Alopecia and failure to regrow hair are also common signs. Other common signs include lethargy, mental dullness, and reproductive failure. Veterinarians diagnose hypothyroidism with a combination of clinical signs and blood testing. Treatment is lifelong with thyroid replacement hormone which should be checked for concentration with a biannual blood test. Glucocorticoid hormones in excess cause thinning of the haircoat, a pot bellied appearance, and an increased susceptibility to other skin conditions such as bacterial infections.
Owners also notice their dog is drinking more water than normal and urinating more.
The most common cause of this condition can be controlled by decreasing the amount of cortisone given to your dog. Whenever possible, hormones such as cortisone should be administered as infrequently as possible on a alternate day schedule. Healthy skin comes from good nutrition, good breeding, and proper care and grooming. When bathing or grooming your dog, owners can look for skin parasites such as ticks, lice, and fleas. These parasites can contribute to a poor haircoat and must be eliminated promptly Because fleas will run to the head during a bath, be sure and rub flea spray around the head before the bath.