Thyroid problems DO affect different dogs (and people) differently. For one thing -- are you sure the thyroid problem was hypothyroidism? It is the most common, but a dog can get hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can actually make a dog tired too due to an increased metabolism sort of putting their body in overdrive til it is pooped. It can also cause weight loss. It can also affect the eyes. You might want to look up thyroid eye disease (TED).
I would get the thyroid results. I have seen human doctors mis-analyze the thyroid test results! I know a woman who wound up in the hospital because a doc misinterpreted her results and treated her for the opposite of what she had! The TSH is a thyroid stimulating hormone -- usually if it is high, then the dog is low in thyroid and hypothyroid. If the TSH is low, then usually that means the dog is high in thyroid hormoneand hyperthyroid. But there are exceptions to the rule, so it is important to look at the TSH test along with the individual T4 and T3 tests. Those last two are the two thyroid hormones -- if they are low it indicates hypothyroidism. If they are high, it indicates hyperthyroidism.
Sometimes many adjustments of meds are needed. If the dose is too high, some experience weight loss. If the dose is too low, there may be a loss of appetite and again possible weight loss.
Be careful of immune system boosters though -- most thyroid problems are due to autoimmune disease. You may have heard of Hashimoto's or Grave's diseases -- they are caused by the autoimmune system going into overdrive and attacking thyroid cells. There are a few products that are made to BALANCE immune systems. That might be an option although I do not know of any for dogs. There is one for people called Moducare. Just no boosters! |