First thing is to be sure your dog had a full thyroid test – one that was sent out to a reference laboratory and measured several values of thyroid function, not just T4. If your dog is really and truly low on thyroid function, then your veterinarian will prescribe replacement hormone therapy. A few things will help the body absorb the medication better. Thyroid hormone is best absorbed on an empty stomach. So, either an hour before a meal or 3 hours after a meal is ideal for taking the medicine. Others things to think of: try really hard to give the medicine without treats. And, If you just can’t get away without a treat to get the pill to go down, be sure the treat you use does not have calcium or soy in it. You may even have to contact the treat manufacturer. A small taste of natural peanut butter might be the trick to slide that thyroid pill down in between meals.
My dog is overweight and is on thyroid medication. Is there anything I should know about giving the pills?
