Hormone

Which hormones are relevant for dog owners?

In practice, it can be said that five hormones are behind the majority of all hormonal problems in dogs. Insulin regulates blood sugar – if it is lacking, diabetes develops. This particularly affects bitches from their seventh year of life onwards. Cortisol regulates stress and metabolism. Too much of it leads to Cushing’s syndrome, which is often recognisable by a “water belly”.

Thyroid hormones determine the speed of all bodily functions. In hypothyroidism, the dog becomes sluggish, gains weight and develops a dull coat. The sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone not only regulate reproduction – they also significantly influence behaviour and cancer risk.

Melatonin is the pacemaker for the day-night rhythm and coat change. In older dogs, this “internal clock” often functions less well, which is why they become more restless at night.

How can I recognise hormonal disorders in dogs?

Hormonal problems rarely appear suddenly. A dog with developing hypothyroidism becomes slower over weeks, sleeps more and gains weight despite the same feeding. Many owners think: “He’s just getting old.” In most cases, however, this is well treatable.

In Cushing’s syndrome, the dog drinks extremely much – three litres a day are not uncommon. The belly hangs down as if it were pregnant. The coat becomes thin and brittle. The combination of these symptoms is so typical that experienced vets often make the diagnosis at first glance.

Diabetes usually develops insidiously. The dog eats normally or even more, but loses weight. In addition, there are the classic symptoms: drinking a lot, urinating a lot, sweet smell from the mouth.

How are hormonal disorders in dogs treated?

Most hormone treatments are replacement therapies. In hypothyroidism, the dog receives thyroid hormones daily in tablet form – usually for life. The dose must be checked after four to six weeks and often adjusted.

Diabetes requires insulin injections twice a day. Sounds dramatic, but most dogs get used to it quickly. The decisive factor is the right time: always directly before feeding. Without this rhythm, the therapy does not work.

Cushing’s syndrome is usually treated with tablets that reduce cortisol production. The tricky part: too little cortisol can be life-threatening. Frequent checks are therefore necessary, especially in the first few months.

Surgery is only an option for tumours that produce hormones. This affects about ten percent of all Cushing’s cases and is usually successful if the tumour is detected early.

Can hormonal problems in dogs be prevented?

To be honest: most hormonal disorders are not avoidable. Hypothyroidism, diabetes and Cushing’s often have genetic causes or arise from the ageing of the glands.

An exception is sex hormone-related problems. Castration eliminates the risk of ovarian tumours, uterine inflammation and mammary tumours in bitches almost completely. In males, the likelihood of prostate problems decreases significantly.

What really helps: regular health checks from the sixth year of life onwards. Hormones can be measured in the blood before symptoms appear. If detected early, almost all hormonal disorders are well treatable.