Addison’s Syndrome in dogs

Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) happens when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough vital hormones—primarily cortisol.

These hormones are essential for:

• Stress response

• Blood pressure regulation

• Electrolyte balance (sodium & potassium)

• Energy, digestion, and immune stability

Addison’s is often called “the great pretender” because symptoms can be vague and come and go:

• Lethargy, weakness

• Poor appetite, weight loss

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Shaking, trembling

• Sensitivity to stress

• Collapse during an Addisonian crisis

Traditional veterinary care (essential & non-negotiable)

but there is so much you can do 'naturally' to support that care.

Conventional treatment focuses on hormone replacement:

• DOCP injections or fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone

• Prednisone (low dose) to replace cortisol

• Regular blood tests to monitor electrolytes

With proper management, dogs with Addison’s can live long, happy lives — but stress management is crucial. It's the key and energy work can really play a role in this way.

In Eden Energy Medicine, the adrenals are deeply linked with:

• Kidney meridians (vitality, fear, resilience)

• Triple Warmer (stress response)

• Central & Governing meridians (overall regulation)

  
  

Try this technique which can help:

• Calm chronic stress patterns

• Support adrenal energy without overstimulation

• Help the dog adapt more smoothly to daily and emotional stress

1. One hand over the adrenal area

   • Place your hand gently on the dog’s mid-to-lower back, just above the kidneys

2. Other hand on the forehead or chest

   • Forehead = calming, nervous system soothing

   • Chest = heart connection and grounding

3. Hold quietly for 1–2 minutes

   • Breathe slowly

   • Let the dog set the pace

   • Watch for sighing, softening, licking, or leaning in

This can be done:

• Once daily

• Before stressful events (vet visits, travel, visitors)

• During recovery from illness or emotional upset

Bring all your love, attention and focus to this adrenal hold and 'talk to the energies' e.g. Every single cell in your body is renewing with health and vitality and deal beautifully with any stress. Everything this coming back into balance.

You might also try .....

• Triple Warmer Smooth-Down

  • Helps prevent stress spikes that can trigger symptoms

• Kidney Meridian Tracing

  • Encourages vitality and confidence

• Neurovascular holds for stress

  • Light touch on the forehead to calm the stress response

With Addison’s, avoid aggressive stimulation or long, activating routines.

Less really is more.

• Keep it slow, soft, and consistent

• Stop early if the dog disengages

• This simple routine supports the stress response and adrenal energy, alongside veterinary care. When to use this routine

  • Once daily (same time helps)

  • Before known stressors (vet visits, visitors, travel)

  • After illness, emotional upset, or disrupted routine

1. Ground & Connect (30–60 seconds)

• One hand on the chest (heart area)

• One hand resting gently on the back or shoulder

Why

• Anchors the dog in safety

• Calms the nervous system

• Sets a relaxed baseline before other work

Signs it’s working: sighing, blinking, leaning in, soft eyes

2. Adrenal Support Hold (1–2 minutes)

• One hand over the mid-lower back (adrenal/kidney area)

• Other hand on the forehead or top of head

Why

• Supports adrenal energy without over-activating

• Balances Kidney–Triple Warmer stress patterns

Tip: This is perhaps the most important part — don’t rush it.

3. Kidney Meridian Trace (1–2 minutes)

• Slowly trace up from the back paws, up the inside legs

• straight up the belly to the collarbone.

• Do one side, then the other OR both at the same time, depending upon your dog

Why

• Kidney meridian supports vitality, resilience, and stress recovery

• Particularly helpful for dogs who fatigue easily

Go slowly — imagine “stroking confidence into the body.” Kidney sits in Water Element that governs 'fear', so this can reduce any fear 'stuck' in the body.

4. Triple Warmer Smooth-Down (1 minute)

• With flat hands, gently smooth from:

  • The sides of the head - along the jaw (Mummy lick)

  • Down the neck

  • Over shoulders and down the sides of the shoulders and off the front paws

Why

• Reduces over-reaction to stress

• Helps prevent stress-triggered crashes

Pressure should be soothing, never brisk. Experiment, get curious, some dogs will respond better if you work in the biofield .... let your dog lead you with his reactions.

5. Closing Hold (30–60 seconds)

One hand over lower back, one hand on shoulder (connects to Heart chakra)

Smile, breathe, talk to the energies.

• Integrates the energy work

• Signals completion and safety

• Supports calm

Over time look for subtle signs of benefit:

• More even energy

• Faster recovery after stress

• Better appetite and engagement

• Calmer response to change

This little routine isn’t about “fixing” — it’s about helping the dog feel safe enough for their system to function well. To me, it helps support their natural self-healing ability.