The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which have a number of functions in the body and are particularly critical in maintaining your pets metabolic rate. Any change in the functioning of this gland can have varied effects on your pets health. In some animals the function of the thyroid gland may become compromised and decrease as your pet ages or due to inflammation of the gland. Pets with hypothyroid conditions may gain weight without any change in their diet. Many become lethargic and seem to lack energy. The coat and skin may suffer from the lack of thyroid hormones- leading to hair loss and dry skin. Constipation, slow heart rate and infertility are also common problems in pets with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism in pets is conventionally treated by administering a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones. This can often restore healthy thyroid functioning very effectively. One of the main problems with synthetic thyroid hormones however is that they may result in too much t