Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey 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 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your furry buddy comfortable and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care on your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Has a Gum Illness!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My Bella is a Pomeranian and has a number of well being points. We’ve now come to seek out out she has a gum illness and each vet I take her to relating to getting her tooth cleaned needs $700 to $1000. I’m on a set social safety earnings and may’t afford that. It hurts my coronary heart to know that she’s in ache, do you may have any ideas?” – Jeannette
Jeannette, I’m so sorry to listen to about Bella’s struggles and the monetary restrictions you’re going through. I can really feel how deeply you take care of Bella, and it’s clear you need to do every part attainable to maintain her snug and wholesome. Periodontal disease, particularly in small breeds like Pomeranians, can certainly be painful and difficult to handle with out skilled dental care. The prices of such procedures might be daunting, however some alternate options and approaches may assist ease Bella’s scenario whereas working inside your monetary constraints.
Low-cost veterinary clinics or nonprofit organizations are sometimes a lifeline in these circumstances. Many communities have companies devoted to serving to pet mother and father entry inexpensive care. Reaching out to native shelters, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary faculties can join you with applications that present dental cleanings at diminished charges. It’s price asking your present veterinarian in the event that they know of any group sources or if they’ve out there cost plans.
Within the meantime, you may take small however significant steps at house to assist Bella really feel extra snug. Every day brushing with dog-specific, enzymatic toothpaste can scale back the buildup of dangerous micro organism. If she’s not used to it, begin slowly, treating it like a mild ritual relatively than a chore, break the aim into many small steps, and check out your finest to maintain it optimistic. You may also contemplate antiseptic oral rinses designed for canine, which can assist management an infection whilst you plan for skilled care. Veterinary-approved dental chews also can help her oral well being, although these needs to be used cautiously if her gums are very tender.
Your devotion to Bella shines by, and that love is her best asset. If you happen to’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure about her instant ache ranges, a veterinary tele-triage consultation with a veterinarian might present steerage and assist prioritize her wants. Bear in mind, even small efforts could make a big distinction in her consolation and well being whilst you work towards a long-term answer.
Finest needs,
Dr. Paola
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Assist! We’re Inviting a New Pup into Our Household!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
We’ve got met a pup we wish to invite you to our household, It’s a Jug crossed with a Dachshund. Are there any explicit issues to have in mind or issues we should always or shouldn’t do or causes to not purchase pup” – Julie
Hello Julie, congratulations on contemplating welcoming a brand new pup into your loved ones! It sounds such as you’ve met a pleasant mixture of a Jug (Jack Russell Terrier and Pug cross) and Dachshund, which may make for a novel and energetic companion. Mixing the traits of those breeds means your pup is prone to be energetic, clever, and charming however may inherit sure traits and potential challenges that you just’ll need to put together for.
From a behavioral perspective, Jack Russells and Dachshunds are recognized for his or her robust prey drives and unbiased streaks, which may manifest as stubbornness or an inclination to chase small animals. The Pug affect could stability this with a extra relaxed temperament. Like with each pup, it’s essential to be proactive with constant coaching based mostly on positive reinforcement from the beginning. Early socialization is vital to stopping future behavioral issues.
Well being-wise, it’s a lotto-drawn; blended breeds can profit from genetic range, however they’ll additionally inherit breed-specific points. Dachshunds are susceptible to again issues because of their elongated spines, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so avoiding actions like leaping off furnishings and sustaining a wholesome weight might be important. Contemplate installing ramps round your property. Pugs, alternatively, can inherit respiratory challenges from their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, whereas Jack Russells are lively canine which may be susceptible to joint points or accidents from their adventurous spirit. Common vet check-ups will assist you to monitor for these dangers.
You didn’t point out the pup’s age however between 24 to 48 months of age, well being screenings for IVDD might be carried out by way of X-rays. It’s all the time a good suggestion to get a veterinarian concerned to information you about necessary issues and subsequent steps. Earlier than welcoming a pup into our house, it is very important mirror on whether or not this combine’s power ranges and potential quirks align with your loved ones’s way of life. If every part seems like a match, you’ll seemingly end up with a loyal and loving companion.
All the time bear in mind, adopting a pup is like bringing house slightly piece of sunshine—it requires care and dedication, however the pleasure they convey is unmatched!
Assist! What Ought to I Feed My Doxie?
“Whats up Dr. Paola!
Would you suggest grain or grain-free for a four-month-old Doxie pet Enzo? We at present have him on Orijen’s grain-free pet meals“ – Donna
Hello Donna, and congratulations in your new Doxie pet, Enzo! Selecting the best food regimen for a rising pet is essential, as their dietary wants throughout this stage instantly impression their long-term well being. Orijen’s grain-free puppy food is a high-quality possibility that focuses on animal protein sources and nutrient-dense components, however there are just a few elements to think about when deciding between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets.
Grain-free diets turned well-liked because of considerations about grain allergy symptoms, however true grain sensitivities in canine are uncommon. Whereas many canine thrive on grain-free diets, the FDA has investigated a possible hyperlink between grain-free diets and a coronary heart situation known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Though the analysis is ongoing, some veterinarians suggest grain-inclusive diets until there’s a selected medical motive to keep away from grains, to be trustworthy, vets differ in opinions identical to human docs do.
If Enzo is prospering on Orijen’s grain-free system—exhibiting good power ranges, a shiny coat, wholesome stools, and regular progress—it’s an indication the food regimen is working for him. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re involved or not sure, you might contemplate transitioning to their grain-inclusive system.
In the end, the perfect food regimen for Enzo is one which helps his dietary wants and aligns together with his distinctive well being and way of life. Common veterinary check-ups are important to make sure he’s growing as expected. If you happen to discover any adjustments in his well being, habits, or progress, it’s a good suggestion to evaluation his food regimen with a veterinarian to make changes as wanted. For fast questions or steerage between visits, you might additionally ebook a web based session with considered one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage veterinary service. They’ll present dependable recommendation and assist tackle your considerations promptly.
Finest Needs,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
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