Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs, causing a wide range of symptoms that significantly impact quality of life when undiagnosed or untreated.
Hypothyroid dogs experience a pervasive decline in wellbeing as reduced thyroid hormone slows metabolism. They feel cold, gain weight despite normal eating, lose coat quality, and suffer from lethargy that limits their enjoyment of exercise and play. Some develop peripheral neuropathies causing weakness or facial paralysis. Skin and coat changes cause secondary discomfort. The good news is that treatment reverses most symptoms, often dramatically improving quality of life within weeks.