Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 or not 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 vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your furry good friend comfortable and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a spread of matters 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 Has Lumps!
“ My canine has these lumps and like stuff on her it’s like I brush her and chunks of like scabs come out of her and like white flakes I don’t know what to do ” – Lisa (Mother to Coco)
Pricey Lisa,
I’m sorry to listen to about Coco’s pores and skin points. The mix of lumps, scabs, and white flakes you’re observing may result from a number of underlying situations. Some potentialities embody environmental or meals allergic reactions, bacterial or fungal infections, parasitic infestations, a situation known as seborrhea, and even pores and skin malignancies akin to cutaneous lymphoma.
Dermatological cases are advanced as a result of a wide range of potential causes can current related indicators. Due to this fact it’s essential to take Coco to see a veterinarian for an correct analysis. They seemingly might want to carry out pores and skin scrapings for a cytology examination on the microscope, and would possibly even want to gather a blood pattern or a pores and skin biopsy to find out the precise reason behind Coco’s pores and skin issues.
Within the meantime, guarantee Coco is on a balanced weight loss program wealthy in important fatty acids, as these can promote wholesome pores and skin and coat. Your vet will have the ability to suggest an acceptable canine shampoo, which could be medicated relying on the analysis. You may additionally want a pour on oral remedy or maybe topical lotions. As soon as the vet has the analysis, Coco can get one of the best remedy for her case.
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Eats Poop!
“Hello Dr. Paola. Our Ace, ex-shelter canine/pet mill, gained’t eat common meals…he seeks out poop to eat and can solely eat sparingly dry pet food typically. We’ve made him all types of various meals…pork, beef, sausages, all types of ready pet food. We simply can’t get him to eat something commonly. We’re frightened he’ll get sick as a result of he doesn’t eat something persistently. One factor he does eat is beef jerky, but it surely appears he doesn’t know what canine treats are and snubs just about all of them. We’re at a loss as to what to do.” – Gerald
Hello Gerald,
To begin with, thanks for rescuing Ace! It’s not unusual for canine from difficult backgrounds, akin to shelters or puppy mills, to exhibit selective consuming habits and behaviors like coprophagia (stool eating). These behavioral circumstances typically stem from earlier neglect, stress, or insufficient vitamin. Sadly, many of those puppies are left unattended and hungry in soiled cages.
To deal with Ace’s selective consuming, it’s vital to ascertain a constant feeding routine with balanced, high-quality pet food. Progressively introducing new meals and minimizing treats like beef jerky can encourage more healthy consuming habits. Relating to coprophagia (consuming poop), immediate clean-up of feces and offering participating actions may also help cut back this habits.
Consulting with a veterinarian is essential to rule out any underlying well being points as a result of his case of coprophagia could also involve medical problems like dietary deficiencies or gastrointestinal problems. A vet might want to accumulate some samples and rule out medical potentialities. Hopefully, he additionally information you on assist Ace construct a strong and healthy gut microbiome to make sure his immune system and general well being improves. Greatest needs, and once more, thanks for giving Ace a second likelihood and to your love and care.
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Hiccups After He Eats!
“My canine Chaz, most of the time, will get the hiccups after he eats. Ought to I be frightened?” – Rhea
Hello Rhea, normally, hiccups in dogs are innocent and infrequently consequence from eating or drinking too quickly and ingesting extra air. The gastric distention triggers the diaphragm inflicting its involuntary contraction…the well-known hiccups. If this appears like Chaz, you have to attempt to sluggish him down throughout mealtimes, particularly as a result of consuming too quick may cause a really harmful (GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), extra generally known as “bloat”).
You should utilize a wide range of slow feeder bowls or interactive puzzle feeders. Providing a rotation of those can also be an effective way to supply him some mental stimulation! You possibly can provide him smaller, extra frequent meals all through the day to forestall gastric distension and reduce the chance of hiccups. You must also make sure that Chaz can take pleasure in his meals in a relaxed and stress-free setting.
If Chaz’s hiccups persist for greater than an hour or are accompanied by different indicators akin to coughing, wheezing, vomiting, or adjustments in urge for food or habits, it’s vital to seek the advice of your veterinarian. These indicators may point out an underlying well being concern that requires skilled analysis.
Good luck!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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