Kelp For Dogs With Hypothyroidism
Many diseases and conditions can mimic hypothyroidism and some of the clinical signs even in dogs with normal thyroid function can improve after administration of exogenous thyroid hormone.
Kelp for dogs with hypothyroidism. Kelp s benefits through iodine. Kelp can come in many forms. Primary hypothyroidism resulting from idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy or immune mediated lymphocytic thyroiditis is the most common diagnosis. The majority of dogs that become hypothyroid suffer from inherited autoimmune thyroiditis like hashimoto s lymphocytic thyroiditis in people which has nothing to do with iodine deficiency.
Hypothyroidism is probably one of the most overdiagnosed diseases in dogs. It makes a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism the process of turning food into fuel. If a doctor diagnoses an iodine deficiency as the cause of your hypothyroidism taking kelp supplements may improve your condition according to information provided by dr. Kelp or bladderwack is a brown type of seaweed which people have used when traditional medications have not worked in fighting thyroid issues.
It occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce adequate amounts of the hormones thyroxine t4 and triiodothyronine t3. Iodine is also needed by dogs to avoid certain diseases such as hypothyroidism in dogs. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease of dogs. Kelp is one food that has a plethora of iodine in it.
In terms of dogs kelp supplementation will only work as intended if the dog has an iodine deficiency which is highly unlikely. With hypothyroidism the gland doesn t make enough of that hormone. Nippoldt of the mayo clinic 2 however he explains that iodine deficiency is rare in developed. Hypothyroidism is also called mumps.
Ads for kelp supplements for dogs boast its benefits for vitality immunity and proper function of the thyroid gland 3 kelp often appears as a heavily promoted dietary ingredient included in home prepared raw diets. While research in the uk explains that kelp contains bacillus lichenformis bacteria capable of releasing enzymes that can break down plaque on the teeth. Kelp may be a solution as an alternate treatment for individuals in need of help. Kelp in general tends to have a ton of vitamins in it besides iodine so it can be easily used as a supplemental vitamin.
The thyroid gland is in the neck. A severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and kelp provides a natural source of this important mineral. I don t have a dog with diagnosed hypothyroidism however i knew it wouldn t hurt considering he has issues absorbing nutrients to begin with.