Can hypothyroidism in dogs be treated in a natural way?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition in dogs that can lead to unexplained weight gain, skin and coat issues, behavioral changes, and reduced energy. Today, our Burlington and Bellingham vets share some information about hypothyroidism in dogs and some of the natural treatment options available.

What is hypothyroidism in dogs?

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when your pup's thyroid doesn't produce enough essential thyroid hormones to regulate its metabolism, causing the metabolism to slow.

What causes hypothyroidism in dogs?

The vast majority of cases of hypothyroidism in dogs are caused by either lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland. Both of these conditions damage the dog's thyroid. In the case of lymphocytic thyroiditis, the dog's own immune system attacks the thyroid, whereas with idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy, thyroid tissue is replaced by fat.

There are a number of claims that hypothyroidism may be caused by external factors such as a raw food diet, standard commercial dog food diet, vaccines, lawn chemicals, choke collars, environmental toxins, phthalates in dog chew toys, PCBs, and antibacterial agents in soaps. The theories behind most of these claims are based on the fact that each factor is believed to affect the thyroid and endocrine system in different ways. That said, further studies must be done before any strong conclusions can be drawn.

What are the signs of hypothyroidism in dogs?

Because hypothyroidism causes your pet's metabolism to slow, almost every organ in your pup's body is affected by the disease. If your pooch is suffering from hypothyroidism, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

If your dog is displaying any of the symptoms listed above, they may be experiencing the effects of hypothyroidism. Contact your vet to book an appointment for your dog.

If your vet suspects that your dog has hypothyroidism, they will perform a full physical examination and run a series of blood tests to check your pup's T4 and T3 levels. Other conditions mimic the symptoms of hypothyroidism, meaning that diagnostic testing may be pretty extensive in order to get a definitive diagnosis.

How is hypothyroidism in dogs treated?

If your dog is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, treatment will likely include a prescription for the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (L-T4). It's important to note that it can take some time for your pet's hormone levels to reach just the right amount, and regular blood tests may be required to monitor your dog's treatment progress. Once the hormone levels are stabilized, your dog will remain on this prescription for life.

Natural Treatments For Hypothyroidism in Dogs

When considering treatment options for hypothyroidism in dogs, medication is often the first thought. However, there are also natural ways and home remedies for treating hypothyroidism in dogs that can improve their quality of life, such as:

1. Herbs

Many plants and herbs may help to improve thyroid and immune function for your pet, such as:

• Ashwagandha
• Turmeric
• Coleus forskohlii (Forskolin)
• Mushrooms
• Schisandra Berry
• Bladderwrack 
• Kelp

Do not begin treating your dog with herbs unless directed by a vet. Your vet can determine the appropriate dosage for your dog.

2. Homeopathy

While homeopathic remedies may manage hypothyroidism in dogs, you should only do so under the recommendation of a vet.

Visit a vet to get started. You will begin with a consultation, and the vet will assess your dog's overall health before making any recommendations for treatment or medicines.

3. Nutraceuticals And Glandulars

Nutraceuticals or glandular supplements, such as iodine, selenium, or zinc, might be a holistic option suggested by your vet or the holistic vet you see. These nutrients offer benefits that may help support your dog's thyroid health. Selenium and zinc help convert T4 to T3, and iodine plays an important role in the proper function of your dog's thyroid.

4. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

TCVM has a similar goal as homeopathy, which is to take a patient-centered approach to thyroid issues. The first step that your vet will take in TCVM is to identify any issues or imbalances that are present in your pup's body. Your vet will then recommend treatment using a special combination of diet, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture.

5. Food For Hypothyroidism

Dogs living with hypothyroidism need to eat a complete diet containing amino acids, iodine, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. If you are unsure of which food may work best for your dog and its specific needs, please speak with your vet.

There may be certain situations in which your vet will agree to a homemade holistic diet for hypothyroidism as long as your pup's nutritional needs are being met.

There are also many options for low-fat prescription dog food that contain everything your dog needs to stay healthy, along with a combination of vitamins and minerals to help manage its hypothyroidism.

You can also add a variety of fresh veggies to your dog's meals that may help alleviate its symptoms. These vegetables include asparagus, green beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, lettuce, mushrooms, and spinach.

Risks of Natural Treatments

It's crucial to recognize the limitations and potential risks of relying solely on natural remedies for hypothyroidism in dogs. While these approaches may provide some support, they are unlikely to replace the need for synthetic thyroid hormones entirely. Hypothyroidism in dogs, left untreated, can lead to severe complications, such as:

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and and increased risk of heart disease.
• Peripheral neuropathy, which affects their ability to move and coordinate properly.
• Difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
• Extreme fatigue and muscle weakness.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your dog is showing signs of hypothyroidism and is in need of care, contact our Burlington and Bellingham vets to schedule an appointment.