Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Hypothyroidism Welfare

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs causing lethargy, weight gain, and skin problems that are highly treatable with daily thyroid hormone supplementation.

Key Facts

Hypothyroidism affects middle-aged to older dogs with Golden Retrievers overrepresented
Clinical signs include obesity, lethargy, cold intolerance, and symmetrical hair loss
Diagnosis requires measurement of T4 and TSH alongside clinical assessment
Daily levothyroxine tablets effectively replace deficient thyroid hormone
Response to treatment is typically dramatic with marked improvement within weeks

Welfare Considerations

Hypothyroidism causes chronic lethargy and discomfort that affects quality of life but may be attributed to ageing rather than diagnosed. Treatment with levothyroxine is highly effective and dramatically improves welfare, making accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment critical welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Have your dog's thyroid function tested if showing lethargy, weight gain, or coat changes
Administer levothyroxine consistently at the same time each day for best results
Monitor thyroid levels at 4-6 weekly intervals initially to optimise the dose