Monday March 3, 2025 – Dogster

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver professional 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 supply insights that may maintain your furry pal joyful and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care on your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! I Assume My Canine Died from Her Meals!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

My canine Luna handed away shortly after I modified her pet food. Is it potential to get her meals examined? As a result of if it was the trigger, it ought to most likely be a recall and I might save different canines. ” – Amber

Amber, I’m so sorry on your loss. Dropping Luna should be extremely painful, and I can solely think about how troublesome it’s to navigate this whereas questioning if her meals performed a task. Your concern for different canines speaks volumes about your love for animals, and also you completely can have her meals examined to rule out any potential contamination or toxicity.

To do that, you’ll need to maintain the remaining meals saved in its unique packaging, if potential, because the lot quantity, expiration date, and producer particulars shall be necessary. A veterinary toxicology lab or a university-affiliated diagnostic lab can be the most effective place to check for contaminants like mold toxins, bacterial pathogens, heavy metals, or sudden drug residues. You may additionally need to report your concern to the FDA’s Middle for Veterinary Drugs, as they observe potential pet meals points. If Luna’s passing was sudden and unexplained, a necropsy (animal post-mortem) carried out by a veterinary pathologist might present readability, to find the reason for dying.

Whereas it’s pure to search for solutions, please attempt to stay calm throughout this time. Meals-related deaths in canines are uncommon, however they do occur, and if the food was the issue and different canines are saved, that might be a significant solution to honor your Luna.

Condolences,

Condolences,

Dr. Paola

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Assist! My Canine Has Fleas!

“My canine Mimi was recognized with flea infestation—what’s ‘flea infestation’ and the way do canines get it? I maintain her groomed, and her groomer has by no means discovered fleas on her, I by no means discovered fleas on her, my home isn’t infested with fleas. Mimi is a Polish Sheepdog, spoiled, lives in the home, potties exterior, and has her personal mattress (which is flea free).
She was always itching and stepping into circles on concrete to scratch her buttocks. (it might get uncooked). She’s been taking Oclacitinib for two months; she nonetheless itches however not as a lot.
Is there the rest I can do to assist her?“ – Julia

Mimi’s fixed itching and rubbing, particularly round her rear, appears like a basic case of flea allergy dermatitis; a hypersensitivity response the place even a single flea chunk may cause intense itching for weeks. A flea infestation happens when fleas reside and reproduce on a dog or in their environment, feeding on blood and laying eggs that unfold all through the house and yard. Nonetheless, not all infestations are apparent. Fleas are tiny, fast-moving, and glorious at hiding, particularly in a thick Polish Sheepdog coat like Mimi’s. Grownup fleas solely make up about 5% of an infestation, with the remaining 95% (eggs, larvae, and pupae) hiding in carpets, bedding, and out of doors areas.

Since Mimi has been on Oclacitinib for 2 months and remains to be scratching, it’s seemingly that flea publicity hasn’t been totally managed. Oclacitinib helps cut back irritation and itching however doesn’t stop flea bites, which might proceed triggering reactions. To actually handle her discomfort, she wants a fast-acting oral flea therapy that kills fleas earlier than they chunk, together with a long-term flea prevention plan. Deep cleansing of your house is a vital a part of the extermination therapy. This contains vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, steaming furnishings, and treating out of doors areas. This helps to eradicate flea eggs and larvae earlier than they turn into adults.

Since she remains to be uncomfortable, Julia, another choice to think about is a long-acting itch aid injected therapy. This works by blocking the precise itch alerts in her physique, offering aid for weeks moderately than needing each day medicine. This may be particularly useful for canines with allergic situations like Mimi’s. If she continues to scratch regardless of flea management and itch administration, it is perhaps time to discover different culprits, beginning with potential allergy triggers, reminiscent of environmental or food allergens. It’s a little bit of detective blends housekeeping however with the appropriate mixture of remedies, Mimi ought to be feeling comfy and itch-free.

Want you good luck,

Dr. Paola

Assist! How Do I Introduce My Pups to Grooming?

“Whats up Dr. Paola!

I’ve two Yorkie pups, Aurora and Orion, who’re +/- 15 weeks. Please are you able to information me on find out how to introduce them to being groomed (making ready them at residence) & at what age? Thanks” – Invoice

Ah fortunate you, DM, I at all times needed a Yorkshire Terrier and you bought two! Aurora and Orion are on the excellent age to begin mild grooming introductions at residence. Congratulations for being proactive and setting them up for a lifetime of constructive experiences. Imagine me after I say each you and them will profit enormously from this.
Yorkshire Terriers have high quality, silky coats that require regular maintenance, so making grooming pleasurable early on will stop stress and resistance later. Ideally, their first skilled grooming session ought to occur round 4 to six months previous, however your house preparation will make all of the distinction.

Begin by desensitizing them to permit dealing with. You do that by commonly touching their paws, ears, and face to get them accustomed to being touched in delicate areas. Use a delicate brush, like a slicker or pin brush, and allow them to sniff it earlier than gently working it by their coat for brief, constructive classes. Hold it gentle and playful, providing treats and reward to assist create a constructive affiliation. You can too get them used to the sounds of clippers and blow dryers, by introducing these progressively. You can begin by turning them on at a distance and pairing the noise with treats.

Bathing ought to be launched with lukewarm water and a gentle pet shampoo, protecting classes quick and stress-free. A delicate towel and a low-heat, low-speed dryer might help dry their coat whereas protecting them comfy. By the way in which, please don’t hesitate to put money into a canine hair dryer, these have managed temperatures and decibels to keep away from hurting or scaring your pups.

Nail trimming is one other important step; begin by merely dealing with their paws then proceed to tapping the clippers towards their claws with out reducing at first to get them used to the feeling. Putting them over your lap or on a safe, non-slip floor throughout these classes will assist them really feel steady and extra assured.

With constant, mild follow, Aurora and Orion will be taught that grooming is simply one other type of bonding and care. Don’t rush it and attempt to give attention to quick and constructive classes a few instances a day as an alternative. By the point they go to an expert groomer, they’ll already be comfy with the method, making the expertise a lot smoother for everybody!

Congratulations once more,

Dr. Paola