Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their canine’s well being and well-being.
Whether you’re a brand new pet guardian or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can hold your furry good friend pleased and wholesome. Stay tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! My Dog Barks Non Stop!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
Every time we let our canine Barry out within the yard he barks continuous. We are fearful about our neighbors. What can we do?” – Susan H
Hi Susan,
Barry’s persistent barking within the yard is a typical concern for canine dad and mom, and it’s nice that you simply’re contemplating each his well-being and your neighbors. Dogs bark for numerous causes: pleasure, boredom, territorial instincts, and even nervousness. The key right here is to determine the foundation trigger and deal with it with coaching and environmental changes.
First, observe him, and discover out what triggers Barry’s barking. If he’s reacting to noises, individuals, or different animals, he might really feel the necessity to alert or defend his territory. In this case, limiting his visible publicity with a stable fence or offering a chosen quiet space may assist. If the barking stems from boredom or extra vitality, growing his bodily and psychological stimulation with interactive toys, scent work, or structured playtime earlier than he goes outdoors might assist to scale back his urge to bark.
Training plays a crucial role. Teaching a cue like “quiet” utilizing constructive reinforcement will be efficient. Start indoors the place there are fewer distractions. You can merely seize it: when Barry stops barking, reward him with reward or a deal with.
An effective way to extinguish undesired habits is by placing it beneath stimulus management. By coaching Barry to bark on a cue, he’s much less more likely to bark with out it.
You also needs to redirect his focus with a toy or interact him in a process when he steps into the yard. Before the barking stops. If he barks excessively regardless of coaching, contemplate supervised yard time slightly than permitting limitless entry, as canines usually develop habits when left to their very own.
If Barry’s barking is because of nervousness, notably separation anxiety, the method might require a extra gradual desensitization course of. Keep in thoughts you could all the time seek the advice of an expert canine coach or behaviorist to offer tailor-made methods. With persistence and consistency, Barry can study to benefit from the yard with out turning it right into a barking zone.
Dr. Paola
To speak to a vet on-line now, click on on the picture or button under:
Help! My Dog Has Kidney Failure!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Holly Belle, our 15-year-old pup, continues to be going robust however has kidney failure. She drinks water and pees usually, utilizing up one 23in. x 23in. pee pad every time. What normally occurs because the signs progress? She nonetheless eats, runs, performs, sleeps effectively. Her poop is small and arduous as rocks. Her enamel are dangerous, some unfastened, some falling out. Her vet received’t give her dental cleansing anymore. I’ve began so as to add vegetable/olive oil to her meals” – Susan S
Susan, it seems like Holly Belle is a resilient little soul, and also you’re doing a beautiful job supporting her by her golden years. Chronic kidney illness (CKD) is a progressive situation, that means the kidney tissue injury and the ensuing indicators will step by step worsen over time. However, the speed of decline can range considerably from canine to canine. I’ll do my finest to clarify it right here, however I do advocate scheduling a name with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet so you possibly can have a correct dialog, they usually can assist reply any additional questions you might have and hopefully ease your worries.
Dietary management together with treats or something she will get must be authorized by your vet as at some levels of kidney illness strict protein and phosphorus restrictions are required. Right now, she nonetheless has high quality of life, which is what issues most.
As kidney illness advances, the kidneys lose their capability to filter waste successfully, resulting in a rise in toxins within the bloodstream. You might discover extra apparent indicators similar to nausea, vomiting, weight reduction, muscle losing, lethargy, and urge for food decline. Excessive thirst and urination usually proceed, and in later levels, canines might turn out to be dehydrated regardless of ingesting rather a lot. Hard, dry stools are frequent as a consequence of dehydration, so including some moisture to her meals is essential. The olive or vegetable oil can present some additional energy and lubrication, however hydration is key to addressing constipation. Your vet might even request you learn to apply subcutaneous fluids.
Her dental issues are additionally a priority, as contaminated or unfastened enamel can contribute to systemic irritation and make consuming painful. Since a full dental cleansing beneath anesthesia is not an choice, every day oral rinses, dental wipes, and even providing tender, easy-to-chew meals can assist decrease discomfort. If her mouth ache worsens, a veterinarian might contemplate antibiotics or ache reduction choices.
At this stage, the main target is on maximizing her consolation and high quality of life. Monitoring her urge for food, vitality ranges, and any indicators of discomfort (like pacing, drooling, or avoiding meals) will allow you to perceive when changes are wanted. When the time comes that she not finds pleasure in her regular actions, struggles to eat, or seems to be struggling, a gentle goodbye could be the most compassionate selection. But for now, it seems like she nonetheless has good days forward, and together with your love and care, she’s in a position to get pleasure from them.
Help! My Dog Has Diabetes!
“Hello Dr. Paola!
My 8-year-old Schnoodle Addie was simply identified with diabetes a month in the past. She eats Pet Fresh and loves it. Is this an okay pet food for her contemplating she is a diabetic? It’s excessive in protein however I’m undecided if there’s sufficient fiber to regulate her blood sugar. I hate to take it away as a result of Addie may be very choosy however she loves Pet Fresh.” – Patti
Hi Patti. Managing diabetes in dogs like Addie requires a cautious steadiness of food regimen, insulin, and monitoring to keep up secure blood glucose ranges. Pet Fresh is a model that gives quite a lot of merchandise, every with totally different ingredient compositions and nutrient profiles. If you want help with this, teletriage veterinary service can assist you analyze the components and nutrient content material of a selected method. You can really schedule a call with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet.com they usually can assist reply any questions you might have all for an reasonably priced worth, with out having to depart house.
Since diabetes administration is extremely individualized, it’s important to additionally work intently together with your veterinarian who will assist monitor Addie’s glucose ranges and decide whether or not her present food regimen and therapy are applicable or if changes are wanted.
High-protein diets will be useful for diabetic canines, however fiber additionally performs an important function in regulating blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption. If the particular Pet Fresh method Addie enjoys lacks ample fiber, your vet might counsel incorporating further fiber sources or transitioning to a special meals that higher helps her glucose management. Since diabetes administration usually entails ongoing changes, count on some trial and error to search out the perfect steadiness for Addie. The aim is to maintain her pleased whereas making certain her blood glucose stays as secure as potential, and with cautious monitoring, I’m certain yow will discover an answer that works for each her well being and her preferences.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Paola
