FDA-approved levothyroxine sodium products have been shown to be safe and effective in dogs when used according to the directions on the label.
Is levothyroxine for dogs the same as for humans?
Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction.
The dosage requirements in dogs are substantially higher than in humans
. The recommended starting dose of levothyroxine for hypothyroidism in dogs is 44 μg/kg/d, far more than the 1.7 μg/kg/d in humans.
What will levothyroxine do to a dog?
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.
Can dogs take thyroid medicine?
Levothyroxine
should not be used by pets with certain heart problems, hyperthyroidism, or untreated Addison’s disease
. It should be used cautiously in pets with managed Addison’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, or that are elderly.
What should a dog’s thyroid level be?
Every laboratory provides a normal range, generally
1 to 4 μg/dl
. Dr. Bruyette says if the TT4 is greater than 1.5 μg/dl, most dogs can be considered euthyroid. If the result is lower than that, more tests are needed.
Does hypothyroidism in dogs cause panting?
It can cause side effects such as hyperactivity, restlessness, a rapid heart rate, panting
, and, eventually, weight loss in spite of an increase in appetite.
How much levothyroxine is toxic to dogs?
An overdose of
up to 850 levothyroxine sodium tablets (0.2 mg)
in a healthy 6-year-old 16.8-kg dog induced an episode of vomiting and hippus within 9 hours of ingestion.
How do you treat hypothyroidism in dogs naturally?
How quickly does thyroid medication work in dogs?
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.
What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in dogs?
- Lethargy.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Mental dullness.
- Weight gain without a change in appetite.
- Obesity.
- Cold intolerance.
- Changes in coat and skin, like increased shedding, hair thinning, and hair loss.
- Thickening of the skin.
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 are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs?
- Unexplained weight gain.
- Obesity.
- Lack of energy, lethargy.
- Mental dullness.
- Cold intolerance.
- Thinning coat.
- Dull looking fur.
- Dark pigmentation of the skin.
What can I give my dog for thyroid?
It is treated with oral administration of
thyroid replacement hormone
. This drug must be given for the rest of the dog’s life. The most commonly recommended treatment is oral synthetic thyroid hormone replacement called levothyroxine (brand names Thyro-Tabs® Canine, Synthroid®).
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.
Can a dog be hypothyroid with a normal T4?
If the free T4 is within the normal range, then your dog does not have hypothyroidism
. If the free T4 is below normal range, and your dog has supportive clinical signs, then hypothyroidism is likely.
What do you feed a dog with hyperthyroidism?
Fresh real food
is advised for dogs with hyperthyroidism, preferably lightly cooked or raw. This is the most natural diet for dogs.
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.
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
.
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.
How much thyroxine can a dog take?
INDICATION: For replacement therapy for diminished thyroid function in dogs. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The initial daily dose is
0.1 mg/10 pounds (0.01 mg/lb; 0.022 mg/kg) body weight as a single dose every 24 hours or as a divided dose every 12 hours
.
Can hypothyroidism be reversed in dogs?
“Owners often mistake the signs of hypothyroidism with the aging process,” Cook said. “However,
these changes can be reversed with effective management
. Many dogs get a new lease on life when their hypothyroidism is treated.” Veterinarians can diagnose the disease with simple blood tests.
