Does Hypothyroidism Cause Weight Gain In Dogs?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition in dogs that

can lead to unexplained weight gain

, skin and coat issues, as well as behavioral changes and reduced energy.

What are the first signs of hypothyroidism in dogs?

• weight gain without an increase in appetite.
• lethargy and lack of desire to exercise.
• cold intolerance (gets cold easily)
• dry, dull hair with excessive shedding.
• very thin to nearly bald hair coat.
• increased dark pigmentation in the skin.

Can hypothyroidism cause rapid weight gain?

Most of the extra weight gained in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation of salt and water.

Massive weight gain is rarely associated with hypothyroidism

. In general, 5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism.

What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated in dogs?

Untreated hypothyroidism can

shorten your dog's life span

, as nearly every organ in the body is affected by thyroid hormone and by the metabolism. Dogs with untreated hypothyroidism develop high cholesterol, decreased immune function, a slowed heart rate, and neuromuscular signs.

What dog food is best for hypothyroidism?

• Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Dry Dog Food. …
• Whole Earth Farms Salmon & Whitefish Dry Dog Food. …
• Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dry Dog Food. …
• Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food. …
• Hill's Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Dog Food.

How long does it take a dog to lose weight on thyroid medicine?

Once diagnosed, hypothyroid dogs tend to respond well to a long-term, twice-daily dosage protocol of oral levothyroxine. Typically, within

four to six weeks

, they have more energy, they lose weight and their coats begin to shine.

How can you tell if your dog has a thyroid issue?

Signs of hypothyroidism include

hair loss, usually on your dog's trunk, back of the rear legs, and tail

. Their coat will be dull and thin, their skin flaky, but not itchy or red (which is usually tied to fleas or an allergic reaction). They may also have black patches of skin.

How long do dogs live with hypothyroidism?

Pets treated for canine hypothyroidism have an excellent prognosis and their life expectancy is normal. Although it is not curable, it is a manageable disorder. Clinical abnormalities (flaky skin, hair loss, lethargy) may take

a few weeks to a few months

to resolve.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Weight loss.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Increased heart rate.
• Sensitivity to heat.
• Sensitivity to cold.

Can thyroid weight gain be reversed?

Because being hyperthyroid is an abnormal state, any weight loss caused by the abnormal state would not be maintained when the abnormal state is reversed, and this is what is found. On average,

any weight lost during the hyperthyroid state is regained when the hyperthyroidism is treated

.

Is weight gain a symptom of thyroid problems?

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder

. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism.

How does hypothyroidism cause weight gain?

The hormones your thyroid gland releases help regulate your metabolism, or how efficiently your body burns food for energy. When your thyroid makes less of its hormones — as it does in hypothyroidism —

your metabolism slows down

. So you won't burn off calories as quickly and you'll gain weight.

Is treating hypothyroidism in dogs expensive?

Veterinary Cost

The cost of diagnosis for hypothyroidism is relatively slight. Testing typically runs between $50 and $150.

Treatment is generally considered manageable as well

. Monthly expenses for medication tend to run in the $20 to $50 range.

Can dog food cause thyroid problems?

Pet food and treats that contain livestock gullets (meat from the throat region of an animal) have the potential to contain thyroid tissue and thyroid hormones

. Pets that eat food or treats containing thyroid hormones may develop hyperthyroidism.

Is hypothyroidism life threatening in dogs?

Hypothyroidism is easily treatable and

not life-threatening as long as it's taken care of

. But if left untreated, the disease will negatively affect your dog's quality of life. The clinical way to treat hypothyroidism is with synthetic thyroid replacement medication to offset low thyroid function.

What food should be avoided in hypothyroidism?

People with hypothyroidism should avoid

millet, processed foods, and supplements like selenium and zinc

, unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise. Foods that contain goitrogens may be fine in moderate amounts.

What dog breeds are prone to thyroid problems?

Breeds most commonly affected include the

Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, and Airedale Terrier

. Hypothyroidism occurs equally in both males and females, but spayed females may have a higher risk than unspayed dogs.

Does hypothyroidism in dogs cause panting?

Signs of thyrotoxicosis include panting

, nervousness, hyperactivity, a rapid pulse, increased drinking and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss despite having an increased appetite.

What are the long term side effects of hypothyroidism?

• Goiter. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may cause the gland to become larger — a condition known as a goiter. …
• Heart problems. …
• Mental health issues. …
• Peripheral neuropathy. …
• Myxedema. …
• Infertility. …
• Birth defects.

Should dogs take thyroid medication on an empty stomach?

How do I give my pet levothyroxine? Levothyroxine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or capsule, or may be compounded into a liquid.

This medication can be given with or without food

, but should be given the same way every day.

Can hypothyroidism cause coughing in dogs?

If a tumor develops on the thyroid itself, additional symptoms may be seen, such as: Change in bark

.

Coughing

.

Hoarseness

.

What can cause sudden weight gain in dogs?

What is Gaining Weight? Like humans, dogs can gain weight for a number of reasons, including

poor diet, inadequate exercise, changes in metabolism, and certain types of illness

. Although certain breeds are somewhat predisposed to weight gain, any dog can become obese.

Can a dog have hypothyroidism and Cushing's?

Concurrent HAC and hypothyroidism in dogs is a rare occurrence

. The clinical signs of HAC and hypothyroidism may be similar (although hypothyroidism is not usually associated with polyuria and polydipsia), and it is thought that up to 50 per cent of dogs with HAC may have a below-reference range total T4.

How common is hypothyroidism in dogs?

Although onset is variable, hypothyroidism is

most common in dogs 4–10 years old

. It usually affects mid- to large-size breeds and is rare in toy and miniature breeds. Breeds reported to be predisposed to hypothyroidism include: Golden Retriever.

What are the side effects of thyroid medication for dogs?

Side Effects of Thyroxine Use

Skin reactions can occur, but they are quite infrequent

. If given at too high of a dose, your dog may experience thyrotoxicosis. Signs of this may include increased heart rate, appetite, drinking, urination, excitability, panting, and nervousness.

Does hypothyroidism in dogs cause itching?

Skin infections are common in dogs with hypothyroidism due to the weakened immune system, and

this infection can lead to red areas and spots, which are often itchy

. Your dog may show signs of generalised weakness and a stiff, stilted gait, sometimes alongside the development of a puffy face.