Hormone Products Affecting Pets

Several Vets have begun correlating strange health issues in dogs with human products containing hormones. These products may be the cause of markedly swollen vulvas (as if they are in heat) in many spayed dogs and young female puppies. Male dogs are being seen with enlarged mammary glands and abnormally small penises. Animals of both genders experience fur loss.

In short, owners using topical hormone treatments (most often in menopausal women) in the form of gels, lotions and creams may be transferring medication to their pets as they touch and hold them. Some pets may ingest medication by licking areas where it was applied, or chewing on trans-dermal patches being worn or having been discarded.

Veterinarians are now beginning to consider this problem during evaluations, as mechanisms for tracking and gathering information are being put into place. For more information, please visit this page.