Your Dog’s Endocrine System
Dog Anatomy; the dog’s heart is a major (unofficial) endocrine gland
The endocrine system regulates hormones (chemical messengers), and controls mood, growth, development, metabolism, reproduction and organ function in your dog. Temperature, blood sugar and fluid levels are all a part of your dog’s metabolism.
Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood where they travel to “target cells”. These target cell’s cell membranes house hormone receptors for each hormone type.
Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors in your dog’s environment and food are becoming more and more prevalent. It’s important to know common endocrine disruptors in helping your dog avoid them.
Endocrine glands, and their immediate corresponding organs, are listed below.
Key: Endocrine Gland (internal organs)
Pineal (brain)
Pituitary (brain)
Thyroid, parathyroid (thyroid)
Thymus (heart, lungs)
Adrenals (stomach, spleen, liver, gall bladder, small intestine, kidneys, pancreas)
Ovaries (large intestine, uterus, ovaries)
Testes (bladder, penis, testes, anus)
The pineal gland, responsible for the circadian rhythm, protrudes from the middle brain region. Your dog’s circadian rhythm is an internal clock dictating multiple body processes specific to a time of day. For example, your dog’s liver is at its peak detox stage at 1am to 3am.
The “master gland”, the pituitary, sits at the brain’s base and controls the other glands in the endocrine system.
Sitting under the“Adam’s apple” at the neck’s center, the thyroid contains four tiny embedded glands, the parathyroids. Thyroid hormones, responsible for weight management and energy production, stimulate your dog’s metabolism. The parathyroids release parathyroid hormone, regulating calcium, phosphorous and magnesium metabolism in the bones and blood. Parathyroid disorders can lead to many problems including excess blood calcium, brittle bones and kidney stones.
Behind the center of your dog’s rib cage lies the thymus gland, secreting critical hormones for the lymphatic system and immunity.
The adrenal glands, one atop each kidney, secrete hormones involved in your pet’s stress response, commonly known as “fight or flight” response.
The ovaries and testes, your dog’s reproductive organs, not only secrete sperm and ova but also hormones estrogen and progesterone. If your dog is fixed, they most likely have hormone imbalances and endocrine system disruption. This can be supported through a customized diet, herbs and/or natural supplements.
An Unofficial Endocrine Gland: Your Dog’s Heart
It’s important to mention although the 18th century endocrine system theory helps organize the body’s functioning, a holistic approach recognizes every bodily organ produces hormones significantly altering functioning. Every part of your dog’s body is critical as everything is connected and interrelated.
An important, if not THE most important gland of your dog’s body is their heart. Traditionally, the heart has not been listed as a gland in the endocrine system, however, work by Marc Cantin and Jacques Genest explains the heart as a major endocrine organ and its secretion of newly discovered hormones interacting with other hormones. I don’t know why the heart is often still disregarded in modern medicine as an endocrine gland, but I think it’s a critical consideration in viewing your dog’s health from a holistic perspective.
Stephen Buhner in The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Heart as an Organ of Perception in the Direct Perception of Nature, “…it turns out that every organ in the body produces hormones, molecular substances that significantly alter physical functioning…There is, in fact, no such thing as the endocrine system, and contrary to most medical thinking, the heart in one of the major endocrine glands in the body.”
Nonetheless, the endocrine system helps us comprehend hormones and how glands and hormones operate simultaneously.
The endocrine system, or any body system, examines one perspective in understanding one larger interconnected system, the whole body.
Common Dog Endocrine Disorders
Listed below are common (not all) endocrine disorders in dogs.
Addison’s disease
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes
Graves’ disease
Hashimoto thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
Common Symptoms of Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine gland imbalances, in turn, create hormonal imbalances; either under- or over-production of hormones. When hormone imbalances persist, endocrine disease develops. Your dog may experience more than one of the symptoms listed below if their endocrine system has been disrupted. Specific symptoms depends on the affected glands and their corresponding hormones.
Appetite change
Behavior changes (EX: increased stress or anxiety)
Change in thirst
Continuous vomiting
Dramatic weight change
Fatigue
Increased panting
Increased urination
Persistant diarrhea
Skin and coat changes
Note: The list above isn’t a complete list but includes common symptoms displayed in dogs.
