Here we were thinking only humans experienced thyroid problems! Turns out, dogs can suffer from hypothyroidism, too. The condition occurs when the thyroid overproduces thyroxine; a hormone that increases the metabolic rate. If missed or monitored incorrectly, it can lead to tumours – both benign and malignant. The good news? It’s treatable.
Before we jump into that, however, let’s talk about how to recognise hypothyroidism. Common signs include unexplained weight gain, dry and flaky skin or bacterial infections, and an intolerance to cold temperatures. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, chat to your vet immediately about treatment options.
Speaking of which, hypothyroidism in dogs is relatively easy and inexpensive to treat. They’ll likely be put on daily medication known as Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine to help balance out their thyroid hormones. The dose of which will, of course, depend on your pooch.
Got any further questions? Watch our latest video for more information.
