FAQ re. Canine Thyroid: Medication, Kelp, Vegetables

FAQ re Canine Thyroid Kelp, Medication Administration, Cruciferous Vegetables

Dr. Jean Dodds, who has advanced canine thyroid testing and research for over 25 years, provides answers to commonly asked questions. Hemopet’s Hemolife Diagnostics division provides comprehensive thyroid testing for your companion pets.

Properly Administering Thyroid Medication to Your Dog

Dr. Dodds cannot emphasize enough how to administer thyroid medication to your dog correctly. Please help spread the word so dogs are on the right dosage and so the medication is working most effectively.

Giving Thyroid Medication to Your Companion Dog:

  • Twice per day
  • 1 hour before OR 3 hours after feeding
  • Without foods or treats containing calcium or soy
  • If calcium is not listed on the back panel of the treat, please refer to the manufacturer’s website

Is kelp the cure-all for canine thyroid conditions?

Too often I encounter well-meaning pet caregivers that immediately supplement a dog’s diet with kelp (a rich source of iodine) based on assumptions of observed symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

Diagnosing iodine deficiencies is tricky, though. In fact, iodine deficiency diagnoses are generally left to epidemiologists who infer it by the amount of iodine in the soil where people and pets live, or measure the iodine content of the urine of a population as a whole rather than an individual.

In terms of dogs, kelp supplementation will only work as intended if the dog has an iodine deficiency, which is highly unlikely.

The majority of dogs that become hypothyroid suffer from inherited autoimmune thyroiditis (like Hashimoto’s lymphocytic thyroiditis in people), which has nothing to do with iodine deficiency. Further, excessive iodine supplementation can result in the overproduction of the T4 and T3 in dogs and cats, which triggers unintended cascading effects: in dogs, the immune system may wind up attacking the thyroid gland (producing excessive amounts of thyroglobulin autoantibody) which end up suppressing thyroid levels and causing the very hypothyroidism it was meant to prevent; whereas in cats, the overdosing can result in overt hyperthyroidism.

Common sense begets that you should also not give kelp to dogs that are taking thyroxine via a commercial brand name or generic synthetic thyroid product.

Observation is the first critical step; and thorough testing is ultimately the most important next second step to treat a pet or human with potential thyroid function problems.

Thyroid and Cruciferous Vegetables

I am frequently asked about feeding green leafy vegetables to dogs – especially dogs with hypothyroidism. The concern is generally related to the goitrogenic properties in these foods. Goitrogen refers to a substance that may cause the thyroid gland to enlarge (like goiter) and may impede its ability to function properly. Cruciferous vegetables meet the criteria for being labeled goitrogenic as they contain chemical compounds that produce this effect. For years, it was a commonly held belief that people and dogs who have, or are suspected of having, thyroid conditions should avoid kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. Erring on the side of caution is prudent but, in this instance, the antioxidant and Vitamin K benefits definitely outweigh the risks. The goitrogenic properties in these green leafy vegetables are minute and are readily inactivated by lightly steaming these raw vegetables.

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