🐾 Health Matters: Thyroid Disorders in Dogs | Poppys Picnic & Tabby's Table Help Centre

Contents

What is thyroid disease?
Why diagnosis can be tricky
How thyroid disorders are managed
The role of raw feeding
Where to get help
Top 5 Takeouts

1. What is thyroid disease?

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, regulates metabolism throughout the body. When it’s not working properly, it can affect everything from weight and skin to behaviour and brain function

In dogs, the most common issue is hypothyroidism — where the thyroid becomes underactive, often due to an autoimmune condition. This form of thyroid disease is slow to develop, with signs only appearing once much of the gland has already been damaged. . Low energy, weight gain, skin problems or even mood changes - these can all point to this condition. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most dogs respond very well.

Look out for:

Weight gain without increased appetite
Hair loss and skin infections
Intolerance to cold
Mood changes, anxiety or even aggression
Seizures or signs of confusion

These symptoms may come on gradually or appear suddenly, and are often mistaken for other conditions.

2. Why diagnosis can be tricky

Thyroid dysfunction can mimic many other conditions, so diagnosis isn’t always straightforward. A simple in-clinic blood test (T4) isn’t enough and can often give misleading results.

For the most accurate picture, your vet should order a complete thyroid profile, which includes:

Total T4 and Total T3
Free T4 and Free T3
TgAA (thyroglobulin autoantibodies)
Possibly cTSH (although this is less reliable in dogs)

Breed, age and lifestyle can all influence thyroid levels. For example:

Sighthounds and giant breeds often have naturally lower levels
Puppies and adolescents have higher levels
Seniors tend to sit closer to the lower end of the normal range

💡 Poppy’s Tip: Always check the full clinical picture, not just lab numbers. Many dogs with “normal” test results still have clear symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.

3. How thyroid disorders are managed

Most dogs with hypothyroidism are treated with a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. It’s a lifelong treatment, but when dosed correctly, dogs usually respond beautifully. Here’s what to know:

Give medication twice daily, not once as this matches your dog’s natural hormone cycle
Avoid giving it with food, especially if the food contains calcium or soy wait at least an hour before or after meals
Check thyroid levels 4–6 hours after dosing, and aim for the upper third of the normal range
Retest regularly, especially if your dog has autoimmune thyroiditis
If treatment is stopped, wait 6 weeks before retesting to let hormone levels rebalance

Behavioural signs like aggression, fearfulness or confusion can also improve significantly once thyroid levels are corrected.

4. The role of raw feeding

Diet plays a key role in managing thyroid health, especially in dogs prone to weight gain or inflammation. Here’s why raw feeding helps:

It’s easy to keep calories controlled while still feeling full
There are no preservatives or fillers to interfere with metabolism
A fresh, natural diet supports hormonal balance
Dogs prone to obesity can lose weight gently without going hungry
Nutrients are in their natural form easy to absorb and use

💡 Poppy’s Tip: Our LEAN & LIGHT range is ideal for dogs with thyroid conditions who need lower fat and high digestibility.

5. Where to get help

At Poppy’s Picnic, we support many dogs living with thyroid conditions. Whether your dog is newly diagnosed or struggling to lose weight, we’ll help you:

Choose the right raw meals to support metabolism
Monitor energy, weight and behaviour as part of ongoing care

You don’t have to do it alone and small changes can make a big difference.

Top 5 Takeouts

Hypothyroidism is common in dogs, but signs are often missed or mistaken for other conditions.
A full thyroid profile is essential, as single blood tests often miss underlying issues.
Twice-daily medication and careful timing with food are key for successful treatment.
Raw feeding helps support healthy weight, hormone balance and overall wellbeing.
Dogs with thyroid issues often improve dramatically with a natural diet and the right support.

Let us know if your dog has thyroid symptoms or has been diagnosed with a hormonal issue. We can help you build a plan that’s simple, natural and tailored to their needs.