Thyroid meds safe for dogs?

[mkat]

Our 7 year old Australian Shepard mix was just dx by the vet as having a thyroid problem. He's an excessive shedder and also has allergies, which I understand can be linked to thyroid problems. DH took him in, and doesn't remember if his thyroid is underactive or overactive. I have the prescribed medication, and came online to try to learn about it, and the bottle doesn't even have the medication name on it, just "thyroid". So, that doesn't help. But, I'm hoping someone may have some thoughts about how safe thyroid meds are for dogs and if it's worthwhile to explore natural/alternative remedies. I just want to be knowledgable about what we're doing to treat this, and of course, want to avoid anything that has potentially harmful side effects. Thanks!

[lonegirl]

Dogs tend to be Hypo (underactive) thyroid and cats Hyper (overactive).
Your dog was likey prescribed Thyro-tabs (levothyroxin)....but they should by law label the meds correctly with the name. The dog thyroid medication is the same as the human medication. It is important to regulate a thyroid in a pet just as it is important with humans that their thyroid be at proper levels.

[34me]

My mom's last dog was on thyroid meds for years and she died of old age at a propper doggie old age time. She ultimately got them at the people pharmacy because they were sooo much cheaper than the vet's office.