Hypothyroidism In Dogs Diet

Signs of hypothyroidism in dogs.

Hypothyroidism in dogs diet. Most dogs with hypothyroidism require trt for the rest of their lives. The most common signs of low thyroid problems in dogs include. Hypothyroidism occurs when your dog is not secreting enough of the thyroid hormones causing your dog s metabolism to slow. The most commonly used oral synthetic thyroid hormone replacement drug for dogs is levothyroxine known by the brand names synthroid or thyro tabs canine.

Like a human s a dog s pituitary gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone or tsh. This condition is caused when the thyroid fails to produce adequate hormones leading to problems with weight control high cholesterol lethargy and skin and coat problems. If you feed a home prepared diet consult a veterinarian for help on the right amounts of iodine to help treat your dog s hypothyroidism. With hypothyroidism the gland doesn t make enough of that hormone.

It s a common disease in dogs it affects all breeds but it is often found in golden retrievers doberman pinschers irish setters dachshunds boxers and cocker spaniels. If you ve noticed your dog is gaining weight for no obvious reason urinates more frequently and is lethargic it could be due to an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism in dogs affects every system of the body including the gastrointestinal system the nervous system and the circulatory system. This gets really tricky because giving too much or too little iodine can worsen hypothyroidism.

Canine hypothyroidism can affect all aspects of a dog s life. If a dog hasn t been spayed or neutered hypothyroidism can also affect the reproductive system. The thyroid gland is in the neck. However once your dog has started treatment their metabolism will return to normal and they will lose those extra pounds.

Hot dogs cakes cookies etc. A hypothyroidism diet can be especially helpful in alleviating symptoms suffered by dogs with hypothyroidism. This article outlines the best diet for hypothyroidism including which foods to eat and which to avoid all based on research. This condition is more common in dogs than in other domestic animals.

Hypothyroidism nearly always causes weight gain in dogs. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder that occurs most commonly in middle aged and older dogs. If you feed your dog a commercial diet don t supplement iodine. It s unlikely you will need to change your dog s diet.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is treatable and avoidable.