{"id":628616,"date":"2024-06-17T10:06:25","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T14:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628616"},"modified":"2026-05-07T18:55:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T22:55:10","slug":"levothyroxine-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/levothyroxine-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Levothyroxine for dogs: Dosage and safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterinarians prescribe <\/span>levothyroxine<\/span><\/a> to dogs that don\u2019t produce enough thyroid hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic formulation of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), and levothyroxine doses are given to replace the missing thyroxine. Because levothyroxine is similar to a natural hormone in the dog, it is safe to give dogs with an underactive thyroid under the direction of a veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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What is levothyroxine used for in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinarians use levothyroxine in dogs whose thyroid glands aren\u2019t producing enough thyroid hormone, a medical condition called hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a <\/span>synthetic thyroid hormone<\/span><\/a>, so levothyroxine treatment is a type of hormone replacement therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism<\/span><\/h3>\n

Thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are critical for animal health. Thyroxine regulates metabolism, energy use, oxygen consumption, protein synthesis, blood volume, body temperature, heart rate, growth, and many other processes in the body. Dogs with an <\/span>underactive thyroid<\/span><\/a> will experience a number of health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones. Two structures in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, regulate thyroid hormone production by producing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the whole system works as it should, TSH is produced when thyroid hormones are low, and the thyroid gland releases the right amount of thyroid hormone to compensate. When thyroid hormones are too high, less TSH is produced, and the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone. The result is healthy thyroid hormone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn\u2019t produce enough thyroid hormone. Either the thyroid gland isn\u2019t working right (primary hypothyroidism), or the body isn\u2019t producing enough TSH (secondary hypothyroidism). It\u2019s a <\/span>common problem<\/span><\/a> in both people and dogs, particularly middle-aged and older dogs between <\/span>4 and 10 years of age<\/span><\/a>. Some breeds, such as golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, beagles, border collies, huskies, Maltese, Shetland sheepdogs, and boxers, are more likely to be affected by the condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism affects every system in the body, causing <\/span>noticeable symptoms and potentially serious health problems<\/span><\/a>, such as weight gain or high cholesterol. Signs of hypothyroidism in a dog include lack of energy, sluggishness, weight gain, poor hair coat quality, \u201crat tail,\u201d and hair loss. The dog becomes more sensitive to cold, as evidenced by shivering or efforts to keep warm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although there are several signs, hypothyroidism is <\/span>diagnosed<\/span><\/a> conclusively through blood tests that measure TSH and thyroid hormone levels. Treatment will also be guided by blood testing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether in people or pets, primary hypothyroidism and secondary hypothyroidism are always treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. <\/span>The first and standard choice is oral levothyroxine<\/span><\/a>. It allows for precise and predictable doses that allow veterinarians to stabilize thyroid hormone concentrations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism is usually a lifelong condition in pets. Levothyroxine doses must be faithfully given every day for the rest of the dog\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to treat hypothyroidism in dogs<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is levothyroxine safe for dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most dogs will have no problems with levothyroxine once the correct dose is established.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are exceptions. Levothyroxine is never used in dogs that have:<\/span><\/p>\n