The thyroid gland is an organ responsible for producing hormones needed for regulation of metabolic rate, body temperature and hair growth. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland is not able to produce or release enough of the hormone. This can occur from a variety of causes: shrinking of the gland being the most common, invasion of the gland by other types of cells, medications and concurrent diseases. One of the primary signs of canine hypothyroidism is weight gain and lethargy. Most often, however, weight gain is caused by overfeeding. Other signs are poor hair coat, excessive shedding, weakness or lethargy, shivering, discoloration and thickening of the skin, abnormally slow heart rate, and recurrent skin and ear infections. Blood tests can be done to determine if your dog is hypothyroid. Several types of tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Other blood tests should be performed to check for other abnormalities in your dogs blood.

Some breeds of dogs are prone to developing hypothyroidism, these include Doberman Pinschers, golden retrievers, beagles, cocker spaniels, and Labrador retrievers, but any dog can develop hypothyroidism. Thyroidism is treated by replacing the naturally occurring thyroid hormone. Usually a thyroid supplement is given daily or twice a day and a retest of the thyroid level is performed in one month after implementation of treatment to assure that the appropriate level of thyroid hormone is present. Once the appropriate levels are achieved biannual testing is required to ensure that the supplementation is working. Resolution of the clinical signs should be notice within a month to two months. Your dogs energy level should increase, some weight loss should occur and a healthier hair coat will start to grow back in.