How to monitor your dog's Cushing's disease for your vet
Last reviewed 11 June 2026 · a 4-minute read for owners
A short note on drinking, appetite, and panting goes a long way: how much water they're taking, their appetite, how much they're panting or seeking out cool spots, and anything you notice about coat, skin, or muscle tone. These signs shift slowly, and a dated log is what shows your vet whether they're settling or building between visits.
What to note each day
- Water intakeLess than usual, about the same, or more than usual.
- AppetiteLess than usual, about the same, or more than usual.
- Panting or heat-seekingNone, some, or a lot.
- Coat, skin, or muscle toneAnything noticeable — thinning coat, skin changes, or loss of muscle.
Why your vet wants this, not your memory
Cushing's is followed on slow changes in thirst, appetite, panting, and coat alongside test results. The day-to-day picture lives at home and is easy to misjudge from memory. A dated log lets your vet line up what you're seeing with the numbers and judge how treatment is settling.
Common questions
Do I need exact measurements?
No. A sense of whether drinking, appetite, or panting is up, down, or steady is enough to show your vet a trend.
Why does water intake matter so much?
Changes in thirst are one of the more visible day-to-day signs owners can follow. Note what you see and let your vet interpret it against the testing.
Does a log replace check-ups?
No. It works alongside the tests and reviews your vet schedules, and makes those appointments more useful.
What's the easiest way to keep a Cushing's log?
Whatever you'll keep up with. A digital log captures the date for you and lets you share the whole record with your vet without rewriting it. Taile is a free way to do this.
Keep the record without the rewriting
Note each day in seconds and bring the full picture to your next appointment. Free for owners.
Start a free log