March 26, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health, Pet Meds

If your dog seems to have lost its sparkly personality, hypothyroidism may be to blame. This disease, which is the most common hormone disease in canines, is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. There are a number of ways to treat this condition in your dog, but it is important to know how it works.

The thyroid gland sets the rate at which cells burn energy, so when there is a deficiency, your pet may seem to have a dull personality and low energy levels. Not the Fido you know and love! Other symptoms of the disease are weight gain, greasy dandruff, a dull and dry coat and recurring skin infections. There is also characteristic hair loss – a dog with hypothyroidism might have bald patches on its trunk and a bald tail with a tuft of hair on the end.

When you bring your dog to the veterinarian to treat this condition, they will most likely prescribe thyroid hormone supplement pet drugs. Soloxine is the medication most commonly prescribed. You will have to give this to your pooch either once or twice a day until the vet can measure proper blood levels. You will probably start to notice a positive change in your dog's overall well-being after a week or two.

Skin conditions resolve themselves over a few months, but you can help with certain pet products. Try a pet shampoo like Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo, which can clear up bacterial and fungal infections and help with dry and itchy skin. It might be especially good for dogs with hypothyroidism because it removes scales and crusty skin.

You can also prevent certain skin conditions by keeping your pets on flea and tick preventative medications. Many dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause skin problems. You can keep your dog on a monthly preventative like Sentinel or Revolution to keep it protected from fleas, ticks and the many side effects and risks they pose.

You can also improve your dog's skin and coat condition with supplements like Super Pure Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids can be extremely helpful in giving a weak immune system a boost, which might be necessary if hypothyroidism causes it to lag. This nutrient is also important for restoring skin and coat health, while vitamin A can be helpful to the thyroid condition, especially when derived from cod liver oil. Other homeopathic remedies for hypothyroidism include alfalfa, parsley, fennel, oats and B vitamins. 

Related posts:

1. How to tell if your dog has hypothyroidism
2. Hypothyroidism: How to get your pooch’s sparkle back
3. Does your pooch have a thyroid problem?
4. Hungry, mean cat – could it be a hyper thyroid?
5. Treating atopy in dogs