A veterinary prescription medication developed by Dechra for the treatment of hypothyroidism in dogs. Thyforon contains levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which replaces the hormone that the dog's body is unable to produce in sufficient quantities. Treatment is typically lifelong and helps restore normal thyroid hormone levels, improving metabolism, energy, coat condition, and overall wellbeing. Each pack contains 10 flavored tablets of 200 mcg, scored for easy splitting into halves or quarters.
Composition
Active ingredient: Levothyroxine sodium 200 mcg per tablet (equivalent to 194 mcg levothyroxine). Off-white round tablet with brown spots, quadrisect scored. Can be divided into halves or quarters.
Dosage & Administration
The recommended starting dose is 10 mcg per kg of body weight, given orally every 12 hours. Because absorption and metabolism vary between individual dogs, the dose may need adjustment before a full clinical response is achieved. The timing of administration in relation to feeding should remain consistent from day to day, as food may affect absorption. Dogs under 5 kg should start on a quarter tablet once daily and be monitored carefully. Dose adjustments should always be made under veterinary supervision. Store out of reach of animals as the flavoring may encourage them to seek the tablets.
Benefits
- Restores normal thyroid hormone levels in dogs with an underactive thyroid
- Helps resolve common signs of hypothyroidism including lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, poor coat condition, cold intolerance, and skin problems
- Dogs typically become more lively and alert relatively quickly, with coat and skin improvements seen after several weeks
- Natural meat flavor makes daily administration easy — most dogs accept tablets willingly as treats
- Scored tablet allows precise splitting into halves or quarters for accurate dosing across all sizes
- Available in 200 mcg, 400 mcg, and 800 mcg strengths for flexible, weight-based dosing
Do not use in dogs with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency or known hypersensitivity to levothyroxine. Use with caution in dogs with heart disease, diabetes, or kidney or liver dysfunction. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism must be confirmed with appropriate tests before starting treatment. Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is recommended. Veterinary prescription required.
