Dog Thyroid & Hair Loss

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect almost every organ in the body and can cause many signs and symptoms when these hormone levels are not correct. Thyroid disease in dogs, such as hypothyroidism, causes many of the same symptoms that can be found in humans who suffer from the same disorder. These symptoms can include lethargy, behavioral changes, poor wound healing, dull or brittle hair and even hair loss.

  1. Causes

    • There are many causes of thyroid disease in dogs. Some breeds may have a predisposition to this type of disorder, such as Fox Terriers. Other causes can be an immune system disorder or even cancer of the thyroid gland.

    Hair problems

    • Hypothyroidism in dogs can lead to other hair problems besides just simple hair loss. The animal may experience abnormal hair turnover after they lose their winter coat. The hair may appear to be dull and brittle and their skin around the hair follicles may be dry or oily. They may also develop sores on their skin which do not heal.

    Diagnosis

    • To properly diagnose a thyroid problem the dog must be taken to a veterinarian. There they will get a clinical history from the owner and conduct a physical exam on the animal. They will also draw blood to run a variety of laboratory tests and will also run a thyroid function test to check the hormone levels.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for a thyroid disorder in a dog requires giving the animal a thyroid hormone supplement such as L-thyroxine. It can come in chewable tablets as well as liquid from. The dosage will depend on the size, weight and age of the dog. Increased activity and weight loss will be noticed in the first couple of weeks, but it can take several months for the regrowth of hair in animals that have experienced hair loss.