Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs is not dissimilar to that in anyone who has this problem. It shows a thyroid deficiency which may be caused by a dietary insufficiency or a thyroid problem.
This condition is not specific to any breed or gender but it does occur more often in middle age to older dogs.
Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs include:
- hair loss or poor hair regrowth
- weight gain
- intolerance to cold
- lack of fertility
- low energy
- slow heart rate
- eye problems such as inflammation or corneal ulcers
- constipation
- anaemia
- behavioural changes
- myasthenia – an autoimmune condition that involves muscle weakness which may show as an unbalanced gait, difficulty chewing or swallowing (so inability to eat leading to weight loss), lack of eye control, lack of ability to hold up head, breathing difficulties
- sensitive skin to touch
- pancreatitis
When the disorder becomes more serious, the symptoms can include cancers (especially those related to hormones such as breast, ovary, prostate) and autoimmune conditions.
Although a veterinary test may indicate hypothyroidism, the mostly likely cause of this condition is a lack of iodine in the diet. This is a global problem across all human fed animals as well as people. The typical diet fed to dogs is the commercial variety which is made more for the benefit of the manufacturer’s bank balance than for the health of your dog.
Iodine is key to a healthy thyroid and metabolism. It is needed in every day, automatic function. When there is sufficient iodine in the diet, the thyroid works well. However, other minerals that are close to iodine in their atomic number can mimic iodine and occupy the thyroid or displace the iodine, causing devastation to the body. These include:
- fluorine – found in tap water across the world
- bromine – found in pesticides used in food production, household sprays, many pharmaceutical drugs
- chlorine – found as propellants in sprays, in tap water, processed salt, synthetic sugar replacements
- perchlorate – found in tap water, leather tanning
I believe that the symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs (or in anyone) is much less about the inability of the thyroid than it is about an iodine deficiency. But the pharmaceutical companies and their agents (vets and doctors) wouldn’t make as much money if this was publicly recognised.
Natural iodine is found in seaweed, kelp, himalayan crystal salt, saltwater fish, meat and eggs as well as many fruit and vegetables. Synthetic supplements may have a beneficial result initially, but long term use could create other problems.
The best way to help your dog is to start feeding them a natural, quality, wholesome diet that is in keeping with their evolution. This alone may take some time to have an impact. But it is essential to ensure the thyroid continues to function properly.
A quicker way to get results is to treat them with homeopathy. Good homeopathic treatment can help eliminate the harmful chemicals and restore the thyroid to healthy function.
