Walking a Dog Who Takes Thyroid Medication
Reader Question
I walk my neighbor's dog that is on medication for thyroid problems, presuming for a hypo thyroid. He is half GSD and hound dog and is about the age of four years.
I purposefully walk him only early in am or in the early evening due to the heat. I do not walk him when the temperature is in the mid- seventies on up. I sit with him for a while after a walk to be sure he is not over heated.
Yet I do get concern about him being over-heated and the stress this might cause on his heart. He has at times walked slowly up a hill. I do monitor his behavior and will place a cold wet rage on his head after the walk.
Should I not walk him at all during times he seems to lag behind, such as walking up a hill?
I purposefully walk him only early in am or in the early evening due to the heat. I do not walk him when the temperature is in the mid- seventies on up. I sit with him for a while after a walk to be sure he is not over heated.
Yet I do get concern about him being over-heated and the stress this might cause on his heart. He has at times walked slowly up a hill. I do monitor his behavior and will place a cold wet rage on his head after the walk.
Should I not walk him at all during times he seems to lag behind, such as walking up a hill?
Answer from Our Team
A dog whose hypothyroidism is well controlled can usually exercise normally. Your precautions about heat are sensible, since all dogs can overheat.
Slowing on hills can be normal for some dogs, but if he lags behind often, seems tired or pants heavily, let his owner know so his vet can recheck his thyroid level and his heart. Let him set the pace.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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