Is your dog acting more tired than usual? Perhaps they want to skip the morning walk when they’re usually busting down the door as soon as you grab their leash. Or maybe you’ve noticed your pup has put on some extra mystery weight. These symptoms are common signs of hypothyroidism in dogs.
Of course, just because your pup has added some weight and seems lethargic, this doesn’t automatically mean they have hypothyroidism. However, it is worth learning more about this condition so you know what to keep an eye out for and when to talk to a vet.
Don’t worry. It sounds scary, but hypothyroidism in dogs is typically relatively easy to manage with proper treatment. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Before diving into hypothyroidism, you need to know about thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help your dog maintain a healthy metabolism and organ function. These hormones are produced by your pup’s thyroid gland, located in their neck, along the windpipe.
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when your pup’s thyroid gland isn’t making enough thyroid hormones. Consequently, lower thyroid hormone levels lead to a slower metabolism.
Your dog’s body is still working, just not as well as it could be. It’s kind of like a car running with a perpetually low gas tank and no way to refill it.
What Causes Hypothyroidism in Dogs?
According to a published study in BMC Veterinary Research, “Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs.” There are three main types, primary (caused by thyroid gland issues), secondary (pituitary gland), and tertiary (hypothalamus). Roughly 95% of dogs with hypothyroidism have the primary version.
Primary hypothyroidism can occur from various diseases or cancer. However, these causes are usually rare. Two of the most common processes leading to hypothyroidism in dogs are thyroiditis or atrophy.
- Thyroiditis is when a dog’s immune system creates inflammation within the thyroid glands, leading to a loss of healthy tissue. The process can take months or years and often has a hereditary component.
- Atrophy is when fat and connective tissue replace normal thyroid tissue. This can also occur as a final stage of thyroiditis.
Does My Dog Have Hypothyroidism?
Some health conditions are more common in certain breeds. New research suggests that dog breeds more predisposed to hypothyroidism include Standard Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Tibetan Terriers, and Alaskan Malamutes.
The risk of the condition appeared to increase with age. Males and females are at equal risk, but neutered and spayed pets seem to have higher rates of diagnosis.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, some breeds seem more resistant to hypothyroidism, including French Bulldogs, Yorkies, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Jack Russell Terriers. However, this doesn’t mean these breeds are immune to the condition.
So what does this mean for your pup? Overall, the best thing you can do is stay alert to any changes in your dog so you can spot potential signs. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the possible symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs.
- Decreased activity level
- Lethargy
- Intolerance to cold
- Abnormal hair loss
- Dry or dull coat
- Darkening skin
- Flaky, dry skin
- Recurring skin infections
- Frequent ear infections
- Slow hair regrowth
- Weight gain
These are all common signs of hypothyroidism, but it can be tricky to pinpoint them since they can occur gradually. (Some may not occur at all.) Depending on your pup’s age, you could easily mistake many of them as your pup simply getting older. (This is why addressing any changes promptly is so important.)
There are also other, less common signs. These rarer symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Low heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Coma
As with any condition, any time you notice your pup acting differently or changes in their physical appearance, stay vigilant. Bring any concerns to your vet, and always stay aware of your dog’s appearance and behavior.
What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Hypothyroidism
If you notice any of the above symptoms, or your dog just seems “off,” the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with the vet.
Hypothyroidism Diagnosis
Your vet will observe your dog for clinical signs and order routine lab work to look for any abnormalities. Hypothyroidism can sometimes mimic other conditions, so your veterinarian will first want to rule out other possibilities.
A definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism depends heavily on thyroid hormone levels, including Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, and TSH. The tests will also look for thyroid autoantibodies, which can indicate a genetic origin of the condition.
Treating Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition, but it is manageable in most cases. If the lab tests return a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, your vet will likely prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine.
You need to give your dog medication for the rest of their life, according to the dosage instructions provided by your vet. At first, your vet will likely want to see your dog every few weeks for follow-up testing and observations. They’ll note how your dog responds to the medicine to decide if they need to adjust the dosage.
After the initial diagnosis and first few weeks, your dog will need periodic blood tests and exams to monitor their condition. The good news is that many dogs experience improvements after the first few weeks on medication.
You might notice your pup seems more energetic and starts to return to a normal weight. Other symptoms, like hair regrowth, might take longer.
Is Hypothyroidism Deadly in Dogs?
Although it sounds like a big, scary word, hypothyroidism is highly treatable, and many dogs live long, happy lives with the condition. The key is to stay consistent with medication, monitoring, and follow-up testing.
Tips for Managing Your Dog’s Hypothyroidism at Home
Once your dog is on medication and under a vet’s care, it’s important to know how you can help them live their best life at home.
- Stick to a routine and give your dog their medicine at the same time every day.
- Monitor your dog’s weight and consult with your vet about any necessary diet changes to prevent obesity in your pet.
- Stay consistent with vet visits and blood work.
- Always be observant and take note of any changes in your dog’s behavior or appearance.
- Alert your vet to any changes right away, such as low energy, sudden weight changes (gain or loss), skin issues, or unusual behavior.
If you notice a problem, don’t panic. It could simply mean it’s time to adjust your dog’s medication. Therefore, call your vet when changes arise or you have any other concerns.
Hypothyroidism Doesn’t Have to Slow Your Dog Down
If your dog has hypothyroidism, it’s understandable that you’re concerned, but this diagnosis doesn’t have to slow down your pup. Address the issue promptly, discuss treatment options with your vet, and follow their advice for managing the condition at home.
Your fur baby can enjoy a healthy, long life with consistent care, medication, and you by their side. You’ve got this.
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