Monday March 17, 2025 – Dogster

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 or not 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 diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may hold your furry pal joyful and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Doesn’t Cease Lip Licking!

“Expensive Dr. Paola,

My canine Pip is licking her lips for a number of minutes at a time. It even wakes her up. She does it if we’re out strolling, she’s mendacity in her mattress, and so on. It occurs roughly each hour. Had she received one thing flawed along with her?” – Shelley

Hello Shelley,
It’s nice that you’re so observant of Pip’s conduct. Frequent lip licking, particularly when it disrupts Pip’s sleep or occurs as typically as each hour, is often an indication that one thing isn’t fairly proper. Whereas occasional lip-licking could be regular, like when a canine is tasting one thing or feeling a bit anxious, persistent episodes such as you’re describing might point out nausea, acid reflux, dental discomfort, and even a problem affecting her throat. Some canine additionally lick their lips excessively after they have an underlying gastrointestinal downside, comparable to an upset stomach or inflammation. If she’s swallowing lots alongside the licking, it’d recommend regurgitation or reflux.

Since that is taking place so often and is even waking her up, it could be greatest to have Pip checked by a veterinarian. A radical oral examination, together with checking for any indicators of nausea, might assist pinpoint the trigger. If this began not too long ago and is progressively worsening, or for those who discover different modifications like decreased urge for food, gulping, or drooling, these could be essential particulars to share along with your vet. Within the meantime, protecting a detailed eye on when it occurs, like whether or not it’s earlier than or after meals, throughout sure actions, or after ingesting, might assist in figuring out any patterns that may give clues to the underlying concern.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

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Assist! What Do I Feed My Canine Who Has Seizures?

“Hello Dr. Paola,

GusGus is our 5 1/2 lb Pomeranian child. He’s 14 years outdated. Since he was a child, he has had seizures, about two a month. In any other case he’s fairly wholesome. Now older, his again proper leg shivers when he stands, however he does stroll effectively. We’ve fed him Racheal Raes small kibble pet food for a while, however not too long ago have been knowledgeable her pet meals firm was purchased they usually now not present good meat within the course of. What’s the greatest dry pet food, small dimension kibbles for our GusGus. I’m so involved about what sources the protein/meat is utilized in dry pet food. We’re determined to discover a wholesome meals for him as we love him so very a lot. Thanks” – Jeanette

Hello Jeanette,
I utterly perceive your concern about discovering the very best meals for GusGus, particularly together with his historical past of seizures and now some tremors in his leg. Diet performs an important position in general well being, and as canine age, their dietary wants turn out to be much more particular.

When choosing pet food, it’s important to give attention to ingredient high quality. Search for a product with clearly named animal proteins as the primary ingredient (comparable to actual rooster, turkey, or fish) relatively than generic “meat meal” or by-products. Keep away from meals with substances like corn, wheat, and soy, particularly if they’re listed throughout the first 5 substances on the label, and keep away from synthetic preservatives and colorings.

In case you’d prefer to dive deeper into label reading, there are many educational resources obtainable that specify what to search for in pet food. Dogster has 1000’s of critiques from different pet dad and mom, which might help present perception into ingredient sourcing and high quality.

It’s 2025, so you’ll be able to even discover formulation that target joint and mind well being, which regularly include omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants that may very well be helpful. I choose fresh, whole-food-based diets over conventional kibble, as they typically include higher-quality proteins, fewer carbohydrates, and extra bioavailable vitamins. In case you’re open to it, incorporating calmly cooked recent meals or high-quality freeze-dried options as toppers may also present further vitamins and enhance digestibility. No matter you do, be sure you run it previous GusGus’s vet to make sure it’s a very good choice for him.

Some final suggestions could be to take your time transitioning GusGus gradually to his new food; ideally, do it over 7–10 days to assist in giving his digestive system time to regulate and stop digestive upset. Conserving a detailed eye on his power ranges and seizure frequency may also information you in making your best option for him. He’s fortunate to have such a loving household searching for his well-being!

Better of luck,

Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Has a Mast Cell Tumor!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

Nikki was not too long ago recognized with a Mast Cell Tumor. They put her on 50mg Benadryl (she weighs 67 lbs). Surgical procedure was really useful, however the tumor is on her abdomen and really near ribs, so unsure if clear margins are attainable. I’m weighing holistic approaches vs surgical procedure, however the holistic route may be very overwhelming to me. What questions ought to I be asking my vet? And is a 2nd opinion recommended?” – Eadie

Hello Eadie,

I’m so sorry that Nikki is going through this prognosis. Mast cell tumors can range extensively in conduct, so gathering as a lot data as attainable will aid you make the very best choice for her. Since surgical procedure has been really useful, one of the essential inquiries to ask your veterinarian is concerning the tumor’s grade and stage, as these affect prognosis and therapy choices. You’ll additionally wish to talk about whether or not further imaging, comparable to an ultrasound or CT scan, might make clear the tumor’s extent and whether or not clear margins are realistically achievable. If full removing isn’t attainable, ask about different methods, comparable to radiation or targeted therapies, to handle any remaining cancerous cells.

A second opinion is at all times a good suggestion, particularly for those who’re feeling unsure concerning the surgical final result. A veterinary oncologist can present helpful insights into the dangers and advantages of surgical procedure versus holistic or integrative approaches. To my data, there’s restricted scientific proof supporting holistic remedies for mast cell tumors (MCTs) in canine. Whereas some pure therapies, comparable to medicinal mushrooms (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum), omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric (curcumin), could have anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating results, they need to not substitute typical veterinary care. If holistic medicine feels overwhelming, you don’t have to decide on one path over the opposite; speak to your vet. Many instances profit from a mixture of typical therapy and supportive therapies like supplements, medicinal mushrooms, or dietary changes. Simply take into account that it’s essential to comply with your physician’s suggestions and keep away from giving something with out their approval and data as a result of pure remedy can typically intervene with different remedies. Your precedence is guaranteeing Nikki’s consolation and high quality of life, so don’t hesitate to ask about ache administration, potential unwanted side effects, and what to watch at residence. You’re her greatest advocate; noting your observations and gathering all of the obtainable data and information will aid you transfer ahead with confidence.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola