Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey 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 dad or mum 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 can preserve your furry good friend pleased and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steerage 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 in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Canine Anxiously Chews!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My rescue, Bonbin, is half Corgie and half Border Collie. She had nervousness chewing, which I used to be capable of redirect utilizing toys. I would like solutions to cease her obsessive licking of people. She is going to begin at my hand and work her method up my arm. She is about 3 or 4 years previous and has failed a few placements. And no, I don’t have cows.
Assist! ” – Nina
Hello Nina,
Thanks for giving Bonbin a second probability and making a protected area for her. Corgi and Border Collie mixes typically include a double serving to of intelligence and drive, which is fantastic, however it could actually additionally tip into obsessive or compulsive behaviors, particularly when their psychological and bodily wants aren’t totally met. Obsessive licking of humans, as you’re describing, is commonly rooted in nervousness, an absence of sufficient retailers for vitality, and even realized attention-seeking behaviors. It may well rapidly turn out to be self-reinforcing if not gently redirected.
Step one is to deal with the licking the identical method you’ve efficiently managed the chewing: redirect it. When Bonbin begins licking, calmly take away your arm and supply her a activity or habits incompatible with licking, resembling a “place” command on a mat, a meals puzzle, or a chew toy. Reinforce calm habits with reward or delicate, calming rewards. Utilizing these low-key rewards helps keep a relaxed state with out unintentionally encouraging overstimulation or anxious pleasure.
Since she’s a working combine, incorporating daily structured activities that problem each her thoughts and physique may be transformative. Consider quick obedience classes, scent video games, or herding-like outlets resembling a Treibball, a flirt pole, or “discover it” video games. Similar to a Border Collie with out sheep will discover one thing else to regulate, Bonbin could also be turning to you as her “job.” The secret is consistency and delicate redirection, paired with alternatives to have interaction in significant, structured duties every day.
If the licking appears really compulsive or turns into tough to interrupt, particularly if it escalates when routines change or when she’s left alone, it might level to an underlying nervousness dysfunction. In such instances, medical help may turn out to be vital, however earlier than contemplating that step, it might be worthwhile to have a habits administration plan reviewed by knowledgeable coach or veterinary behaviorist. Typically, a small change in our setup or communication model is sufficient to shift the sample.
Wishing you each continued progress
Dr. Paola
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Assist! I Am Involved About My Canine Postpartum!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My Shih Tzu, Abby, had a litter of six the primary time. Three of these died, and now she has just one pet. She does feed this one, however she additionally will get on the mattress and scratches it. Is something incorrect? She has water and meals, however nonetheless pants lots. Please assist! “ – Mark
Hello Mark,
Thanks for reaching out. Panting in a postpartum canine like Abby can have a number of potential causes, and whereas some panting may be regular within the early days after whelping, particularly resulting from hormonal shifts or the stress of nursing, persistent or extreme panting shouldn’t be missed. It’s particularly regarding when mixed with restlessness, just like the mattress scratching you described. These indicators might point out discomfort, retained placental tissue, uterine an infection (metritis), low calcium ranges (eclampsia), and even early signs of mastitis, notably if her mammary glands really feel scorching, agency, or painful.
Provided that Abby has misplaced a number of puppies, it’s particularly essential to rule out any postpartum complications. Canine with metritis or eclampsia might proceed to care for his or her pups for a short time, which may delay recognition of their declining well being. An intensive bodily examination, probably supported by bloodwork and imaging, is crucial to find out the reason for her panting and restlessness. As a result of this case entails a nursing dam and the danger of life-threatening issues, she must be seen by a veterinarian as quickly as doable. Her well-being and her pup’s survival rely on immediate and acceptable care.
Please don’t wait,
– Dr. Paola
Assist! We Are Uncertain About Spaying!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Daisy, our Western Highland Terrier, is about 10 months previous and has had her first warmth. My spouse is afraid that having her “fastened” will change her character. She is a really loving little canine, and my spouse loves that, and it might crush her to lose this.
Word: we had a rescue Western Highland Terrier who was 3 to five years previous once we
acquired her, and she or he was NOT loving, though she was an excellent canine. ” – Loren
Hello Loren,
It’s fully comprehensible that your spouse feels protecting of Daisy’s candy nature, particularly after having had a special expertise with a earlier Westie. Considerations that spaying may change a canine’s character are quite common, however they’re not usually supported by proof. The core temperament of a canine, notably traits like affection, social bonding, and attachment to members of the family, is formed way more by genetics, early socialization, and life experiences than by the presence or absence of reproductive hormones.
Spaying does take away estrogen and progesterone biking, however this normally doesn’t end in a shift from affectionate to aloof habits. In reality, many canines turn out to be extra relaxed and targeted over time, notably as they mature past the extraordinary hormonal fluctuations of adolescence. There is no such thing as a scientific proof exhibiting that spaying a loving canine makes her emotionally distant. What can occur is a brief adjustment interval post-surgery, throughout which your canine could also be quieter or barely off-routine whereas therapeutic, simply as an individual could be after any main medical process or surgical procedure.
Delaying the spay till after the primary warmth, as you’ve performed, is definitely per newer suggestions for some breeds and sizes, and at ten months, Daisy is sufficiently old to deal with anesthesia and restoration properly. In case your spouse’s concern is rooted in grief or fear about shedding the bond she cherishes, it might assist to remind her that Daisy’s loving nature is who she is, not a product of her hormones. Continuing with a pre-surgical examination and discussing any particular behavioral observations along with your vet can even reassure you each that the choice is being made thoughtfully and with Daisy’s lifelong well-being in thoughts.
Finest,
Dr.Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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