What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Dogs?

Question

Is it hereditary or do dogs just catch it somehow?

Answer 1

Same as a person sleeping all the time, gaining weight, cold, not thinking properly and reactions are just not there.

It is not hereditary and it is not catchy it just happens.

All it takes is medication 1 pill a day.  

Call your Vet.

Answer 2

It is considered to have a familial hereditary basis in dogs. Here is some information on the disease:

http://www.offa.org/thygeninfo.html

http://www.newmanveterinary.com/Hypothyr...

Answer 3

There is increasing evidence to suggest that hypothyroidism has a genetic component -- many breed Parent Clubs are now recommending that their members get thyroid testing done on their breeding dogs.

In fact, for the past 5-6 years, I've been testing my dogs.

There is also evidence to suggest that environmental factors play a role; The chemicals in dog food, in our homes, pollution in the air, etc. all have an affect on the immune system, and it does have a long-term impact on the animal.

Symptoms -- Losing coat in patches that don't regrow, dry coat/skin, or very oily coat; dandruff; lethargic behavior; abnormal weight gain; sometimes even abnormally aggressive behavior can be a sign of a thyroid problem.

In my experience, you see it in the quality of the coat before anything else.

ADD: Yes, he could be hypothyroid without showing every symptom. The only way you are going to know for sure is to have his thyroid tested (blood draw).

Dry skin and alopecia can be a symptom of several things, including allergies, hormone issues, etc. The way you treat it really depends on the cause.

I think a blood panel at your vet may be in order!

Answer 4

Hypothyroidism is not something a dog can catch.  It is inherited.

Sign are.  oily fur, dry skin, weight gain, fur loss, lack of energy. sometimes aggressiveness. One of my dogs also had a slight sagging in her left half of her face.  I thought she had a stroke.  Nope it was her thyroid.