Does hyperactive thyroid medicine for dogs change their behavior? Perhaps making them "high-strung"?
A friends beagle has started wetting in the house, barking, and running off since they started the medication. Is there anything that can be done, besides ceasing the medicine?
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- You don't say what, if any, training methods your friends have tried. Basic methods could be attempted before changing medication - check with vet on this one.
Wetting - restrict water consumption slightly - watch for signs of dog wanting to urinate - circling, sniffing etc. Whisk him/her outside to designated toilet area and reward immediatley with favourite treat when he performs. This may take time - urinating indoors may be a sign of stress or insecurity. Keep to regular mealtimes - do not leave food or water down ad-lib. Regular exercise is also important.
Boredom can be a cause of barking.
You do not say when or what provokes the barking. If inside house, take dog out of room when barking and leave him alone in hallway or separate room until he is quiet. When the barking ceases, bring him back and reward him with a treat. Removal from room must be immediate and with no shouting or communication. If he barks at visitors, use the same method. If he barks at other dogs or people on walks, turn around and walk the opposite direction as soon as he shows signs of hyperactivity or barking. Pet or treat him as soon as he is quiet.
Running off- Take dog out to park or field on long lead. Take a whistle and favourite treat (liver baked in oven with garlic until dry is usually a winner)
Blow whistle, bring dog to you and treat. Do this two or three times until dog comes to you without pulling on the lead. When you are confident he is responding, let him off the lead and let him get some distance, but not too far. Blow whistle. When he comes to you, make a fuss of him and give him a treat. Eventually, blowing the whistle should be enough to make him respond from quite a distance. If not, go back to the long lead a few times.
I am not sure where you live, but if you can get a book or video on Victoria Stillwell (UK) she is a miracle worker with difficult dogs. UK TV programme 'It's Me or the Dog'.
Good luck!
- it could be to high of a dose
- It's possible, since thyroid hormones can affect mood and behavior. Best bet would be to call the vet and discuss options.
- Dose can't be too high, dogs just crap it out. There is probably more thyroid hormone in your back yard than in the medicine bottle. They are probably just seeing the dog acting normal, whereas before with an underactive thyroid the dog was lethargic and not active.