Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your furry buddy blissful and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care on your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Barks Non Cease!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
Each time we let our canine Barry out within the yard he barks continuous. We’re anxious about our neighbors. What can we do?” – Susan H
Hello Susan,
Barry’s persistent barking within the yard is a typical concern for canine dad and mom, and it’s nice that you simply’re contemplating each his well-being and your neighbors. Canines bark for varied causes: pleasure, boredom, territorial instincts, and even nervousness. The important thing right here is to determine the foundation trigger and deal with it with coaching and environmental changes.
First, observe him, and discover out what triggers Barry’s barking. If he’s reacting to noises, individuals, or different animals, he might really feel the necessity to alert or defend his territory. On this case, limiting his visible publicity with a strong fence or offering a chosen quiet space may assist. If the barking stems from boredom or extra power, rising his bodily and psychological stimulation with interactive toys, scent work, or structured playtime earlier than he goes exterior might assist to scale back his urge to bark.
Training plays a crucial role. Instructing a cue like “quiet” utilizing optimistic reinforcement might be efficient. Begin indoors the place there are fewer distractions. You’ll be able to merely seize it: when Barry stops barking, reward him with reward or a deal with.
An effective way to extinguish undesired habits is by placing it beneath stimulus management. By coaching Barry to bark on a cue, he’s much less more likely to bark with out it.
You also needs to redirect his focus with a toy or interact him in a activity when he steps into the yard. Earlier than the barking stops. If he barks excessively regardless of coaching, contemplate supervised yard time fairly than permitting limitless entry, as canine typically develop habits when left to their very own.
If Barry’s barking is because of nervousness, significantly separation anxiety, the strategy might require a extra gradual desensitization course of. Needless to say you’ll be able to at all times seek the advice of knowledgeable canine coach or behaviorist to supply tailor-made methods. With endurance and consistency, Barry can be taught to benefit from the yard with out turning it right into a barking zone.
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canine Has Kidney Failure!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Holly Belle, our 15-year-old pup, continues to be going sturdy however has kidney failure. She drinks water and pees typically, utilizing up one 23in. x 23in. pee pad every time. What often occurs because the signs progress? She nonetheless eats, runs, performs, sleeps properly. Her poop is small and arduous as rocks. Her tooth are unhealthy, some free, some falling out. Her vet received’t give her dental cleansing anymore. I’ve began so as to add vegetable/olive oil to her meals” – Susan S
Susan, it feels like Holly Belle is a resilient little soul, and also you’re doing a beautiful job supporting her by way of her golden years. Power kidney illness (CKD) is a progressive situation, which means the kidney tissue injury and the ensuing indicators will progressively worsen over time. Nonetheless, the speed of decline can range considerably from canine to canine. I’ll do my greatest to elucidate it right here, however I do advocate scheduling a name with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet so you’ll be able to have a correct dialog, and so they can assist reply any additional questions you might have and hopefully ease your worries.
Dietary management together with treats or something she will get must be authorised by your vet as at some phases of kidney illness strict protein and phosphorus restrictions are required. Proper now, she nonetheless has high quality of life, which is what issues most.
As kidney illness advances, the kidneys lose their skill to filter waste successfully, resulting in a rise in toxins within the bloodstream. It’s possible you’ll discover extra apparent indicators similar to nausea, vomiting, weight reduction, muscle losing, lethargy, and urge for food decline. Extreme thirst and urination typically proceed, and in later phases, canine might grow to be dehydrated regardless of consuming rather a lot. Arduous, dry stools are frequent as a result of dehydration, so including some moisture to her meals is vital. The olive or vegetable oil can present some further energy and lubrication, however hydration is key to addressing constipation. Your vet might even request you learn to apply subcutaneous fluids.
Her dental issues are additionally a priority, as contaminated or free tooth can contribute to systemic irritation and make consuming painful. Since a full dental cleansing beneath anesthesia is now not an possibility, each day oral rinses, dental wipes, and even providing comfortable, easy-to-chew meals can assist reduce discomfort. If her mouth ache worsens, a veterinarian might contemplate antibiotics or ache aid choices.
At this stage, the main target is on maximizing her consolation and high quality of life. Monitoring her urge for food, power ranges, and any indicators of discomfort (like pacing, drooling, or avoiding meals) will provide help to perceive when changes are wanted. When the time comes that she now not finds pleasure in her regular actions, struggles to eat, or seems to be struggling, a gentle goodbye could be the most compassionate selection. However for now, it feels like she nonetheless has good days forward, and together with your love and care, she’s capable of get pleasure from them.
Assist! My Canine Has Diabetes!
“Howdy Dr. Paola!
My 8-year-old Schnoodle Addie was simply identified with diabetes a month in the past. She eats Pet Contemporary and loves it. Is that this an okay pet food for her contemplating she is a diabetic? It’s excessive in protein however I’m unsure if there may be sufficient fiber to regulate her blood sugar. I hate to take it away as a result of Addie could be very choosy however she loves Pet Contemporary.” – Patti
Hello Patti. Managing diabetes in dogs like Addie requires a cautious stability of weight loss program, insulin, and monitoring to take care of secure blood glucose ranges. Pet Fresh is a model that provides a wide range of merchandise, every with completely different ingredient compositions and nutrient profiles. Should you want help with this, teletriage veterinary service can assist you analyze the components and nutrient content material of a selected system. You’ll be able to truly schedule a call with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet.com and so they can assist reply any questions you might have all for an inexpensive value, with out having to depart house.
Since diabetes administration is very individualized, it’s important to additionally work carefully together with your veterinarian who will assist monitor Addie’s glucose ranges and decide whether or not her present weight loss program and therapy are applicable or if changes are wanted.
Excessive-protein diets might be helpful for diabetic canine, however fiber additionally performs a vital function in regulating blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption. If the precise Pet Contemporary system Addie enjoys lacks ample fiber, your vet might recommend incorporating further fiber sources or transitioning to a special meals that higher helps her glucose management. Since diabetes administration typically entails ongoing changes, count on some trial and error to seek out the perfect stability for Addie. The aim is to maintain her blissful whereas guaranteeing her blood glucose stays as secure as doable, and with cautious monitoring, I’m positive you could find an answer that works for each her well being and her preferences.
Greatest Needs,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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