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Dog Thyroid Medication & Hormone Care

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Prescription Thyroid Medications for Dogs

There are many different thyroid disorders that can affect dogs, and one of the most common is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where your dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate their metabolism. As a pet parent, you might notice that your dog starts to gain weight or becomes lethargic. They may also have dry skin or hair loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian right away as they could be indicative of hypothyroidism in dogs.

FAQs About Prescription Thyroid & Hormone Medications

Levothyroxine for dogs is the most common medication prescribed for dogs with hypothyroidism. It’s an oral synthetic thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine replaces the thyroid hormones your dog’s thyroid is not producing. Levothyroxine is sold under several different brand names, including Thyro-Tabs® Canine and Synthroid®. Consult your vet on their recommended thyroid treatment for your dog.

As long as you continue to treat your dog’s hypothyroidism with the guidance of your vet, your pup should be able to live a long and happy life with a normal life expectancy. Once your vet diagnoses hypothyroidism in your dog, they will recommend a thyroid medication for dogs. This is usually a form of synthetic thyroid hormone your dog will have to take for the rest of their lives. You will also likely need to take your dog to the vet twice a year for testing. Your dog’s thyroid levels can change over time, and your vet may need to update your pup’s prescription to make sure they receive the right levels of synthetic thyroid hormones.

The two most common thyroid problems are hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid—and hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is much more prevalent than hyperthyroidism and can be caused by your dog’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland.

The thyroid releases hormones that regulate many systems in the body, which is why symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

  • Weight gain even when your dog’s appetite doesn’t change
  • Lethargy and resistance to exercise
  • Excessive shedding
  • Dull, dry and thin coat
  • Hyperpigmentation, showing up as darker coloring of the skin
  • Cold intolerance

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are mostly the opposite of hypothyroidism symptoms and include:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Inability to sleep
  • Weight loss
  • Drinking lots of water

If you suspect your pup may have a thyroid issue, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for testing.

Most thyroid medicine for dogs will begin to work immediately. However, it may take several weeks or even a few months for your dog’s symptoms to disappear. For example, it may be a few weeks before you notice your dog beginning to lose weight and their fur filling back in after they start a hypothyroid medicine. Your vet will typically want to perform a blood test a month or so after starting medication to ensure your canine’s thyroid levels are at a healthy level.