{"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":"2024-10-25T09:54:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:54:27","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":"

Levothyroxine<\/span><\/a> is used by veterinarians in dogs that don’t produce enough thyroid hormone, a condition called hypothyroidism. Since thyroid hormones control many processes throughout the body, low thyroid hormones can cause many symptoms and medical issues. Levothyroxine is a synthetic formulation of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and replaces the missing thyroid hormone. 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Save up to 80% on levothyroxine<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Veterinarians use levothyroxine in dogs whose thyroid glands aren’t producing enough thyroid hormone.<\/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 chemical processes in the body. Dogs with an <\/span>underactive thyroid<\/span><\/a> will experience a number of 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone. Either the thyroid gland isn’t working right (primary hypothyroidism), or the body isn’t producing enough TSH (secondary hypothyroidism). It’s a common problem in 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, and boxers, are more likely to have the condition. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Whether in people or pets, primary hypothyroidism and secondary hypothyroidism are always treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The first choice is oral levothyroxine. It allows for precise and predictable doses to stabilize thyroid hormone concentrations. <\/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’s life.<\/span><\/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