Does My Dog Have Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition which is really relatively common in dogs. As a pet lover and a dog owner, you are indeed painstakingly tabbing about all the different medical illnesses and diseases that might befall on your beloved canine friend. This disease develops due to the malfunctioning of the thyroid glands, where in they are under-producing hormones that are responsible for healthy metabolism. So, what are the many factors that can point to hyperthyroidism, and if ever, what are the things that ought to be done once such sickness is caught by your dog?

Well, the first thing that is needed to be figured out is whether your dog has a high probability rate of developing some thyroid problems such as this. This condition is most common to dogs that are roughly between the ages of four years to ten years old. Aside from that this kind of disorder are known to be more evident to mid-sized and large-sized breed. Also, it is to take note certain breeds are more prone to this disease than to other. Example is that Irish Setters, Doberman, Pinschers, Airedale Terriers, and Golden Retrievers all some of the dogs which are prone to this condition, while the German Shepherd and some mixed breeds are most likely to avoid this abnormality.

So you have determined the probability rate of your dog from developing this disease. The next step will be how to determine if your dog is already suffering from this. Due to the fact that thyroid hormones are essential part of the metabolic functions of their body, a sudden decrease in those hormones can lead into problems with your dog抯 health in a fairly large scale. Though symptoms of these thyroid problems in dogs very much vary, the most common symptoms for hyperthyroidism in dogs includes hair loss, sudden weight gain, dry coat, slow heart rate, and cold intolerance.

Once one of those symptoms is already exhibited by your dog, it is much advisable to bring your pet to a veterinarian. Here, different tests that your vet prefers will be done in order to test this kind of condition. The most common of which is the Baseline T4 Test which includes blood sampling and testing. When looking for the treatment for this condition, the typical and highly effective treatment is by using Thyroxine. This is a hormone supplement that will be taken by the dog for all of his or her life.

Thyroid problems in dogs are one of the most recurring and dangerous condition that your pet might encounter. Always remember to take some time and consider the different options and decision that you make for your dog. As a pet lover and owner, it is your sole responsibility to take care and ensure comfort and love to your pet. Whenever you eye a problem, always ask for a professionals help, just to be assured of the appropriate things that are needed to be done in order to improve your pet抯 life.