Does Your Dog Suffer From Thyroid Problems? Here's What You Need To Know About Them

Functioning thyroid glands are crucial to a dog’s organs and overall health. Here are the most common thyroid-related issues your dog may face.

Hyperthyroidism

This disease causes the thyroid gland to produce too-high amounts of thyroxin, causing very high metabolic rates. It’s extremely rare and usually only occurs due to a tumor of some kind, or due to medication or treatment errors.

Symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Heightened appetite
• Diarrhea
• A lump in the neck

The condition is treated depending on its severity. Medication changes, drug treatment, or tumor surgery are the most common options.

Hypothyroidism

Completely opposite to hyperthyroidism, this common condition in aging dogs occurs when the thyroid glands produce too little hormones. It may also be caused by tumors.

Symptoms include:

• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Skin sores
• Sensitive skin
• Hair loss
• Flaking or shedding of fur
• Weakness
• Cold sensitivity
• Lethargy
• Lowered heart rate
• Constipation
• Infections

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hypothyroidism. Management is necessary throughout a dog’s life through the use of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid Tumors

Tumors in the thyroids aren’t common, and most are malignant. Older dogs are at a higher risk of developing them (as with all other tumors).

Symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Heightened appetite
• Diarrhea
• A lump in the neck which affects barking and breathing

There are many treatment options for these types of tumors. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are all common paths, but this depends on the size of the tumor in question.

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