Older dogs aren’t the spry young pups they used to be. Every dog will reach a point where they begin to take life at a slower pace, trading energetic play time for long snoozes on the couch. However, pet parents must be able to tell the difference between low energy and lethargy. If your middle-aged dog experiences lethargy alongside symptoms like hair loss and weight gain, there’s a good chance they’re actually living with hypothyroidism.

A once-friendly feline can turn feisty overnight. Howling, attacking other pets and hissing at family members can leave owners wondering, “What’s gotten into my cat?” There’s certainly a problem here, but it’s not their attitude! What many pet parents don’t realize is that changes in their cat’s behavior could signal health issues, particularly the onset of hyperthyroidism.

Feline hyperthyroidism—an abundance of thyroid hormone in a cat’s body—is a relatively common condition that causes behavioral and health changes in our furry friends. One of the ways pet parents spot this condition in their cats is by noticing their kitty’s ravenous appetite and persistent begging. But aside from being an indicator of illness, food can also be part of your hyperthyroid cat’s treatment plan.

As humans, we know of a few common thyroid conditions that can plague us as we age. But did you know that our pets can experience these conditions, too?

Think about the daily routine of your dogs. They go for walks, roll in the grass, chew on toys, and eat practically everything—whether it’s edible or not. Such activities are part of a typical day for dogs, and pet owners don’t give it much thought.

Hyperthyroidism is very common in middle aged to older cats and occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms commonly seen are weight loss despite a great appetite, poor hair coat, increased drinking and urination, vomiting and or diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hyperactivity, increased yowling and irritability. 

Thyroid diseases are unfortunately common in pets. The hormones produced by this small gland in the neck control essential components of your dog’s everyday life. If something starts to go wrong with the gland or your dog’s hormone levels are imbalanced, it won’t take long for you to notice.

When we first bring a baby kitten home, we may be surprised at how much it eats as it grows. A constantly-hungry kitten is little to worry about, and this intense appetite tends to settle down over time. However, many pet owners find that their older cats begin to develop increasing appetites once again.

It’s a fact that cat owners know well: our feline friends sleep, and they sleep a lot. If you don’t see your cat playing or grooming itself during the day, there’s a good chance it’s off somewhere cozy, sleeping. In fact, cats spend nearly two-thirds of their lives asleep!