Canine Addison disease requires precise stress dosing protocols to prevent life-threatening adrenal crises during illness, travel, or surgery, with owner education being the central welfare safeguard.
The central welfare risk in Addison disease is the adrenal crisis - acute, life-threatening collapse that is entirely preventable with appropriate stress dosing. The knowledge gap between what owners understand and what is required for safety is the primary welfare barrier. Owners who do not understand what constitutes a 'stressor', what dosing to apply, or when to seek emergency care cannot reliably prevent crises. Comprehensive owner education, written stress protocols, and emergency veterinary registration are the three most important welfare interventions after diagnosis.