Monday January 6, 2025 – Dogster

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we carry 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 guardian or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can maintain your furry buddy joyful and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Has Horrible Fuel!

“ Hiya, my canine was passing actually stinking fuel after Thanksgiving dinner. I had given her some turkey broth along with her pet food and likewise gave her the ham bone. I’m afraid it made her sick. When does the fuel turn out to be a problem? ” – Mercy (Mother to Girl Bella)

Hello Mercy. I’m sorry to listen to that Girl Bella isn’t feeling her finest. Dietary indiscretions are a typical perpetrator for stinky gas and different gastrointestinal indicators. Turkey broth, whether it is plain and freed from seasonings like onions or garlic, is usually secure. Nonetheless, it’s not recommended to share cooked ham bones with your dog. They’ll trigger issues as a result of they’re excessive in fats, which is tough for canines to digest, they usually can splinter, inflicting accidents and even perforations on the fragile mouth and digestive organs. Whereas gnawing on secure uncooked bones can have some advantages for a canine’s enamel, most vets advocate avoiding them because of the threat of ingestion. Canine aren’t meant to devour bones, as a result of bones are indigestible. As soon as inside your canine’s physique, they’re considered foreign bodies and will trigger infections and even lead to emergency procedures as a consequence of digestive blockages.

So on condition that you already know that she consumed the ham bone, in her case, the smelly fuel could possibly be an indication of a critical subject. When one thing partially obstructs the digestive tract—corresponding to a bone, toy, or different international object—it disrupts the traditional passage of meals and fuel, which may result in fermentation and the buildup of foul-smelling fuel. There are totally different varieties and grades of obstructions, they usually often current different vital indicators, together with vomiting, lethargy, belly ache, lack of urge for food, and a swollen or tense stomach. If Girl Bella consumed the ham bone and is experiencing smelly fuel, you shouldn’t hesitate to hunt veterinary consideration promptly. Obstructions can turn out to be life-threatening if not handled in time. A veterinarian can assess her situation by taking some abdominal X-rays to guage the scenario and provide you with the most effective method. Normally, decision requires surgical procedure.

Better of luck,

Dr. Paola

Assist! What Is the Finest Flea Safety for My Pug!

“Questioning what you advocate for flea/tick and heartworm month-to-month med for pugs. Finest safety and SAFE. Thanks a lot.” – Joan (Mother to Levi)

Hello Joan, thanks for reaching out to us! On this area, we don’t present particular product suggestions or prescriptions as a result of we’re not capable of set up a doctor-patient relationship with a selected canine. Nonetheless, because you’re searching for the most effective and safest protection for your pug, my advice is to go to your veterinarian. They’ll consider your canine’s particular wants and advocate essentially the most applicable product for his or her scenario.

Whereas there are a lot of merchandise obtainable on the market, your veterinarian’s enter is crucial to make sure your canine’s security. For instance, testing is required earlier than beginning heartworm preventive remedy to rule out the presence of adult worms, which may complicate remedy. Equally, tick prevention is more and more advanced as a consequence of different species of ticks in various regions and rising resistance to sure medicines. Your veterinarian will know which merchandise are only for the ticks in your space and would possibly even advocate rotating merchandise to make sure continued effectiveness. Their steering is the easiest way to protect your pug’s health.

Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Yawns Lots!

“My canine Milo yawns rather a lot—like, rather a lot—even when he’s not drained and in the course of enjoying. Is that this simply a type of lovely canine quirks, or may it imply one thing about his temper or well being? Thanks! – Fernanda

Hello Fernanda,

Milo’s frequent yawning may certainly be an lovely quirk, however it will probably even have deeper meanings associated to his temper or well being. Dogs often yawn for different reasons that transcend fatigue. In playful or energetic moments, yawning could be a calming sign—a method for Milo to manage pleasure or diffuse any pressure throughout play. It’s a part of how canines talk and handle their feelings.

Nonetheless, if Milo’s yawning appears extreme, it is perhaps a sign of stress, anxiety, and even nerves. Take note of the conditions the place he yawns essentially the most. If it occurs throughout particular actions or encounters, it may point out he’s feeling overwhelmed or making an attempt to self-soothe. Moreover, some medical points, like delicate nausea, discomfort or ache within the mouth corresponding to that brought on by international objects or dental issues, and even respiratory considerations, could possibly be inflicting frequent yawning. That is why it is very important pay attention to the eventualities, triggers, and another further uncommon indicators as all this info is effective.

Since canines can’t communicate, we depend on behavioral adjustments, indicators, and the context of environmental eventualities to know what’s occurring with them. Your cautious statement of Milo’s yawning is a mirrored image of how attentive and considerate you’re as his mother—he’s fortunate to have somebody who pays such shut consideration to his well-being. Congratulations! By the best way, enjoyable truth: have you ever observed that yawning is contagious between people and canines? If you happen to yawn and Milo watches, he’s more likely to yawn, too.

Good luck!
Dr. Paola