Supporting Your Dog’s Endocrine System
Avoid Endocrine Disruptors and Synthetic Hormones
Endocrine health relies on proper hormone attachment to its corresponding receptor. Upon attachment, hormones alter cell activity in maintaining balance.
Synthetic (lab-created) hormones and xenoestrogens can clog receptors and interfere with proper hormone secretion and absorption. Xenoestrogens are chemicals, or toxin by-products, imitating estrogen.
It’s important hormones are naturally synthesized by your dog’s body or naturally occurring in nature and otherwise, wreaks havoc on your dog’s endocrine system.
In clogging the receptors, synthetic hormones can make it impossible for internally generated (natural hormones) to attach, throwing off equilibrium and disrupting cellular function.
With longterm exposure of synthetic hormones or endocrine disruptors, the body can cue for less of a hormone needed and natural hormone generation declines, OR, the body can overproduce hormones in compensating.
Endocrine disruptors block hormones from their receptors. For example, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates from plastics cause hormone interference. Protect your dog now and avoid, or eliminate, common endocrine disruptors listed below.
Commercial laundry detergents
Commercial dog shampoos and conditioners
Metal food can liners
Memory foam dog beds (including flame retardants in beds and bed covers)
Pesticides in commercial dog foods
Plastic bottled water
Plastic water and food bowls
Plastic and rubber toys
Specific xenoestrogen chemicals include 4-MBC, Alkylphenols, Atrazine, BHA, Bisphenol A (BPA), DDE, DDT, Dieldrin, Dioxins, Endosulfan, Erythrosine, Heptachlor, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Nonylphenol, Parabens, PBBs, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, PHBA, Phthalates and Propyl gallate. The list goes on…
Plant chemical constituents helpful in detoxifying excess xenoestrogens include Auxins, Indoles found in Auxins including Indole acetic acid (IAA) and saponins.
Why is this important? Endocrine disruption and hormone imbalances overtime lead to disease and cancer. When it comes to diseases and cancer, it’s important to use preventative measures as much as possible before things get out of control. Yes, it seems some environmental toxins are unavoidable, but control the things you can control, as much as possible, when it comes to your dog’s health.
You can dramatically decrease your dog’s endocrine disruptor load just by feeding your dog a fresh, whole food diet in glass bowls, giving natural toys (for example, toys made of hemp rope), eliminating commercial candles, air freshener sprays and plug-ins, and using natural (or homemade) laundry detergents and shampoos.
Lighting Affecting Your Dog’s Endocrine System
Your blue screens and LED bulbs are disrupting your dog’s endocrine system.
The pineal gland receives lighting feedback from the retina and produces melatonin accordingly. The gland produces more melatonin when light decreases.
Blue light, containing higher energy and shorter wavelengths than other colors, disrupts your dog’s pineal gland functioning, throwing off their circadian rhythm and impacting hormone levels, namely melatonin and serotonin. Televisions, cell phones, laptops, LED and fluorescent lighting, and most all electronic devices emit blue light.
Use incandescent bulbs rather than LED and avoid electronics around your dog. For night-time, use red or amber incandescent lights in helping your dog’s pineal gland regulation.
Animal Reiki Therapy
The endocrine system, considered a recent medicinal development, correlates with the Chakra system, an ancient system originating in India, representing the life force or energy within your pet's body and mind.
Reiki, a meditation system with an intention in physical, mental and emotional balance and healing, optimizes your pet’s chakras and helps support glandular health.
Spinning energy wheels aligned down the spine, each Chakra correlates with a particular endocrine organ and nervous activity. Balanced chakra energy can enhance endocrine glands and initiate critical biochemical processes.
Key: Endocrine Gland (Chakra)
Pineal (Crown Chakra)
Pituitary (Third Eye Chakra)
Thyroid, parathyroid (Throat Chakra)
Thymus (Heart Chakra)
Adrenals (Solar Plexus)
Ovaries (Root and Sacral)
Testes (Root and Sacral)
If your dog experiences an insufficient gland, support its associated chakra, and balance all chakras, with a reiki session (book a distance dog reiki session here https://www.dogherbalist.com/book-a-consultation)
Reducing Stress for Optimal Endocrine System Function
Achieving and maintaining endocrine hormone balance relies on the nervous system’s parasympathetic (relaxed) state. In other words, your dog (and you) being relaxed and enjoying life is critical for their overall health. I say “you" because your dog feels, and smells, your stress.
