Can Thyroid Medication Stop a Husky From Shedding?
Reader Question
My Siberian husky mix doesn't blow her undercoat, and it is extremely difficult to comb out. This has only been a problem for the past few years and I am wondering if this could be occurring because she is on thyroid medicine. Her thyroid hormone levels have been checked on her meds and the vet feels her levels are good. But, since hypothyroid dogs shed excessively, is it possible that thyroid supplements inhibit normal shedding. If so, is there anything I can do about it? Her undercoat is getting matted and needs to be combed out, but it doesn't want to come out and the poor girl is miserable as we tug at her fur.
Answer from Our Team
It's unlikely to stop normal shedding when levels are correct. Northern breeds sometimes develop a dense, matted undercoat with age, and some have a coat disorder called alopecia X.
Ask a groomer about professional deshedding and an undercoat rake, and ask your vet whether a skin check would help.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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