When a dog has thyroid problems, it may itch and have hair loss. The dog may be lethargic with no stamina during play or exercise. The most obvious effect can be weight gain even though the dog is not eating more food. Many problems are caused by thyroid disease, but they are often easily treated by thyroid medications.
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Thyroid Medication
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Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroxine, a thyroid hormone available from several manufacturers.
Frequency
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The dog is usually given a thyroid medication in a pill twice daily. However, when the dog thyroid levels return to normal, a once-daily pill is often sufficient.
Dosage
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The medication dose is determined by blood tests showing thyroid levels in the blood. After diagnosis, the dog may be tested every four weeks until the maintenance dose is identified.
Benefits
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The dog may have more energy within a week, but his skin and coat may take 12 to 16 weeks to improve. Other thyroid-related benefits will usually improve over several weeks.
Duration
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Because thyroid problems are usually caused by permanently damaged thyroid glands, medications are taken for the lifetime of the dog.
Precaution
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If the dose is too high, the dog may drink excess water, lose weight or become restless. The veterinarian may retest thyroid levels and suggest a lower dosage.
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