Product title
Vendor
$19.99 | $24.99
Product title
Vendor
$19.99 | $24.99
Product title
Vendor
$19.99 | $24.99
Product title
Vendor
$19.99 | $24.99
Lower-Middle Range Thyroid Replacement Tablet for Hypothyroid Dogs
Product Description
Thyro-Tabs Canine (Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets, USP) 0.4 mg is an FDA-approved prescription thyroid hormone replacement for dogs, supplied as bright pink/maroon scored oval tablets in bottles of 120 or 1,000. Each tablet provides 0.4 mg levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic T4 that is chemically identical to the thyroid hormone a healthy dog produces. Falling in the lower-middle range of the nine-strength Thyro-Tabs Canine line, this strength suits smaller medium-sized dogs or those whose monitored T4 levels place them between the lower and mid-range doses. Indicated for replacement therapy of diminished thyroid function in dogs.
Benefits
- Targets Lower-Middle Dosing Gap: The 0.4 mg strength fills the therapeutic space between the lower (0.3 mg) and mid-range (0.5 mg) strengths for dogs needing precise dose placement.
- Proven Clinical Outcomes: A controlled US field study demonstrated 75.6% treatment success with TT4, fT4, and TSH values normalized by Day 182 across the Thyro-Tabs Canine program.
- Eases Hypothyroid Symptoms: Weight gain, low energy, coat thinning, skin thickening, hyperpigmentation, and elevated cholesterol were all areas showing improvement during the field study.
- Once or Twice Daily Options: The vet may prescribe the full daily dose in a single 24-hour administration or divide it equally into two doses spaced 12 hours apart.
- Scored for Flexible Dosing: The bright pink/maroon tablet is scored across the middle, allowing a clean split into 0.2 mg halves when the vet needs a lower interim dose.
- Human-Grade Manufacturing: Thyro-Tabs Canine is produced under the same FDA standards and in the same facilities as the human levothyroxine formulation, ensuring consistent quality.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Levothyroxine Sodium (Anhydrous): 0.4 mg per tablet
How to Use
Dosage and Administration Instructions
- Prescription Required: Federal (USA) law restricts Thyro-Tabs Canine to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian only.
- Starting Daily Dose: Begin at 0.1 mg per 10 lbs (0.022 mg/kg) given once every 24 hours, or split into two equal amounts every 12 hours as directed by the veterinarian.
- Peak-Level Blood Draw: Draw blood for serum TT4 monitoring 4 to 6 hours after the tablet is given; this window reflects peak absorption most accurately.
- Reassess Every 4-8 Weeks: Recheck TT4 levels and clinical signs every 4 to 8 weeks, adjusting the dose in step-wise increments until the dog reaches a stable maintenance level.
- Fixed Food Timing Each Day: Whether given with food or on an empty stomach, the approach must stay the same every single day to keep T4 absorption consistent between tests.
- Report All Medications: Inform the vet of every supplement or medication the dog receives before starting, as several drug classes interfere with levothyroxine uptake.
- Long-Term Commitment: Canine hypothyroidism rarely resolves on its own; plan for ongoing daily dosing and schedule regular monitoring visits as a routine part of care.
Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.
Additional Information
Precautions
- Thyrotoxicosis Contraindication: Do not administer to any dog with a confirmed thyrotoxicosis diagnosis or where excess thyroid hormone has already been identified.
- Resolve Adrenal Issues First: Adrenal insufficiency must be properly addressed before starting Thyro-Tabs, as beginning thyroid replacement too soon can precipitate an adrenal crisis.
- Cardiac Monitoring Required: Dogs with diagnosed heart disease need especially careful monitoring as levothyroxine raises metabolic demands and can place additional strain on an already-compromised heart.
- Watch for Overdose Signs: Signs of too much thyroid hormone in dogs include increased thirst, rapid breathing, weight loss, and restlessness; report these to the vet promptly.
- Antacids Reduce Absorption: Antacids given at the same time as Thyro-Tabs can significantly lower the amount of levothyroxine the body absorbs; separate administration timing by at least two hours.
- Protect from All Pets: Keep the bottle securely stored away from all household animals to eliminate any risk of accidental ingestion of the thyroid tablets.
Possible Side Effects
- Pruritus Most Common: Post-approval adverse drug experience data for Thyro-Tabs Canine consistently identifies itching as the leading reported adverse reaction in treated dogs.
- Out-of-Range T4 Levels: Serum TT4 concentrations either too high or too low are frequently submitted as post-approval adverse events; consistent monitoring helps catch and correct these.
- Hyperactivity and Rapid Breathing: Tachypnea and an unusually restless or hyperactive demeanor may signal that the current dose is higher than the dog needs.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Vomiting, loose stools, and reduced appetite have been documented in both the controlled field study and through post-approval adverse event reports.
- Liver Enzyme Changes: Three dogs in the field study developed elevated ALP, ALT, or AST; the majority normalized without discontinuing therapy during the monitoring period.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Urticaria, facial swelling, dermatitis, and alopecia have appeared in post-approval experience; seek veterinary attention if any of these develop.
Storage Information
- Controlled Room Temperature: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions between 15-30°C (59-86°F) are permitted without any impact on tablet stability or levothyroxine potency.
- Keep Bottle Tightly Closed: Store with the cap secured tightly away from direct light and moisture to protect the tablets and maintain consistent potency throughout the shelf life.
Shipping & Return
We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.
For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.
Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Thyro-Tabs Canine 0.4 mg bright pink tablet used for in dogs?
Ans: Thyro-Tabs Canine 0.4 mg is an FDA-approved prescription levothyroxine tablet for dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It provides synthetic T4 that matches what a healthy canine thyroid produces, helping restore normal metabolic function in dogs whose thyroid gland can no longer produce enough hormone on its own.
Q2: How is the correct Thyro-Tabs levothyroxine dose determined for a dog?
Ans: The vet starts at 0.1 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily and checks serum TT4 levels drawn 4-6 hours after the dose every 4-8 weeks. The strength is then adjusted up or down in a step-wise fashion based on those blood results and the dog's clinical response at each recheck.
Q3: Why should antacids not be given at the same time as a dog's Thyro-Tabs tablet?
Ans: Antacids bind to levothyroxine in the gastrointestinal tract and significantly reduce the amount the body can absorb. Giving them together effectively lowers the dose the dog receives. Separating administration by at least two hours helps ensure the full prescribed amount of T4 reaches the bloodstream.
Q4: What signs suggest a dog is receiving too much levothyroxine from Thyro-Tabs?
Ans: Signs of over-supplementation include noticeable restlessness, rapid or labored breathing, significant weight loss, and increased thirst. Any of these developing after starting or adjusting Thyro-Tabs should be reported to the veterinarian promptly so a serum TT4 recheck and dose reduction can be arranged.
Q5: Can the Thyro-Tabs 0.4 mg maroon tablet be cut in half for a smaller dose?
Ans: Yes. Each 0.4 mg tablet is scored across the middle, allowing a clean split into two 0.2 mg halves. Splitting should only be done when specifically directed by the prescribing veterinarian, as the correct dose must always be based on the individual dog's body weight and most recent serum T4 monitoring results.