The thyroid gland is in the neck, and its hormone controls how fast one metabolizes, or changes, food into fuel. In hypothyroidism, there is not enough production of that hormone by the gland. All breeds are affected, although the disease has been very common in golden retrievers, Labradors, Doberman pinschers, Irish setters, dachshunds, boxers, and cocker spaniels.
It mostly affects middle-aged dogs, from four to ten years of age, of medium to large breeds. Neutered males and spayed females have a higher risk, although vets don't know why. It is thought that in some cases, your dog's immune system will attack their thyroid. Other causes include the shrinking of their thyroid and, although rare, a tumor of the thyroid gland. The most noticeable symptoms of this problem are discussed in the following article.
1. Noticeable Weight Gain
The most common sign of hypothyroidism in dogs is rapid weight gain, which can occur even when your dog is not eating more food than usual. This is because when a dog's thyroid is not functioning properly, its metabolism slows down, leading to weight gain.
If you notice your dog gaining weight and developing fat deposits, particularly around the abdominal and chest areas, despite no change in its diet and activity level, it may be time to have its thyroid levels checked by a vet. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a common condition in dogs that can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It's important to address any concerns you have with your vet to ensure your dog's well-being.
2. Lethargic Behavior
One of the most common symptoms seen in hypothyroid dogs is lethargy. They may appear overly tired or unwilling to get up and move around. Dogs affected by this disease show a general lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as playing or walking.
It occurs when the thyroid gland produces less of the thyroid hormone, thus causing a decrease in your energy level. You may feel that your dog has been sleeping more and appears to be less energetic and responsive. If your pet acts overly tired, this could be a sign of hypothyroidism for which you need to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation. On-time diagnosis can help your furry friend to be comfortable and lead a healthy life.
3. Thinning Fur And Bald Spots
This can be manifested by a change in the coat, with thinning fur or perhaps even bald patches on your dog. The type of hair loss, first apparent on the body, generally on the sides, back, and tail, usually happens. It is not uncommon for the fur to become thin, sparse, or even fall out in places like these.
This is because thyroid hormone is needed in the growth process for hair, and without enough of it, hair follicles just go on and on getting weaker until they finally lose their hair. So if you start to notice your fur baby's fur thinning out or actual bald spots coming in, this can be a symptom you may need to discuss with your vet.
4. Dry Skin
This might be another indication that your dog is suffering from hypothyroidism. This makes the skin of your dog rough to the touch and might cause itching or general discomfort. The thyroid hormone keeps the skin healthy and well-moisturized; hence, when it's deficient, the skin starts to get dry and flakes off.
You might see the flakes in your dog's coat or bedding, much like dandruff. Your dog's skin condition is extremely uncomfortable for your dog, and it may cause him to scratch or lick constantly. It should be checked by a vet.
5. Cold Intolerance
If you ever observe your furry friend feeling uncomfortable or even shivering in colder temperatures that would not previously bother them so much then it is a possible symptom of this condition. As hypothyroidism slows down your dog's metabolism it can lead to a lowered body temperature.
You may, therefore, find your dog searching for a warmer spot more often than usual, such as lying close to heaters or snuggling into blankets. This could imply that they shiver or act in distress when it gets cold, even slightly. If your dog seems extremely cold all the time, this could indicate that his or her thyroid is underactive. Visiting a vet is the most feasible option for the treatment of your pooch.
6. Ear Infections That Persist
Frequent or recurring ear infections may also indicate hypothyroidism in your dog. The imbalance in the hormone changes the skin and immune system, making it more receptive to easy attacks and infections in the ears. You may find that your dog is scratching their ears more than normal or constantly shaking their head.
Sometimes, they can even have a foul smell or discharge running from the ears. Infections may turn out painful and provocative for a dog, and if they happen again and again despite treatment, this may be related to a thyroid problem. You would thus have to seek a vet.
7. Changes In Heart Rate
Dogs with hypothyroidism may have altered heart rates, usually a beat below normal. The thyroid hormone is essential in keeping appropriate cardiodynamic functioning and when at low levels, it will affect the heart's ability to efficiently pump blood.
You may not immediately notice this sign, though if left untreated, it may lead to serious complications. Occasionally, you may find your dog easily tired or winded after mild activities. This condition will be established by a veterinarian through physical examination and listening to the heartbeat of your dog to confirm whether it relates to hypothyroidism.
8. Slow Healing Wounds
You might notice that if your pet's thyroid is underactive, any cuts or wounds your dog gets take a longer time than usual to heal. This slow healing results from a failure of the thyroid gland to secrete the required amounts of the hormones required by the body for normal cell regeneration and repair.
You might notice that the small scrape or cut your dog sustained does not seem to heal or that your dog continues to lick or worry at one spot for much longer than usual. Delayed healing leaves your dog open to infections; for this reason, it's important to have your vet check your dog in case there is some sort of prolonged wound healing to rule out hypothyroidism.
9. Unexplained Weakness
This is one of those symptoms that can be easily noticed as your furry companion can be seen getting tired without any exercise. Your dog may appear to struggle to do things that were once easy for it, such as climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture. This weakness is often due to the decreased generation of energy in the body because of low levels of thyroid hormones.
