Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 mother or father 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 maintain your furry pal pleased and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable 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 in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine is a Drama King!
“Each time I go away the home, my canine Frankie offers me probably the most dramatic ‘I’m going to die with out you’ look. How can I assist him be much less of a drama king after I go away?” – Sam from Wisconsin
Hello Sam! First, know that you’re not alone. It is a widespread drawback with canine and pet homeowners and it’s often a sign of your canine struggling separation anxiousness. Addressing the problem is essential in any other case you might quickly begin seeing a few of your property misplaced because of Frankie’s misery. You may also hear some complaints out of your neighbors because of the noise.
It is extremely essential to begin engaged on altering the situation to successfully change Frankie’s mindset. Begin with your self—be taught to be relaxed and to not make a giant fuss about leaving or returning dwelling. You could analyze your habits to search out what physique language and cues set off Frankie’s responses. For some individuals is after they seize the keys from the keyholder or after they placed on their coats, and so forth. Establish that second as a result of that’s what you need to begin working with. A easy answer is to search out one thing that grabs Frankie’s consideration and is incompatible with making a drama. Puzzle feeders work nice, however don’t fall into the error of utilizing the identical strategy each single time you allow as Frankie will quickly lose curiosity, so I like to recommend that you simply discover at the least three totally different gadgets to make use of on rotation. I like deal with meting out cameras, as they permit a distance interplay together with your pup. Simply be very conscious to make sure Frankie solely will get a deal with when he’s calm. The final thought is to supply Frankie one thing else to deal with whilst you calmly and quietly go away. Keep away from huge dramatic goodbyes, work on brief returns, and keep away from long-lasting leaving routines.
You possibly can be taught extra about separation anxiousness by studying these posts:
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Vet-Approved Guide
How to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Gained’t Cease Sleeping Below the Covers!
“My canine insists on sleeping underneath the covers like a human. Is that this a bizarre quirk, or does he suppose he’s a part of the household now?” – Geoff from California, mother or father of Snickers
Hello Geoff! Canine additionally like consolation and coziness, and in case you reside in a colder space, Snickers is simply enhancing his slumber. Do not forget that their ancestors rested in darkish and guarded dens so it’s solely pure. As soon as canine be taught that one thing is feasible and allowed, particularly if it brings them additional consolation or some form of gratification, it’s completely pure for them to repeat. However simply so that you can know, it occurs even in consultants’ properties: check out our very own Dr. Karyn’s struggles with Poppy!
You may also discover the next recommendations on How to Get Your Dog to Use Their New Dog Bed useful and would possibly even need to contemplate getting Snickers a heated mattress in case you suppose he’s after the hotter temperature or getting him his personal blankets, too. Yet one more tip, you may need to make it bodily unattainable for Snickers to get to your mattress whereas he warms as much as the concept of getting his personal.
Type regards,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Gained’t Let Me Eat in Peace!
“So, I’ve observed that each time I attempt to eat something, my canine is correct there beside me, gazing me with these huge pet eyes as if she hasn’t eaten in days. I attempt to ignore it, however then she begins pawing at my leg, and earlier than I do know it, I’ve dropped half my lunch. I do know it’s not good to present her individuals meals, however how do I cease her from appearing like I’m withholding her life’s biggest pleasure (and me from feeling prefer it, too) after I’m simply making an attempt to have a peaceable meal?” – Laura from Ontario, Canada, mother or father of Ella
Sure, they all the time attempt to discover the way in which. In your case, Laura it is extremely essential that at this level, you bear in mind that you’ve got the precise to eat your meal in peace. You’re the one who made the hypothetic hunt, so in principle, you eat first after which share with Ella.
A canine will maintain making an attempt and making an attempt—it looks like begging for meals is a endless recreation, particularly in case you already dropped some meals and Ella acquired rewarded for doing it then she’s going to maintain making an attempt the identical method. Ignore the puppy eyes, and don’t permit her to paw you, the second she does that she must get out of the kitchen. In any other case, the pawing will quickly flip into leaping to your fingers for lunch, and relying on her measurement, this may even be harmful. For the sake of each your well being and your relationship, it’s essential cease it.
One thing that works nice is establishing a “station” within the kitchen. Mark this space by inserting a floormat at a distance and feeding her solely when she has bodily contact with it. You have to to begin with small meals however the normal thought is you eat your lunch, Ella should stay both mendacity or sitting within the designated space. When you end your lunch, you feed Ella her meals, a deal with, and a few cuddles, however solely after you end your plate.
Put together your self: it received’t be simple. However, Ella must be taught the foundations of the sport. Don’t let her get you and likewise make a aware effort to not confuse her. It’s good to be constant each time in any other case Ella won’t perceive what she is allowed to do or not.
Better of luck and be assured, you bought this!
Dr. Paola
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