Thyroid Problems in Dogs: Conditions That May Develop Over Time

Thyroid problems in dogs can result in multiple symptoms that may be hard for owners to recognize, especially as they often develop over a long period of time.

Causes of Hypothryoidism in Dogs

Hypothyroidism occurs when your dog's thyroid gland can no longer produce and excrete the desired amount of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is sometimes an autoimmune disorder. Other times, it develops when the tissue around the thyroid gland atrophies and fat deposits develop around the gland.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Symptoms of thryoid problems in dogs include:

• Lethargy
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Excessive shedding
• Darkening of the skin
• Intolerance of cold
• Slow heart rate
• High cholesterol
• Anemia

Complications of Thryoid Problems in Dogs

Hypothryoidism in dogs can lead to serious conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, testicular atrophy, corneal ulcers and blindness, if left untreated.

Prevention of Complications

Serious illness related to hypothyroidism in dogs can be prevented with medical maintenance. Thryoid problems in dogs are treated with a daily dose of synthetic thryoid hormone.