You may also notice that your dog's muscles look smaller or not as well-defined, which can be due to muscle wasting resulting from the disease. If your dog gets substantially weaker and there is no apparent reason, hypothyroidism should be an option for your differential diagnosis.
10. Frequent Constipation
Hypothyroidism can also affect the dog's digestive tract, thus leading to issues such as diarrhea or persistent constipation. With a low T3 and T4 hormone production in the underactive thyroid gland, metabolic activity will decrease. Slowed metabolic activity will sluggish digestion, which in turn can make it hard to pass stool in your dog.
You may notice your dog has the urge to defecate but it seems very difficult, or that bowel movements are less frequent and hard. If your pet dog is chronically constipated, if the discomfort only leads to more serious health problems, then the gradual development of these symptoms should warrant checking for probable cases of thyroid issues.
11. Increased Shedding
Shedding is normal for dogs, but if your pet seems to do this more than usual, then it could be an indicative symptom of hypothyroidism. Dogs with this condition often shed more fur than usual and may even seem to be constantly losing fur.
This is because it affects the hair follicles, in that it releases more hair in the body without replacement. You will find a lot of hair on your furniture, your clothes, and your dog's resting spots. It can be very tedious for owners to maintain hygiene due to increased hair loss so taking them to a vet for a cure can be a better option. In case you realize that the shedding has increased, more so when the atmosphere has not changed, then it could be that an underactive thyroid has developed.
12. Difficulty Breathing
Sunken breathing is one of the most severe symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs and requires your veterinarian's attention. This happens because the thyroid hormone is involved in maintaining health while it is also responsible for breathing problems when not present in the proper levels.
They will likely be gasping for breath upon very limited to no exercise and sometimes even at rest. You may notice trouble breathing, rapid breathing, panting more than normal, or an effort to breathe. This symptom should be evaluated urgently by a veterinarian because it may be related to hypothyroidism or other serious conditions.
13. Poor Exercise Tolerance
The inability to exercise for a longer time is a classical symptom in dogs suffering from hypothyroidism. You may notice that your dog, who used to love hour-long walks or playtime, gets tired after short distances or intervals and would like to stop frequently.
This lack of stamina is from the general decrease in energy due to the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Your dog will also be less keen on exercise and prefer lying around instead of engaging in any kind of activity. If your dog's endurance has gone down considerably, that could be a sign of hypothyroidism.
14. Behavioral Changes
Another symptom of hypothyroidism that one might notice in their dog is behavioral changes. A dog suffering from hypothyroidism often becomes more withdrawn or even depressed. They are less interested in the activities they normally do, less responsive to commands, and, in general, more subdued.
Other dogs may also become more irritable or anxious and act out of character. These changes equate with hormonal changes brought on by an underactive thyroid that can affect mood and mental stability in canines. If your dog has dramatically changed its behavior, hypothyroidism may be the cause.
15. Stiffness In Joints
Joint stiffness may also be the presenting complaint in hypothyroidism of dogs; in many cases, this makes locomotion very difficult. You may note that, as a result, your dog has begun pacing slowly or has difficulty: getting up from a lying-down position.
For that reason, the stiffness becomes more evident after your dog has rested for some time and subsequently attempts to move. This may be particularly evident in the morning or after a long rest. The thyroid hormone helps to maintain the health of the joints, so when the levels are low, stiffness and discomfort can crop up. If your dog shows a case of joint stiffness, hypothyroidism could be the cause.
16. Eye Problems
Sometimes, dogs suffering from hypothyroidism tend to develop eye problems, such as dry eyes, excessive tearing of the eyes, or in some scenarios, the development of fat deposits around the eyes.
The eye problems are caused because the thyroid hormone takes the responsibility of maintaining eye health and, thus, an absence will cause problems related to it. Your dog may also exhibit dull eyes, discharge, or be light-sensitive. In case you suspect the dog has some eye issues, you must have them assessed, as this might be hypothyroidism-related.
17. Frequent Skin Infections
Dog skin mainly covers the whole body, depending on the breed. Dogs would be more prone to various skin infections if they are suffering from hypothyroidism. The deficiency of thyroid hormones weakens the immune system, making it more possible for bacteria and fungi to take hold and cause infections. You might notice that your dog is just starting to have sores, redness, or a foul smell coming from its skin.
These infections will act up, probably making your dog itch and be sore, which may lead to your dog scratching or biting on them, making it worse. He should go to the vet in case your dog has recurrent or frequent skin infections, as this may be a sign of hypothyroidism.
18. Dull Coat Appearance
A dull coat is a common sign and symptom of hypothyroidism in dogs. The coat of the dog lacks any shine to it at all, lacking luster. This hormone is responsible for keeping the coat healthy and shiny; therefore, if there is not much present, it makes the coat dry, brittle, and generally lackluster.
This may show in a dog whose fur appears more faded than usual, feels rough to the touch, or is more prone to tangling and matting. A dull coat may be an early sign of hypothyroidism. When you notice this change in body appearance in your dog, it is an event for a visit to the vet.
Dr. Malisha Shrestha
