Does My Dog Have
a Thyroid Problem?

One small gland, every cell

The thyroid controls the metabolism of every cell in the body. It does this by making and releasing a hormone called thyroxine. A healthy thyroid produces just the right amount; when a problem develops, things start to get out of whack. Too much of the hormone causes hyperthyroidism, not enough causes hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is very rare in dogs. Unfortunately, hypothyroidism is not. Any dog can develop low thyroid levels, but some breeds are predisposed: Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels and Great Danes are among the most susceptible.¹

The signs to look for

Each of these is the same slowdown, showing up in a different place. Low thyroid slows cellular function everywhere, so the symptoms look unrelated until you know what ties them together.

• Weight gainThe metabolism slows, so an otherwise normal, healthy diet starts adding pounds.
• Hair loss, on both sidesLow thyroid affects the hair follicles, giving a poor coat and hair loss in a symmetrical pattern: the same on one side as the other.
• Skin changesDry, scaly or greasy skin, or dark patches. These show how deeply low thyroid reaches at the cellular level, and they often come with a systemic yeast overgrowth.
• Lethargy and oversleepingDogs feel more fatigued as the metabolism slows: more naps, less play.

Other symptoms you may notice include constipation, chills, and a lowered heart rate, all directly related to the slowing of cellular function from a lack of thyroxine.²

Ask for the full panel

If you suspect low thyroid, it's time for a complete thyroid panel at the vet. We recommend requesting the Thyroid Profile 5 Plus rather than a single T4 reading, and reading the work of Dr. Jean Dodds, long renowned for her research on thyroid issues in dogs.³

Where Nzymes can help

If the panel shows your dog needs thyroid hormone, that is the vet's call. What we address is everything around the gland: a cellular metabolism that has slowed, the skin and coat it shows up in, and the yeast overgrowth that so often rides along. Live-food enzymes and antioxidants give those cells what processing took out of the food; for the skin and ears, the yeast shelf explains the rest. Many of the families we work with do both, and review the dose with their vet as the dog improves.

The Core FoundationSee the Core Foundation →Sprouted Granules in the bowl and Antioxidant Treats by hand: the live-food enzymes and antioxidants a slowed metabolism is short on. Where every thyroid dog starts.

Not sure what the panel means, or whether the skin is thyroid, yeast, or both? Book a free consultation and tell us what you're seeing. Diet is the first thing we'll go over; our recommended foods guide shows what to look for.