Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Canine Hypothyroidism Welfare

Canine hypothyroidism causes chronic lethargy, weight gain, and skin problems. Diagnosis and replacement therapy restores welfare rapidly.

Key Facts

Hypothyroidism affects approximately 0.2% of dogs, primarily medium to large breeds
Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common cause
Signs include weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, and coat changes
Thyroxine replacement therapy is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective
Regular monitoring maintains appropriate dosing as disease progresses

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with undiagnosed hypothyroidism experience chronic fatigue, weight gain, and skin problems that progressively worsen without treatment. The condition is often mistaken for normal aging. Diagnosis and thyroid hormone replacement therapy that restores normal metabolic function transforms affected dogs' quality of life - often visibly so within weeks of starting treatment.

What You Can Do

Include thyroid screening in annual health checks for middle-aged large breed dogs
Investigate persistent lethargy, weight gain, or coat changes with your vet
Follow up TSH monitoring 4-8 weeks after starting replacement therapy
Recognize that hypothyroidism is treatable and that response to treatment is usually excellent