Has your dog been slowing down, gaining weight, losing hair, or just not seeming like itself anymore? The thyroid gland may be the problem.

The thyroid is a small gland located in your pet's neck. It helps control metabolism, which is how the body uses food for energy. It also helps many parts of the body function normally.

If the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, everything begins to slow down. This is called hypothyroidism. Some pets slowly develop symptoms over several months, while others may take years before the problem becomes obvious.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Weight gain even when you feed less food 
• Low energy or sleeping more than usual 
• Hair loss or a dull, dry coat 
• Dry, flaky skin 
• Recurring skin or ear infections 
• Cold intolerance 
• Slow heart rate 
• Muscle weakness 
• Constipation 
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides 
• Difficulty recovering from illness 
• Behavior changes, such as depression or lack of interest in activities 
• Seizures. If your pet has symptoms of hypothyroidism and is having seizures, I highly recommend reading my article, “Could Your Dog’s Thyroid Be Contributing to Seizures?”

Not every pet will have all of these symptoms. Some may only have one or two, while others develop several over time.

Factors That May Contribute to Hypothyroidism

• Poor nutrition
• Environmental toxins, including pesticides, lawn treatments, household cleaners, air fresheners, flea and tick products, plastics, and even some ingredients in pet food
• Chronic stress
• Long-term illness
• Certain medications
• Aging

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

If you think your pet may have hypothyroidism, it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam and may recommend blood work, including a thyroid panel, to see how well the thyroid is functioning.

If your pet is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your veterinarian will usually prescribe thyroid medication. In many cases, thyroid medication is needed. 

Supporting Hypothyroidism Naturally

When supporting hypothyroidism naturally, I look at your pet's symptoms, diet, and health history because they can all provide important clues.

Feed a High-Quality Diet

The first step is feeding a high-quality diet. A diet made with fresh, nutritious ingredients provides the body with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to function properly. In my article, “How to Read a Pet Food Label: A Simple Guide,” I list all the important ingredients to look for in a dog food. Some ingredients include:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Salmon
• Salmon meal
• Whitefish meal
• Whole eggs
• Brown rice
• Salmon oil
• Fish oil
• Mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E)

Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and additives. In my article, “Pet Food Ingredients Explained: A Label-Reading Guide,” I list ingredients, additives, and preservatives that I do not recommend in pet food.

Daily Exercise is Important

Pets that are overweight have a harder time getting around and may have less energy, so exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are very important. 

Add Supplements to the Diet

I typically recommend an all-around supplement containing selenium, which helps the body use thyroid hormones properly; zinc, which supports normal thyroid function; vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage; and omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat. However, before recommending any supplement, I evaluate each pet's diet, health history, and medications.

I believe nutrition plays an important role in supporting the thyroid and your pet's overall health. Rather than focusing only on thyroid medication, I look at the whole pet to help identify nutritional deficiencies and other factors that may have contributed to the problem. This is the approach I take during every consultation.

During a consultation, I'll review your pet's symptoms, diet, health history, and blood work. Then I'll develop a nutritional plan designed to support your pet's thyroid and overall health. If you'd like to learn how nutrition can help support your pet's thyroid health, contact For Pet Health to schedule a consultation.