Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 guardian or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your furry good friend comfortable and wholesome. Stay tuned for knowledgeable steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! My Dog is Chewing On Everything!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My pup Zoey is a Shih Tzu Bichon combine. She’s chewing stuff up, and I dont know
what’s going on along with her. I’m involved about her.
” – Trevor
Hey Trevor,
It seems like Zoey goes by way of a irritating part, and I perceive why you’re involved. Chewing generally is a regular conduct for canines, however when it turns into extreme or damaging, it typically alerts an underlying want. It could possibly be it’s teething, boredom, anxiousness, or perhaps a lack of applicable shops for her pure instincts. Since she’s a Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, she probably has a mixture of traits from each breeds, together with a powerful playful tendency, which could make managing her conduct a bit tougher.
First, contemplate her age; if she’s nonetheless a puppy, teething discomfort could possibly be driving her to chew on anything she will discover. If she’s older, she could also be experiencing boredom or stress. Providing appropriate chew toys, puzzle feeders, and common train can assist redirect her power in a optimistic method. If she’s left alone for lengthy durations, she could be chewing as a method to deal with anxiety. In that case, interactive toys and even scent video games can maintain her engaged. If her chewing appears compulsive or is accompanied by different regarding behaviors, a vet test could be wanted to rule out underlying medical points. Letting her discover the world in a structured method, by way of coaching, mental enrichment, and play. These instruments and strategies can assist fulfill her instincts and cut back damaging habits. If you’d like to talk to one in all our vets for extra tailor-made recommendation, you possibly can at all times schedule a call at PangoVet, the place one in all our skilled veterinarians can assist you in additional element.
Best needs,
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Bloodhound Gets Reoccurring Ear Infections !
“Hi Dr. Paola,
Beretta is a Bloodhound who will get reoccurring ear infections once we take her to the vet. It’s often yeast generally although it’s an an infection as effectively it doesn’t matter what we do this simply retains coming again. Any options? Thank you. “ – Lacey
Hi Lacey,
I fully perceive how irritating and regarding chronic ear infections may be, particularly in a breed like a Bloodhound. Their lengthy, floppy ears create a heat, moist atmosphere that yeast and micro organism thrive in, making them naturally inclined to those recurring points. Since Beretta retains experiencing these infections regardless of remedy, it’s vital to have a look at the larger image and be sure you embrace each the underlying causes and long-term administration methods.
Recurrent ear infections are sometimes linked to allergy symptoms, whether or not environmental (like pollen or mud mites) or food-related. If you haven’t already, you would possibly wish to discover a hypoallergenic diet trial to see if meals sensitivities are contributing to the issue. Regular ear cleaning can also be key, however it’s vital to make use of a veterinary-recommended drying resolution reasonably than overcleaning, which may disrupt the pure steadiness of the ear canal. Since yeast thrives in damp circumstances, drying her ears completely after baths, swimming, and even humid climate could make an enormous distinction. If infections proceed regardless of these measures, a deeper diagnostic method that features ear cytology, tradition, or allergy testing could assist pinpoint an underlying concern that wants extra focused remedy. Given how persistent these infections have been, it could even be value discussing long-term administration choices together with your vet, akin to immunotherapy for allergy symptoms or a particular upkeep plan to forestall flare-ups.
Best needs,
Dr. Paola
Help! My Dog Vomits After Every Meal!
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My canine Codie is a King Charles Cavalier and Maltese combine. I’ve had him on Purina meals since he was a pup, and began with Purina ONE Smart Blend. I just lately purchased the Purina True Instinct pet food with actual turkey and venison to present him quite a lot of tastes, however this one makes him vomit each time he eats it. Why might that be? He can be 3 years outdated in May. Please clarify why one components was wonderful and this one isn’t. Thanks!” – Donna
Hi Donna, it seems like Codie could have a sensitivity or intolerance to one of many components within the new meals. Even although each Purina ONE SmartBlend and True Instinct merchandise are from the identical model, their formulations differ in protein sources, fats content material, components, and digestibility. Dogs, similar to folks, can tolerate some meals effectively whereas others upset their abdomen. Since Codie vomits each time he eats the brand new mix, it means that one thing within the formulation isn’t agreeing with him.
There are a number of doable causes for this response. One is that he might have an intolerance to venison, which he hasn’t been uncovered to earlier than, or there could be a better fats content material that’s too wealthy for his digestive system. Another risk is an ingredient like peas, lentils, or sure preservatives that differ from what his system is used to processing. Sudden dietary adjustments may also set off gastrointestinal upset, however since he reacts each time he eats it, it’s extra probably a difficulty with the meals itself reasonably than just the transition.
To maintain Codie snug, I’d suggest stopping this meals instantly and returning to what he was consuming earlier than. If you continue to wish to supply selection, introduce new proteins steadily, one by one, to see how he tolerates them. If vomiting persists even after switching again, it will be finest to have him checked by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying circumstances. Keeping observe of which proteins or components trigger a difficulty can assist information you towards one of the best weight-reduction plan for him.
All one of the best,
Dr. Paola
