease in dogs?

Episodes of lethargy and weakness; Vomiting and diarrhoea that come and go; Poor appetite; Weight loss; Shaking; Sudden collapse in a crisis.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

Collapse, profound weakness or uncontrolled vomiting in a diagnosed dog is an emergency; give any prescribed emergency medication and go straight to a vet.

Hormonal disease · Updated 2026-09-29

Addison's disease in dogs

Under-production of adrenal hormones causing vague, waxing-and-waning illness that can suddenly escalate into a life-threatening crisis.

Urgent veterinary attentionDogs

Veterinary examination relevant to addison's disease in dogs

Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse — Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

Episodes of lethargy and weakness
Vomiting and diarrhoea that come and go
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Shaking
Sudden collapse in a crisis

Causes and risk factors

Immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands is most common; abrupt withdrawal of long-term steroid medication can also cause it.

How veterinarians diagnose it

Blood tests showing characteristic sodium and potassium changes, confirmed with an ACTH stimulation test.

Treatment and management

Lifelong hormone replacement (daily tablets and/or monthly injections) with dose adjustments during stress. A crisis needs emergency hospital care.

Prevention

Not preventable, but knowing the breed predispositions (poodles, setters, some terriers) speeds recognition.

Outlook

Excellent with treatment — most dogs live a normal lifespan once stabilised.

Common questions

What are the signs of addison's disease in dogs?: Episodes of lethargy and weakness; Vomiting and diarrhoea that come and go; Poor appetite; Weight loss; Shaking; Sudden collapse in a crisis.
What causes addison's disease in dogs?: Immune-mediated destruction of the adrenal glands is most common; abrupt withdrawal of long-term steroid medication can also cause it.
How is addison's disease in dogs diagnosed?: Blood tests showing characteristic sodium and potassium changes, confirmed with an ACTH stimulation test.
How is addison's disease in dogs treated?: Lifelong hormone replacement (daily tablets and/or monthly injections) with dose adjustments during stress. A crisis needs emergency hospital care.
Can addison's disease in dogs be prevented?: Not preventable, but knowing the breed predispositions (poodles, setters, some terriers) speeds recognition.
When should I contact a veterinarian?: Collapse, profound weakness or uncontrolled vomiting in a diagnosed dog is an emergency; give any prescribed emergency medication and go straight to a vet.