Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can preserve your furry pal glad and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Barks Non Cease!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
Each time we let our canine Barry out within the yard he barks continuous. We’re nervous about our neighbors. What can we do?” – Susan H
Hello Susan,
Barry’s persistent barking within the yard is a typical concern for canine mother and father, and it’s nice that you simply’re contemplating each his well-being and your neighbors. Canine bark for varied causes: pleasure, boredom, territorial instincts, and even anxiousness. The important thing right here is to determine the foundation trigger and tackle it with coaching and environmental changes.
First, observe him, and discover out what triggers Barry’s barking. If he’s reacting to noises, individuals, or different animals, he could really feel the necessity to alert or shield his territory. On this case, limiting his visible publicity with a strong fence or offering a chosen quiet space might assist. If the barking stems from boredom or extra power, rising his bodily and psychological stimulation with interactive toys, scent work, or structured playtime earlier than he goes exterior could assist to cut back his urge to bark.
Training plays a crucial role. Educating a cue like “quiet” utilizing constructive reinforcement will be efficient. Begin indoors the place there are fewer distractions. You may merely seize it: when Barry stops barking, reward him with reward or a deal with.
A good way to extinguish undesired habits is by placing it beneath stimulus management. By coaching Barry to bark on a cue, he’s much less more likely to bark with out it.
You must also redirect his focus with a toy or have interaction him in a activity when he steps into the yard. Earlier than the barking stops. If he barks excessively regardless of coaching, take into account supervised yard time relatively than permitting limitless entry, as canine usually develop habits when left to their very own.
If Barry’s barking is because of anxiousness, significantly separation anxiety, the method could require a extra gradual desensitization course of. Needless to say you may all the time seek the advice of an expert canine coach or behaviorist to supply tailor-made methods. With endurance and consistency, Barry can be taught to benefit from the yard with out turning it right into a barking zone.
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canine Has Kidney Failure!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Holly Belle, our 15-year-old pup, remains to be going robust however has kidney failure. She drinks water and pees usually, utilizing up one 23in. x 23in. pee pad every time. What normally occurs because the signs progress? She nonetheless eats, runs, performs, sleeps effectively. Her poop is small and onerous as rocks. Her tooth are unhealthy, some unfastened, some falling out. Her vet gained’t give her dental cleansing anymore. I’ve began so as to add vegetable/olive oil to her meals” – Susan S
Susan, it feels like Holly Belle is a resilient little soul, and also you’re doing a beautiful job supporting her by her golden years. Continual kidney illness (CKD) is a progressive situation, which means the kidney tissue harm and the ensuing indicators will step by step worsen over time. Nonetheless, the speed of decline can fluctuate considerably from canine to canine. I’ll do my greatest to clarify it right here, however I do suggest scheduling a name with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet so you may have a correct dialog, they usually may help reply any additional questions you’ll have and hopefully ease your worries.
Dietary management together with treats or something she will get must be authorized by your vet as at some levels of kidney illness strict protein and phosphorus restrictions are required. Proper now, she nonetheless has an excellent high quality of life, which is what issues most.
As kidney illness advances, the kidneys lose their skill to filter waste successfully, resulting in a rise in toxins within the bloodstream. Chances are you’ll discover extra apparent indicators reminiscent of nausea, vomiting, weight reduction, muscle losing, lethargy, and urge for food decline. Extreme thirst and urination usually proceed, and in later levels, canine could develop into dehydrated regardless of ingesting rather a lot. Laborious, dry stools are widespread resulting from dehydration, so including some moisture to her meals is necessary. The olive or vegetable oil can present some additional energy and lubrication, however hydration is key to addressing constipation. Your vet could even request you learn to apply subcutaneous fluids.
Her dental issues are additionally a priority, as contaminated or unfastened tooth can contribute to systemic irritation and make consuming painful. Since a full dental cleansing beneath anesthesia is now not an possibility, each day oral rinses, dental wipes, and even providing comfortable, easy-to-chew meals may help reduce discomfort. If her mouth ache worsens, a veterinarian could take into account antibiotics or ache reduction choices.
At this stage, the main focus is on maximizing her consolation and high quality of life. Monitoring her urge for food, power ranges, and any indicators of discomfort (like pacing, drooling, or avoiding meals) will enable you to perceive when changes are wanted. When the time comes that she now not finds pleasure in her normal actions, struggles to eat, or seems to be struggling, a gentle goodbye would be the most compassionate selection. However for now, it feels like she nonetheless has good days forward, and along with your love and care, she’s in a position to get pleasure from them.
Assist! My Canine Has Diabetes!
“Good day Dr. Paola!
My 8-year-old Schnoodle Addie was simply identified with diabetes a month in the past. She eats Pet Recent and loves it. Is that this an okay pet food for her contemplating she is a diabetic? It’s excessive in protein however I’m unsure if there’s sufficient fiber to regulate her blood sugar. I hate to take it away as a result of Addie may be very choosy however she loves Pet Recent.” – Patti
Hello Patti. Managing diabetes in dogs like Addie requires a cautious stability of eating regimen, insulin, and monitoring to keep up secure blood glucose ranges. Pet Fresh is a model that provides quite a lot of merchandise, every with completely different ingredient compositions and nutrient profiles. Should you want assist with this, teletriage veterinary service may help you analyze the components and nutrient content material of a particular system. You may really schedule a call with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet.com they usually may help reply any questions you’ll have all for an reasonably priced value, with out having to go away residence.
Since diabetes administration is extremely individualized, it’s important to additionally work carefully along with your veterinarian who will assist monitor Addie’s glucose ranges and decide whether or not her present eating regimen and therapy are applicable or if changes are wanted.
Excessive-protein diets will be useful for diabetic canine, however fiber additionally performs an important position in regulating blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption. If the precise Pet Recent system Addie enjoys lacks ample fiber, your vet could counsel incorporating extra fiber sources or transitioning to a unique meals that higher helps her glucose management. Since diabetes administration usually includes ongoing changes, anticipate some trial and error to seek out the most effective stability for Addie. The purpose is to maintain her glad whereas guaranteeing her blood glucose stays as secure as potential, and with cautious monitoring, I’m certain you will discover an answer that works for each her well being and her preferences.
Finest Needs,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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