The thyroid is a bean-shaped gland located in your pet's neck and its functions include the control of the dog's metabolism, temperature, heart rate, digestion, mobility and elimination of waste. It is also responsible for energizing cellular reactions and increasing oxygen consumption in millions of cells in the body.
Causes of hypothyroidism
Low thyroid function can be caused by many factors including lack of exercise, stress, cortisol medication, toxins including food preservatives, heavy metals (especially mercury), pesticides, herbicides, over-vaccination or hereditary influences.
Symptoms of low thyroid function
There are various signs of hypothyroidism such as lethargy, weight increase, aversion to cold or exercise, hair and skin conditions (dry, excess shedding, thinning and falling hair, face swelling, black discolouration on skin especially under armpits and along inner legs) or loose, thickened skin especially around the base of the tail. The dog may have a hoarse or weak bark, or constipation.
Natural remedies for low thyroid function
By adding iodine, zinc, copper and the amino acid tyrosine to the dog's diet, the thyroid will be stimulated. These foods may include seaweeds and cod liver oil (iodine), beef, chicken, fish, liver, and spinach (zinc and tyrosine), liver, eggs, and brewers yeast (copper).
Other lifestyle changes that will benefit hypothyroidism
It is recommended to increase the dog's exercise, avoid toxins in the diet and the environment, change to a raw, animal protein diet and reduce any stress the dog may be feeling.
Traditional Chinese Medicine's view of low thyroid function in dogs
TCM feels that this condition can stem from a malfunction in the kidney yang, spleen/pancreas or triple heater. The kidney yang cannot generate enough action to fire up the body. Because of the dog's slow metabolism, low energy and poor muscle tone, digestion takes longer than normal.
Acupressure treatment is recommended (KI7, CV6, BL22, ST36 and BL13 points). Herbs that can treat low thyroid include alfalfa (supports the digestion and metabolism of the body), fennel (assists a sluggish and stagnant digestive system), and oats (warming for the kidney and spleen yang, and helps with blood and qi deficiency). Also add Vitamin C, B Complex (brewers yeast), fish oil (for immune system support), kelp for its iodine content, Vitamin E, parsley, microalgae for its chlorophyll content, and cod liver oil.
It is important to see an holistic vet for an accurate diagnosis and support with natural treatments.
Sources:
Schwartz C, Four Paws Five Directions, Celestial Arts, Berkeley, 1996
Kidd R, Dr Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care, Storey Books, 2000
Anne Dubois - Anne is a mother of one son, living in Auckland, New Zealand. She has worked in the natural health industry for nearly 10 years and has ...
