GSDs World >

Group Thread Listing


Thyroid issues

   
Bailey

I am a 4 legged- security system
 
 
Barked: Mon Aug 11, '08 10:30am PST 
Bailey's Humom here:

Recently (within 3 -4 mos) Bailey has become VERY dog aggressive. When we would go to the dog park she would love to round the dogs up like she was herding them. She would occasionally nip at their legs (typical GSD when herding) but nothing major. Now we can't take her to the dog park because she intentionally goes after the dogs. I am VERY upset and concerned so I called an obedience trainer and asked her if training would help with this issue. The trainer suggested that Bailey get a thyroid test. She said that sometimes when they have hypothyroidism that will change their behavior along with physical things. Mom knows some symptoms could be weight gain and excessive shedding (which she has). I guess what I am asking is if anyone here has had experience with it and what were the symptoms. Anyone else have dog aggression or behavioral changes?
my page | msg me | gift me | become pals
Bogey

Happiness =- rescue and- adoption!
 
 
Barked: Sat Jul 25, '09 11:35am PST 
dog aggression and behavioral changes can be from a variety of things. I would spend time with your vet ruling out different possibilities.
my page | msg me | gift me | become pals
Nitro

AKA Booboo Dog,- Booby Dog,		 
 
Barked: Mon Nov 9, '09 11:49am PST 
Lethargy can be a symptom of Hypothyroidism, behaviour changes, always hungry, weight gain. Nitro my german Shepherd is Hypothyroid. All it takes is a simple blood test by the vet which costs around $30, and then the meds are not that expensive either. I pay around $20 for 250 pills, because my vet will price match anything i can find on the internet.

The dog aggression isn't always down to hypothyroid it can be something that has triggered a response from him, maybe some reaction to a situation. Nitro gets dog aggressive when he is in a dog park etc, it's a fear reaction, one dog ran at him in the dog park and from then on he would growl and bark first.. attack before you ARE attacked kinda mentality.

good luck
my page | msg me | gift me | become pals