Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your furry buddy comfortable and wholesome. Stay tuned for skilled steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! I Think My Dog Died from Her Food!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My canine Luna handed away shortly after I modified her pet food. Is it doable to get her meals examined? Because if it was the trigger, it ought to in all probability be a recall and I might save different canines. ” – Amber
Amber, I’m so sorry in your loss. Losing Luna should be extremely painful, and I can solely think about how tough it’s to navigate this whereas questioning if her meals performed a job. Your concern for different canines speaks volumes about your love for animals, and also you completely can have her meals examined to rule out any potential contamination or toxicity.
To do that, you’ll need to hold the remaining meals saved in its unique packaging, if doable, because the lot quantity, expiration date, and producer particulars can be necessary. A veterinary toxicology lab or a university-affiliated diagnostic lab can be the perfect place to check for contaminants like mold toxins, bacterial pathogens, heavy metals, or sudden drug residues. You may need to report your concern to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, as they monitor potential pet meals points. If Luna’s passing was sudden and unexplained, a necropsy (animal post-mortem) carried out by a veterinary pathologist might present readability, to find the reason for dying.
While it’s pure to search for solutions, please attempt to stay calm throughout this time. Food-related deaths in canines are uncommon, however they do occur, and if the food was the issue and different canines are saved, that may be a significant strategy to honor your Luna.
Condolences,
Condolences,
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Dog Has Fleas!
“My canine Mimi was identified with flea infestation—what’s ‘flea infestation’ and the way do canines get it? I hold her groomed, and her groomer has by no means discovered fleas on her, I by no means discovered fleas on her, my home will not be infested with fleas. Mimi is a Polish Sheepdog, spoiled, lives in the home, potties outdoors, and has her personal mattress (which is flea free).
She was continuously itching and stepping into circles on concrete to scratch her buttocks. (it might get uncooked). She’s been taking Oclacitinib for two months; she nonetheless itches however not as a lot.
Is there the rest I can do to assist her?“ – Julia
Mimi’s fixed itching and rubbing, particularly round her rear, feels like a traditional case of flea allergy dermatitis; a hypersensitivity response the place even a single flea chew may cause intense itching for weeks. A flea infestation happens when fleas stay and reproduce on a dog or in their environment, feeding on blood and laying eggs that unfold all through the house and yard. However, not all infestations are apparent. Fleas are tiny, fast-moving, and wonderful at hiding, particularly in a thick Polish Sheepdog coat like Mimi’s. Adult fleas solely make up about 5% of an infestation, with the remaining 95% (eggs, larvae, and pupae) hiding in carpets, bedding, and out of doors areas.
Since Mimi has been on Oclacitinib for 2 months and continues to be scratching, it’s doubtless that flea publicity hasn’t been totally managed. Oclacitinib helps scale back irritation and itching however doesn’t forestall flea bites, which may proceed triggering reactions. To actually handle her discomfort, she wants a fast-acting oral flea remedy that kills fleas earlier than they chew, together with a long-term flea prevention plan. Deep cleansing of your own home is a necessary a part of the extermination remedy. This consists of vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, steaming furnishings, and treating out of doors areas. This helps to remove flea eggs and larvae earlier than they become adults.
Since she continues to be uncomfortable, Julia, another choice to think about is a long-acting itch aid injected remedy. This works by blocking the precise itch indicators in her physique, offering aid for weeks quite than needing day by day treatment. This might be particularly useful for canines with allergic circumstances like Mimi’s. If she continues to scratch regardless of flea management and itch administration, it could be time to discover different culprits, beginning with potential allergy triggers, akin to environmental or food allergens. It is a little bit of detective blends housekeeping however with the precise mixture of therapies, Mimi ought to be feeling snug and itch-free.
Wish you good luck,
Dr. Paola
Help! How Do I Introduce My Pups to Grooming?
“Hello Dr. Paola!
I’ve two Yorkie pups, Aurora and Orion, who’re +/- 15 weeks. Please are you able to information me on introduce them to being groomed (getting ready them at residence) & at what age? Thanks” – Bill
Ah fortunate you, DM, I all the time wished a Yorkshire Terrier and you bought two! Aurora and Orion are on the good age to start out mild grooming introductions at residence. Congratulations for being proactive and setting them up for a lifetime of constructive experiences. Believe me after I say each you and them will profit enormously from this.
Yorkshire Terriers have fantastic, silky coats that require regular maintenance, so making grooming gratifying early on will forestall stress and resistance later. Ideally, their first skilled grooming session ought to occur round 4 to six months outdated, however your own home preparation will make all of the distinction.
Start by desensitizing them to permit dealing with. You do that by frequently touching their paws, ears, and face to get them accustomed to being touched in delicate areas. Use a smooth brush, like a slicker or pin brush, and allow them to sniff it earlier than gently working it via their coat for brief, constructive periods. Keep it mild and playful, providing treats and reward to assist create a constructive affiliation. You may get them used to the sounds of clippers and blow dryers, by introducing these regularly. You can begin by turning them on at a distance and pairing the noise with treats.
Bathing ought to be launched with lukewarm water and a gentle pet shampoo, conserving periods brief and stress-free. A smooth towel and a low-heat, low-speed dryer may help dry their coat whereas conserving them snug. By the way in which, please don’t hesitate to spend money on a canine hair dryer, these have managed temperatures and decibels to keep away from hurting or scaring your pups.
Nail trimming is one other important step; begin by merely dealing with their paws then proceed to tapping the clippers towards their claws with out reducing at first to get them used to the feeling. Placing them over your lap or on a safe, non-slip floor throughout these periods will assist them really feel secure and extra assured.
With constant, mild follow, Aurora and Orion will be taught that grooming is simply one other type of bonding and care. Don’t rush it and attempt to give attention to brief and constructive periods a few occasions a day as an alternative. By the time they go to an expert groomer, they’ll already be snug with the method, making the expertise a lot smoother for everybody!
Congratulations once more,
Dr. Paola
