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 dad or mum or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may hold your furry pal completely happy 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 choices and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! My Dog is Digging Her Butt!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My canine Tiana is continually digging at her butt and I’m unsure why. She doesn’t have fleas or worms. Someone talked about she might have her anal glands cleaned, I’ve by no means heard of that earlier than although. What ought to I do?” – Taylor
Hi Taylor, If Tiana is continually digging at her rear that is indicating that one thing isn’t fairly proper. Since you’ve dominated out fleas and worms, one risk is certainly that her anal sacs would possibly want consideration.
Dogs have two small anal glands situated on both facet of the anus. These glands produce a smelly secretion that helps with marking territory and social communication. These are the very motive why dogs always sniff each other’s butt when meeting!
Normally, these glands empty naturally when your canine defecates. However, in some instances; particularly with smaller breeds or canines with gentle stools, they don’t empty usually. When the gland’s secretion accumulates within the sacs it could actually turn out to be impacted or infected, resulting in discomfort. Dogs attempt to handle the discomfort by extreme licking or scooting. If left untreated, impacted glands can generally grow to be painful infections or even dangerous abscesses.
This is why it is crucial you are taking her to the vet. They can look at Tiana to verify whether or not her anal glands have to be expressed or if one other difficulty, akin to an allergy or pores and skin irritation, is inflicting her discomfort. In the meantime, attempt to hold her from excessively licking or scratching, as this may irritate the realm additional.
Best needs,
Dr. Paola
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Help! I Think I Am Allergic to My Dog!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I believe I’m allergic to my Havanese canine Chewy. My nostril runs, my eyes water and I itch throughout. My situation has gotten worse since she began her menstrual interval. Are you conscious of anybody else who has had this drawback with their Havanese canine? Or is there something I can do?” – Jack
Hi Jack, your described allergy signs could possibly be associated to proteins in Chewy’s dander, saliva, or urine, that are widespread allergy triggers. While there isn’t definitive analysis straight linking a dog’s heat cycle to elevated allergy symptoms, hormonal adjustments throughout this time might trigger slight will increase in pores and skin oil manufacturing. More importantly, canines usually groom themselves extra throughout their warmth cycle, which might unfold further dander and allergens into the surroundings, doubtlessly worsening your signs.
To handle this, deal with sustaining a clear residing area and seek the advice of your physician or an allergist to verify the trigger and focus on remedy choices. Allergies will be irritating, however with the precise strategy, you might be able to discover reduction whereas continuing to enjoy life with Chewy.
Help! My Dog Is Having Seizures!
“Hello Dr. Paola!
How do I register my canine? He’s 2.5 months previous.” – Tony (Kingston’s Dad)
Hi Tony, congratulations in your new pet, Kingston!
If you’re referring to registering Kingston with a kennel club just like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or an analogous group, you’ll sometimes want proof of his pedigree from the breeder. This often comes as registration papers offered if you bought him. Follow the directions on these papers to register him below your title, which is probably going doable via the group’s web site.
If you imply licensing him together with your native municipality, this is a vital authorized requirement in most areas. Licensing includes contacting your metropolis or county workplace or visiting their web site to be taught the appliance course of, as it could actually range by location. You’ll possible want proof of Kingston’s vaccinations, particularly rabies, which is often given at round 16 weeks of age. Your native veterinarian will help information you thru the necessities particular to your space. Wishing you all the very best in elevating Kingston!
Wishing you and Kingston all the very best!
Dr. Paola