In an excessive sympathetic state (the stress or “fight or flight” response state), the entire endocrine system is disrupted.
Chronic stress, whether emotional or physical (environmental or dietary toxins), causes continuous stress hormone release. For example, when your pet is constantly stressed, the adrenals, working overtime, release excess adrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone, and causes a domino effect in overworking other endocrine glands.
Reduce stress in your dog’s life by giving them daily outside exercise, minimizing toxins, reducing radiation exposure, incorporating animal Reiki healing, offering flower essences and maintaining a peaceful environment in your home (managing your stress).
Chiropractic Adjustments Support a Healthy Endocrine System
Getting your dog chiropractic adjustments (from an experienced, reputable chiropractor who specializes in canines) can help support the endocrine system, as an adjunct to healing, or used as prevention.
Hormones and endocrine health is found at the center of your dog’s spine. The endocrine glands transmit messages to your dog’s spinal cord and spinal adjustments can help with hormonal imbalances. Adjustments signal messages to the brain which cascades to the entire endocrine system. It’s important to always remember: everything in your dog’s body is connected.
Endocrine System’s Dependence on a Healthy Diet
Fresh, whole foods support glandular tissue health. The endocrine system receives signals or messages dependent on your dog’s quality food.
Your dog’s diet and endocrine glands function cyclically; glandular secretions depend on what they eat and proper digestion depends on hormones dependent on the endocrine system.
An optimal diet includes filtering your dog’s water. Endocrine disrupters including flourine and chloride lurk in your tap water.
Herbs and Mushroom Support for Your Dog’s Endocrine System
You can help support your dog’s endocrine system with natural remedies below.
Remedies below are not intended to be all taken by one dog, rather, it’s important you carefully select remedies suitable to your dog as an individual.
Dosage Guidelines: Give recommended dosages below either 30 minutes before or two hours after eating unless dosage states “With Meals”.
For “diluted drop”, mix with water 1:1 and administer half.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) Tincture
The endocrine system relies on proper types, and amounts, of healthy oils in assimilating and processing oil soluble hormones. Burdock helps balance fats and oils in helping transportation and availability of hormones.
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 2 drops 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 4 drops 2x daily
Large Dogs: 6 drops 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 8 drops 2x daily
Note: Burdock root tincture contains alkaloids; give no more than eight weeks at a time.
Poke Root (Phytolacca decandra) Tincture
Poke root helps stimulate under-active endocrine glands. Under-active glands cause apathy (for example, a disinterest in playing toys when your dog used to love toys) and exhaustion.
Poke thins thick, stagnant fluids, enhancing the environment through which hormones travel. It especially influences the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and sex glands.
Note: Low doses and short term use only.
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 diluted drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 1 diluted drop 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Large Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 2 drops 2x daily
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Powder
Ashwagandha can help reduce adrenal gland enlargement, maintaining appropriate adrenal hormone secretions, decreasing cortisol and helping reduce the body’s stress response.
Note: Avoid using Ashwagandha with hyperthyroid or Graves disease.
Suggested Dosage (With Meals): 100 mg per 10 lbs bodyweight given 2x daily
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Decoction
Licorice root contains naturally-occurring steroids which help enhance the adrenal cortex function and restore insufficient adrenals. It facilitates cortisol response (managing stress), and supports endocrine hormone balance. It’s considered a phytoestrogen, attaching to estrogen receptors and protecting your pet’s body from xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors).
Use a decoction preparation for licorice by boiling two tablespoons of root per one cup of water, for 15 minutes, cool for at least 45 minutes, strain and serve when liquid reaches room temperature.
Suggested Dosages (With Meals):
Extra-Small Dogs: 1/2 tsp 2x daily
Small Dogs: 3/4 tsp 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 1 1/2 tsp 2x daily
Large Dogs: 2 tsp 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 3 tsp 2x daily
Note: Avoid with high blood pressure. “Deglycyrrhizinated” licorice removes glycyrrhizin, an active chemical constituent causing blood pressure elevation.
