Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Dogs

Symptoms of thyroid problems are so pronounced that any given condition is not likely to go undetected.

Thyroid problems in dogs might seem like an uncommon thing, but they are quite commonly diagnosed in many breeds. While no breed is immune from thyroid disorders, some breeds are affected more than others. These include mid to large size breeds such as cocker spaniels, dachshunds, greyhounds, Airedale terriers, Irish setters, golden retrievers, and Doberman pinschers. Certain age groups are affected as well, specifically ages four to ten.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Dogs

The thyroid gland regulates the use of body weight, food, heart rate, body temperature, hair growth, and activity level. It is a member of the body-regulating glands including the pituitary gland, the pancreas, the adrenals, the parathyroid glands and the reproductive glands. As a result, when a thyroid disorder such as hypothyroid (under-function of the thyroid) is present, your pet will have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Dry, dull coat
  • Patches of hair loss
  • Outer coat comes off leaving a thick wooly undercoat
  • Dry skin
  • Lethargy
  • Mental dullness
  • Weight gain leading to obesity
  • Slow heart rate
  • Unpleasant “doggy smell”
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Recurrent infections

On the opposite side of the coin is hyperthyroidism or “over-function” of the thyroid. Although this condition affects cats mostly, dogs are not immune. Hyperthyroidism may cause many of the contradicting symptoms:

  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive appetite
  • Larger formed stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity
  • Fast and more forceful heart rate (sometimes visible at the chest)
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urine output
  • Panting
  • Voluminous stools
  • Fever

Although these symptoms may be confusing and contradicting, they are typical of complicated endocrine disorders, so there can be a variety of manifestations.

Thyroid Problem Prevention and Treatment

Two of the best ways to help prevent thyroid problems in dogs is to maintain a healthy diet and avoid toxic exposure to chemicals. Pet owners should provide wholesome foods to pets from birth and seek drugless treatments for allergies and infections. According to Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, and author of Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health For Dogs and Cats, at the first sign if allergies or illness, the pets diet should be seriously improved. In addition, Pitcairn mentions that excessive vaccinations should be avoided as well. Vaccinations are typically administered during the early stages of the dog’s life. A yearly vaccination for the prevention of many diseases is considered excessive.

The goal of conventional treatments for hyperthyroidism is to eliminate the thyroid function. This is accomplished by using drugs to block thyroid activity; use of injectable radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid tissues, or surgical removal of the thyroid. Hypothyroid treatments are solely administered on a case-by-case basis. While improved nutrition in hypothyroid cases can be very helpful, this type of endocrine disorder is too complex and should be treated by an experienced veterinarian.

 

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