Hypothyroidism – Prominent Reason for Fur Loss in Dogs

Hypothirodism in Dogs

Are you spotting the signs of hair loss on your pet’s body? Is he showing patchy skin with pigmentation here and there? Is he losing hair from the neck, chest, thighs and top of the tail? If these are the symptoms then there are chances that your pet has developed hypothyroidism. Yes! This hormonal imbalance is best displayed by hair loss from the pet’s body. Your dog will lose fur from specific areas when his thyroid gland does not function properly.

Thyroid gland situated at the space below the larynx is responsible for maintaining the body’s metabolism. Thyroid deficiency leads to low metabolic rates in humans and animals. If not treated, thyroid imbalance can trigger hair loss, weight gain, slow heart rates, chronic constipation, ulcers, anemia, blepharitis and many more diseases in dogs. It normally affects middle-aged canines of all breeds. Being an endocrine disease, hypothyroidism affects the skin and coat of the pet.

Areas in which pet loses hair due to hypothyroidism:

  • Neck area starting from the front to the chest
  • Both sides of the body
  • Thigh area
  • Tail top

In case of thyroid deficiency, you will find that the color of the fur also changes due to pigmentation. Hair loss being bilateral occurs on both sides of the pet’s body. The hair on the coat becomes brittle resulting in excessive fall. The skin spots with lost hair are generally dry, puffy and discolored. Growth of fur at these places is very slow and dampened. Seborrhea is secondary condition of thyroid deficiency and involves shedding of flaky skin and hair follicles.

Diagnosis and treatment:

If your pet shows the above-mentioned symptoms then you need to take your pet for an immediate vet visit. Your vet will be able to confirm whether the pet is suffering from hypothyroidism or not. As this thyroid deficiency is a permanent problem, it requires long-term treatment. The treatment requires daily replacement of thyroid hormone with synthetic substances. Dosage is as per the weight of the dog. It should be done under a vet’s guidance only. This way, pet’s hair loss will reduce substantially.

To conclude, if your pet is suffering from hair loss of a specific pattern then it might be the case of hypothyroidism. Just take him to the vet and start the treatment. Gradually his shiny coat will come back to normal. All the best!

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