Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Hypothyroidism: Recognition and Long-Term Management

Managing canine hypothyroidism for sustained welfare improvement through appropriate monitoring.

Key Facts

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, primarily affecting middle-aged large breeds
Clinical signs include weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, and skin changes - often insidious in onset
Levothyroxine supplementation is effective and typically improves welfare dramatically within weeks
Regular monitoring of TSH and T4 levels is essential for dose optimisation throughout the dog's life

Welfare Considerations

Hypothyroid dogs suffer chronic, insidious welfare compromise through metabolic slowdown that owners often attribute to normal ageing. Accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate levothyroxine dosing produces dramatic welfare improvement. Regular monitoring prevents under- or over-treatment, both of which compromise welfare.

What You Can Do

Request thyroid testing for dogs showing weight gain, lethargy, or skin changes from middle age
Ensure six-monthly TSH and T4 monitoring once your dog is on thyroid medication
Adjust levothyroxine doses only with veterinary guidance based on monitoring results