Hyperthyroidism and Your Dog's Diet
Affecting up to 1% of all dogs, hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in canines. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of the hormone thyroxine. Although hyperthyroidism can occur in dogs of any age, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged to senior dogs. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and treatment, most dogs with hyperthyroidism can lead happy, healthy lives.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease that results when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for making thyroid hormone. This hormone helps to regulate the body's metabolism. When there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, the body's metabolism goes into overdrive.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
There are several causes of hyperthyroidism in dogs, the most common of which is a benign tumor of the thyroid gland. This is referred to as an adenoma. In some cases, both thyroid glands may be enlarged, a condition called hyperplasia. In some cases, the cause is a cancerous tumor of the thyroid gland.
It is extremely rare to see Hyperthyroidism in raw-fed dogs, eating turkey or duck necks on a regular basis, but not impossible, especially if it’s a home-butchered product that contains the “gullet” and includes thyroid tissue on a frequent basis. An occasional gullet may be acceptable but is not recommended to be frequent.
If your dog has been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism closely evaluate the diet. Too much of any good thing is not always a good thing.
Remember in all feeding protocols — we recommend variety & rotation!
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary depending on the severity of the disease but can include weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, restlessness, and hyperactivity. In some cases, there may also be vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased heart rate.
Hyperthyroidism & Behavior
Hyperthyroidism in dogs can sometimes lead to behavioral issues. Hyperthyroidism can affect a dog's mood and behavior by causing them to become restless, irritable, and anxious. They may also experience increased excitability, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating or focusing.
Foods to Avoid Feeding With Hyperthyroidism
In dogs with hyperthyroidism, it's important to avoid foods that are high in iodine, as excess iodine can exacerbate the condition. Some foods that are high in iodine include:
Seaweed and other types of sea vegetables
Fish and shellfish
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
Eggs
Iodized salt
Commercial dog foods that contain high levels of iodine
While it's important to avoid foods that are high in iodine, it's also important to ensure that your dog is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet. A canine nutritionist or veterinarian can help you select a diet that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs while also managing their hyperthyroidism.
In addition to avoiding high-iodine foods, it's also important to avoid giving your dog any supplements or medications that contain iodine, unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian. Some supplements and medications, such as kelp or iodine-containing herbal supplements, may contain high levels of iodine and can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms
If you think your dog may have hyperthyroidism, it's important to take him to the vet for an evaluation. The good news is that hyperthyroidism is very treatable. The most common treatment is medication, which can be given in pill form or as an injection. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove the tumor.
The most common treatment for hyperthyroidism in dogs is medication, which can help to reduce the production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. The most commonly used medication for hyperthyroidism in dogs is methimazole.
With proper treatment, most dogs with hyperthyroidism live long and happy lives.