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Tags: dog breeds, pets, care, diseases, hypothyroidism
 We pet owners know the possible causes of canine hair loss – the first and most suspected reason for the condition is a flea and/or tick infestation. If the pooch keeps scratchings itself repeatedly non-stop, hair strands can and will fall off slowly. Another most commonly believed to be plausible explanation for it are dog skin diseases – which are very much capable of generating such a symptom.
But what many don't know is that a disease known as hypothyroidism can cause this as one of its primary signs. This isn't a flea and/or tick infestation, and it ain't no skin disease, but rather it's a disorder occurring in the pooch's thyroid gland. For those familiar with the ailment, they are probably aware of it because it usually happens in the human kind.
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But many of those out there that don't know that it can happen in their pets as well. What do you know about the functions of the thyroid gland? If your answer is nothing, I've got a much better one for you – this gland is what's responsible for the production of a hormone known as thyroxine (notice how thyroxine was cleverly derived from the term thyroid).
It is this hormone that's responsible for the regulation of your body's metabolic rate. And everyone know that the metabolic rate is related to the rate your body digests food. Aside from its regulation function, it's also needed for protein production. An abnormality in the thyroid gland will lead to an abnormal production of thyroxine and protein, which then leads to the development of the hypothyroidism condition.
How will you know if your dog has hypothyroidism? The answer can be found in the symptoms a sick dog may display. Almost all disease shows signs of their presence, so take note of the following: a lack of the thyroxine hormone will cause hair loss, as I've stated earlier.
I'm not sure why but that's the way it is and is to be taken as a sign of hypothyroidism. If the hormone that's responsible for the regulation of your pet's metabolic rate isn't produced sufficiently then expect it to gain weight, a lot of weight – it'll reach the point of obesity if no countermeasures are taken.
It may not be eating much dog food, but it'll still put on some pounds. You might also wanna take a look at the skin surrounding the pooch's private part – black spots appearing in that area is also a hypothyroidism symptom. The chemical imbalance can also cause the mind to function slowly – your pet could take longer to respond to commands and even its name, forget the basic tricks you've taught it, have a shorter attention span, and many other signs of a dull mind.
It'll also become a lot lazier; it'll refuse to take walks or undergo dog training exercises. Blood cholesterol would also increase as a “secondary disease” of the abnormal metabolic rate. If your pet has shown any of the above stated, then clearly you need to take it to a veterinarian for a check-up to see whether it has developed hypothyroidism or not .
The good news is that it can be treated, which is through medication, involving the use of thyroxine tablets. The bad news is that it'll have to take the tablets for the rest of its life in order to stay normal. Sad to say but it's the only treatment and method available to combat and supress hypothyroidism - but if you love your pet you would do whatever it takes to keep it healthy and happy.
About the author
Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.
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HOW'S YOUR PET?
Welcome to my Dog Health and Training Blog! My fruitful years of dog training would not be meaningful if I don't share it with other dog lovers like you.
Everything started when my friends asked me to share my knowledge and experience about dog breeding and training. They have been truly delighted by the ideas and other nitty-gritty details thereby sharing it with other people.
Dog ownership can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both the owner and his four legged friend. My knowledge of training techniques will transform your pet into an obedient companion that delights in your presents. The most difficult problem you will face after applying my methods will be to get your dog's tail to stop wagging every time he sees you.
I would be honored to help you achieve a smooth sailing and enjoyable training with your pet. You will receive information by signing up for my free weekly newsletter. Lets get started!
Alex de la Cruz, Dog Trainer
Doggyweb.info
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