Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Have you noticed your dog gaining weight despite no change in appetite or diet? Have they lost their desire to exercise? Does their hair appear to be duller and dryer than normal? If your answer to one or more of these questions is yes, your dog may have this condition.

It occurs when there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which causes a decrease in metabolic rate.

The breeds most predisposed to this condition include Standard Doberman Pinscher, Tibetan Terriers, and Boxers.

If the thyroxine levels (TT4) are low on your dog’s blood tests, this may suggest they have hypothyroidism. However, for a definitive diagnosis, your vet will recommend a thyroid panel or a free T4 by equilibrium dialysis (free T4 by ED) test.

While this condition is not curable, it is very treatable. Treatment involves daily medication given for life. Thyroid hormone levels will need to be checked every 6 months as your dog’s tolerance changes. This is critical in order to avoid your dog being under or overdosed.