Thyroid in Toy/Mini Poodles

Question
QUESTION: Hi - I have an 8 year old male, Light Apricot Poodle who is 10 pounds has been healty, active and regularly groomed with a great coat. Today he went in for his haircut and bath and normally my groomer (of 7 years) compliments on my poodles good looking and rich coat. This time she mentioned that his hair looked thinner and not a thick as before. I noted to her that his cut looked shorter than normal. She said she had used the same size blade as before, but she thought that he may have the begining of a Thyroid problem.
I looked up "Canine Thyroid" and he does not seem to be experienceing any of the other diagnosis of Thyroid, with the exception of the thinner hair along his back and tail.
(legs, paws, underside, face, ears and head are all still thick and fluffy!)
Any suggestions?
Is there a supplement I can give him to help with his coat?
Or do I take him ot the vet for a Thyroid test?
Thank you for your time,
Rose

ANSWER: Hello Rose,
I haven't had alot of expirence on canine thyroid, but it would be a good idea for you given your dogs age to get him tested.  Thyroid problems tend to effect a dogs weight, muscle function, memory and their temperature control.  Hair loss tends to be wide spread all over the body.  There also tends to be irritation on the skin and the skin will turn black and be scabby.  The hair will attemp to grow, but the loss of the thyroid horomone will make the hair thin and eventually it will fall out.  
There are other conditions that can cause hair loss, so by getting your dog tested, you will have a better idea of what may be causing your dog to lose his hair.


Try mixing this recipe up and add it to your dogs dry food.  
 
1 lb Hamburger, Lamb, or Turkey Burger
1 can Sardines in Olive Oil
1 cup Spinach, blended with the Oil of the Sardines
1 egg scrambled
1 Apple Blended (or you can use 1/2 cup of Applesauce)
1/8 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 cup brown rice, cooked using broth (either a meat or Veggie variety) for better flavor
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese (optional)
1 grated carrot (optional)
This recipe is for a large dog, so feel free to half it if nesessary.  You can keep it in a sealed container for about a week.  It has vitamins and nutrients that are good for a dogs skin and coat.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kim, thank you for answering back so fast.
I don't notice any weight lose or gain, has a great appetite, gets plenty of excercise, temperment and memory still the same. I personally haven't noticed any hair lose per say, except where the groomer cut his back shorter than normal. The rest of him looks great and there are no scabs, black masses, dry spots or bald spots.
There is no hair lose wide spread over his body.
But, I will get him tested because of his age as you suggested.
I have added omega oil supplement to his dry food and will add a few of the ingredients you suggested!
Thank you again.


Answer
Your Welcome,
You might just as well have your Vet to an Older dog exam while he is checking the thyroid.  He might do some blood work just to make sure that everything is running smoothly.  Judging on what you wrote, I think he will be clear for thyroid, but now at least, your mind will be at ease.  

Hope everything turns out great and if you have other Poodle questions for me, don't hesitate.
Kim