Ask Dr. Paola: Monday February 3, 2025

Ask Dr. Paola: Monday February 3, 2025

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Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey knowledgeable 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 mother or father or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your furry buddy completely happy and wholesome. Stay tuned for knowledgeable steering on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here! divider single dog paw oct 2024

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Help! My Dog Has a Gum Disease!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My Bella is a Pomeranian and has quite a lot of well being points. We’ve now come to seek out out she has a gum illness and each vet I take her to relating to getting her tooth cleaned desires $700 to $1000. I’m on a hard and fast social safety earnings and may’t afford that. It hurts my coronary heart to know that she’s in ache, do you may have any ideas?” – Jeannette

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Jeannette, I’m so sorry to listen to about Bella’s struggles and the monetary restrictions you’re going through. I can really feel how deeply you take care of Bella, and it’s clear you wish to do all the things doable to maintain her snug and wholesome. Periodontal disease, particularly in small breeds like Pomeranians, can certainly be painful and difficult to handle with out skilled dental care. The prices of such procedures may be daunting, however some alternate options and approaches may assist ease Bella’s state of affairs whereas working inside your monetary constraints.

Low-cost veterinary clinics or nonprofit organizations are sometimes a lifeline in these circumstances. Many communities have companies devoted to serving to pet dad and mom entry inexpensive care. Reaching out to native shelters, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary faculties can join you with packages that present dental cleanings at decreased charges. It’s value asking your present veterinarian in the event that they know of any group assets or if they’ve out there cost plans.

In the meantime, you possibly can take small however significant steps at dwelling to assist Bella really feel extra snug. Daily brushing with dog-specific, enzymatic toothpaste can scale back the buildup of dangerous micro organism. If she’s not used to it, begin slowly, treating it like a mild ritual somewhat than a chore, break the objective into many small steps, and take a look at your finest to maintain it optimistic. You may additionally contemplate antiseptic oral rinses designed for canines, which will help management an infection when you plan for skilled care. Veterinary-approved dental chews can even help her oral well being, although these needs to be used cautiously if her gums are very tender.

Your devotion to Bella shines by, and that love is her best asset. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about her quick ache ranges, a veterinary tele-triage consultation with a veterinarian may present steering and assist prioritize her wants. Remember, even small efforts could make a big distinction in her consolation and well being when you work towards a long-term resolution.

Best needs,

Dr. Paola

To speak to a vet on-line now, click on on the picture or button beneath:

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a miniature dachshund puppy inside a crate
Image Credit: Jaclyn Vernace, Shutterstock

Help! We’re Inviting a New Pup into Our Family!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

We have met a pup we wish to invite you to our household, It is a Jug crossed with a Dachshund. Are there any specific concerns to take into consideration or issues we must always or mustn’t do or causes to not purchase pup” – Julie

Hi Julie, congratulations on contemplating welcoming a brand new pup into your loved ones! It sounds such as you’ve met a pleasant mixture of a Jug (Jack Russell Terrier and Pug cross) and Dachshund, which might make for a singular and energetic companion. Blending the traits of those breeds means your pup is more likely to be full of life, clever, and charming however may inherit sure traits and potential challenges that you just’ll wish to put together for.

From a behavioral perspective, Jack Russells and Dachshunds are recognized for his or her sturdy prey drives and unbiased streaks, which might manifest as stubbornness or a bent to chase small animals. The Pug affect might stability this with a extra relaxed temperament. Like with each pup, it’s essential to be proactive with constant coaching primarily based on positive reinforcement from the beginning. Early socialization is vital to stopping future behavioral issues.

Health-wise, it’s a lotto-drawn; combined breeds can profit from genetic range, however they will additionally inherit breed-specific points. Dachshunds are susceptible to again issues on account of their elongated spines, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so avoiding actions like leaping off furnishings and sustaining a wholesome weight will probably be important. Consider installing ramps round your property. Pugs, then again, can inherit respiratory challenges from their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, whereas Jack Russells are lively canines which may be susceptible to joint points or accidents from their adventurous spirit. Regular vet check-ups will enable you to monitor for these dangers.

You didn’t point out the pup’s age however between 24 to 48 months of age, well being screenings for IVDD may be carried out through X-rays. It is all the time a good suggestion to get a veterinarian concerned to information you about essential concerns and subsequent steps. Before welcoming a pup into our dwelling, you will need to mirror on whether or not this combine’s vitality ranges and potential quirks align with your loved ones’s way of life. If all the things looks like a match, you’ll doubtless end up with a loyal and loving companion.

Always bear in mind, adopting a pup is like bringing dwelling just a little piece of sunshine—it requires care and dedication, however the pleasure they create is unmatched!

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owner touching his dachshund puppy
Image Credit: Alena Veasey, Shutterstock

Help! What Should I Feed My Doxie?

Hello Dr. Paola!

Would you suggest grain or grain-free for a four-month-old Doxie pet Enzo? We at present have him on Orijen’s grain-free pet meals – Donna

Hi Donna, and congratulations in your new Doxie pet, Enzo! Choosing the proper weight loss plan for a rising pet is essential, as their dietary wants throughout this stage immediately influence their long-term well being. Orijen’s grain-free puppy food is a high-quality possibility that focuses on animal protein sources and nutrient-dense elements, however there are a number of components to think about when deciding between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets.

Grain-free diets grew to become well-liked on account of considerations about grain allergic reactions, however true grain sensitivities in canines are uncommon. While many canines thrive on grain-free diets, the FDA has investigated a possible hyperlink between grain-free diets and a coronary heart situation referred to as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the analysis is ongoing, some veterinarians suggest grain-inclusive diets except there’s a particular medical cause to keep away from grains, to be trustworthy, vets differ in opinions similar to human docs do.
If Enzo is prospering on Orijen’s grain-free components—exhibiting good vitality ranges, a shiny coat, wholesome stools, and regular progress—it’s an indication the weight loss plan is working for him. However, if you happen to’re involved or uncertain, you could possibly contemplate transitioning to their grain-inclusive components.

Ultimately, the very best weight loss plan for Enzo is one which helps his dietary wants and aligns along with his distinctive well being and way of life. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to make sure he’s growing as expected. If you discover any adjustments in his well being, habits, or progress, it’s a good suggestion to overview his weight loss plan with a veterinarian to make changes as wanted. For fast questions or steering between visits, you could possibly additionally guide a web based session with considered one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage veterinary service. They can present dependable recommendation and assist tackle your considerations promptly.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Paola

This article is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection

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