Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver 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 guardian 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your furry buddy completely happy and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Canine Has Large Burps!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My canine Sam lets out huge burps after meals, generally louder than any individual I do know. Ought to I be anxious?” – Greg
Hello Greg,
Thanks to your query. In lots of instances, a dog’s post-meal burping is solely a results of gulping air whereas consuming. Particularly if Sam is a quick eater or, like most canines, very captivated with meals. Canines can swallow air once they eat rapidly, drink water proper after consuming, and even once they’re a bit anxious or overexcited throughout mealtime. That air wants to flee, and burping is likely one of the physique’s pure methods to try this. Consider it like a strain valve opening to maintain all the things functioning easily inside. You may also be conversant in what occurs to us people after ingesting a fizzy soda.
If Sam is in any other case wholesome, with regular urge for food and power ranges, and no indicators like bloating, retching, or discomfort after meals, the burping is probably going innocent. Nonetheless, it’s price slowing his consuming tempo to cut back the quantity of air he swallows. You can try a slow-feeder bowl, unfold his meals on a lick mat or flat floor, or use puzzle feeders to make mealtime extra gradual and interesting. You can additionally strive breaking his every day meals allowance into extra frequent, smaller meals, and all the time be certain that he’s calm throughout feeding.
In the event you ever discover modifications in Sam’s habits after consuming, equivalent to restlessness, a taut or distended stomach, or refusal to eat, these may very well be early indicators of one thing extra severe, like gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), particularly in broad-chested breeds. In such instances, immediate veterinary consideration is important; GDV is a medical emergency. In any other case, Sam’s burps are seemingly innocent, and making some small mealtime changes can scale back them. In case you are ever doubtful or want to have a vet allow you to plan his meals enrichment, give us a quick call at PangoVet. We might be delighted that will help you.
Finest, Dr. Paola
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Assist! Can Canines Like to Roll in Pungent Issues!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My canine Monkey all the time rolls within the smelliest stuff he can discover on walks. Why does he do that, and the way do I cease it? “ – John
Hello John,
If it helps, know that you’re not alone. It is a quite common habits amongst canines. Monkey’s stink-rolling, whereas understandably irritating (and undoubtedly disagreeable to your nostril), is definitely fairly pure from a canine perspective.
Scientists consider that canines roll in strong-smelling supplies as a method to masks their very own scent. This intuition goes again to their wild ancestors, who could have used pungent smells to camouflage themselves from prey or rivals. Some consultants additionally consider that canines roll in scents to deliver data again to the pack, virtually like saying, “Look what I discovered!” Consider it as your canine’s model of social media. A recently published study with wolves means that novel or unfamiliar odors, particularly the really pungent ones, are most definitely to set off scent‐rolling habits. So it’s you in opposition to nature right here, however there are methods to discourage or forestall this habits; consistency and administration are key.
Hold Monkey on a leash throughout walks so you’ll be able to redirect him earlier than he reaches that engaging patch of who-knows-what. Teach a reliable “leave it” cue, rewarding him generously with treats or play when he responds. Carrying high-value treats which are extra interesting than no matter he’s eyeing on the bottom might also assist. Keep in mind that timing is important; redirecting his consideration earlier than he commits to the roll is much more practical than making an attempt to cease it mid-way. You can too assist his pure must discover scents via structured sniff walks or participating in scent-based games at dwelling. This enrichment satisfies their drive in a extra hygienic manner, giving Monkey the chance to let free and comply with his nostril, simply with fewer journeys to the tub.
Good luck!
– Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Received’t Cease Begging!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
Each time I eat, my canine Tippy simply sits there watching me, silently begging along with his eyes. What’s occurring with that? ” – Marlea
Hello Marlea,
What you’re seeing with Tippy is a basic case of the infamous “puppy eyes.” This expression, with the large, soulful gaze and barely furrowed brows, isn’t simply heart-melting—it’s a deeply ingrained communication instrument that canines have fine-tuned via their lengthy historical past alongside people. Scientists have even discovered that dogs developed specific facial muscles simply to make this expression more practical. Tippy is utilizing these eyes like a silent request, hoping for a bit nibble, with out being demanding. It’s his manner of asking properly.
Though it’d really feel like he’s making an attempt to guilt you, this habits is usually strengthened by previous experiences. If he’s ever been rewarded with a deal with or a chew of your meal after providing you with these pleading eyes, he’s discovered that it really works. Like a talented negotiator utilizing allure as a substitute of strain, he’s banking in your emotional response.
In the event you’d prefer to take pleasure in your meals with out the viewers, strive giving Tippy one thing participating, like a protected chew or a stuffed toy, simply earlier than you sit right down to eat. That manner, you’re providing a optimistic different and serving to him develop a brand new, extra relaxed routine throughout your meals. By the way in which, should you want some inspiration to maintain for enjoyable and interesting methods to fill Tippy’s toys, you can check out our suggestions here.
I hope Tippy enjoys them!
Dr.Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
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