Borage (Borago officinalis) Flower Essence
Borage’s energy vibration positively affects high up the endocrine chain, on the hypothalamus and pituitary, cascading benefits downward in working on all endocrine glands. Borage calms extreme nervous exhaustion, making it a helpful adrenal and thyroid remedy.
Suggested Dosage: Four drops for any sized pet given 2x daily 30 mins before or two hours after meals
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinesis) Mushroom Powder
Cordyceps assists the body in balancing estrogen and progesterone and supports the adrenal glands. Cordyceps regulates your dog’s adrenals, helping them manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight and immune system.
Utilize the mushroom’s mycelium and fruiting body; same doses of each (dosages listed below).
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1/8 tsp 2x daily
Small Dogs: 1/4 tsp 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 1/2 tsp 2x daily
Large Dogs: 3/4 tsp 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 1 tsp 2x daily
Gemmotherapies for Endocrine Support
Gemmotherapies, plant stem cell therapies, also known as phytoembryonic therapies, support hormone regulation and an optimally functioning endocrine system. They can be highly effective for illnesses afflicting the thyroid, adrenal glands and reproductive systems.
Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) Gemmotherapy Mother Extract
The adrenal glands provide energy and strengthen immunity. Black currant gemmotherapy (mother extract) is extremely high in vitamin C, stimulates the immune system and boosts adrenal function.
Important Note: Avoid Black Currant in dogs with cortisol excess. Black Currant increase cortisol Discontinue administering if increased anxiety or panting occurs.
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 diluted drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 3 drops 2x daily
Large Dogs: 5 drops 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 7 drops 2x daily
Sequoia (Sequoia gigantea) Gemmotherapy Mother Extract
Traditionally used by Native Americans as a hormonal stimulant, Sequoia supports optimal functioning of reproductive glands (ovaries and testes).
For male dogs, Sequoia decongests the prostate and increases sperm production. For intact female pets, Sequoia can help restore irregular menstrual cycles back to normal.
Sequoia supports the adrenals, helping increase energy levels. It’s well indicated for fatigue coinciding with prostatic diseases (males) or menstrual irregularity in intact females.
I recommend using Sequoia short-term only and only use if it’s well indicated for your dog.
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 2 drop 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 4 drops 2x daily
Large Dogs: 5 drops 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 7 drops 2x daily
Oak (Quercus robur) Gemmotherapy Mother Extract
If your dog has been overburdened with a lifetime of health issues and is now in older age, or if your dog has been stressed or exhausted over a long time period, their adrenal glands are most likely worn out. Oak can help restore the adrenals.
When adrenal insufficiency and fatigue has led to hormone imbalances and infertility, Oak helps increase testosterone production and stimulate the ovaries
Note: When using Oak, use small doses (no more than 6 drops for a very large dog) and short-term administration only (two weeks or less) with Oak; it’s a strong remedy. I also recommend giving the suggested dosages below in with a little filtered water before giving to your dog to calm the strong tannic flavor. Try a drop of the preparation yourself before giving it to your dog to taste whether it needs more water.
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 diluted drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 2 drops 2x daily
Large Dogs: 3 drops 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 4 drops 2x daily
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Gemmotherapy Mother Extract
Raspberry promotes ovarian health, balancing corresponding hormones and supporting the female reproductive system.
Raspberry’s B6 content helps regulate hormones by binding to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. High in vitamin C, Raspberry supports the adrenal glands, reducing cortisol levels (stress).
Suggested Dosages:
Extra-Small Dogs: 1 drop 2x daily
Small Dogs: 3 drops 2x daily
Medium Dogs: 5 drops 2x daily
Large Dogs: 7 drops 2x daily
Extra-Large Dogs: 9 drops 2x daily
References
Allegretti, Jan and Sommers, Katy D.V.M. The Complete Holistic Dog Book. Celestial Arts, 2003.
Buhner, Stephen. The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Heart as an Organ of Perception in the Direct Perception of Nature. Bear and Company, Rochester, 2004.
Cantin, Marc and Genest, Jacques. The Heart as an Endocrine Gland.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24975892
Halfon, Roger, M.D. Gemmotherapy: The Science of Healing with Plant Stem Cells. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, 2005.
Spear, Heidi E. Chakras: A Beginner’s Guide to Healing. Fall River Press, New York, 2014.
Walker, Pip. Holistic Anatomy. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, 2010.
Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, 2008.