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 mum or dad or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can hold your furry good friend pleased 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 absolute best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Has Lumps!
“ My canine has these lumps and like stuff on her it’s like I brush her and chunks of like scabs come out of her and like white flakes I don’t know what to do ” – Lisa (Mother to Coco)
Expensive Lisa,
I’m sorry to listen to about Coco’s pores and skin points. The mixture of lumps, scabs, and white flakes you’re observing may result from a number of underlying situations. Some prospects embody environmental or meals allergy symptoms, bacterial or fungal infections, parasitic infestations, a situation referred to as seborrhea, and even pores and skin malignancies corresponding to cutaneous lymphoma.
Dermatological cases are complicated as a result of quite a lot of potential causes can current related indicators. Subsequently it’s essential to take Coco to see a veterinarian for an correct analysis. They possible might want to carry out pores and skin scrapings for a cytology examination on the microscope, and may even want to gather a blood pattern or a pores and skin biopsy to find out the precise reason behind Coco’s pores and skin issues.
Within the meantime, guarantee Coco is on a balanced weight loss program wealthy in important fatty acids, as these can promote wholesome pores and skin and coat. Your vet will be capable of advocate an acceptable canine shampoo, which is likely to be medicated relying on the analysis. You may also want a pour on oral treatment or maybe topical lotions. As soon as the vet has the analysis, Coco can get the perfect remedy for her case.
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Eats Poop!
“Hello Dr. Paola. Our Ace, ex-shelter canine/pet mill, gained’t eat common meals…he seeks out poop to eat and can solely eat sparingly dry pet food generally. We’ve made him every kind of various meals…pork, beef, sausages, every kind of ready pet food. We simply can not get him to eat something recurrently. We’re anxious he’ll get sick as a result of he doesn’t eat something constantly. One factor he does eat is beef jerky, however it appears he doesn’t know what canine treats are and snubs just about all of them. We’re at a loss as to what to do.” – Gerald
Hello Gerald,
Initially, thanks for rescuing Ace! It’s not unusual for canine from difficult backgrounds, corresponding to shelters or puppy mills, to exhibit selective consuming habits and behaviors like coprophagia (stool eating). These behavioral circumstances usually stem from earlier neglect, stress, or insufficient vitamin. Sadly, many of those puppies are left unattended and hungry in soiled cages.
To handle Ace’s selective consuming, it’s essential to ascertain a constant feeding routine with balanced, high-quality pet food. Step by step introducing new meals and minimizing treats like beef jerky can encourage more healthy consuming habits. Relating to coprophagia (consuming poop), immediate clean-up of feces and offering participating actions may also help cut back this habits.
Consulting with a veterinarian is essential to rule out any underlying well being points as a result of his case of coprophagia could also involve medical problems like dietary deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues. A vet might want to accumulate some samples and rule out medical prospects. Hopefully, he additionally information you on how you can assist Ace construct a strong and healthy gut microbiome to make sure his immune system and general well being improves. Greatest needs, and once more, thanks for giving Ace a second probability and in your love and care.
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Hiccups After He Eats!
“My canine Chaz, as a rule, will get the hiccups after he eats. Ought to I be anxious?” – Rhea
Hello Rhea, usually, hiccups in dogs are innocent and infrequently consequence from eating or drinking too quickly and ingesting extra air. The gastric distention triggers the diaphragm inflicting its involuntary contraction…the well-known hiccups. If this seems like Chaz, you should attempt to sluggish him down throughout mealtimes, particularly as a result of consuming too quick may cause a really harmful (GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), extra generally known as “bloat”).
You need to use quite a lot of slow feeder bowls or interactive puzzle feeders. Providing a rotation of those can be an effective way to supply him some mental stimulation! You’ll be able to supply him smaller, extra frequent meals all through the day to forestall gastric distension and reduce the chance of hiccups. You also needs to be certain that Chaz can get pleasure from his meals in a peaceful and stress-free setting.
If Chaz’s hiccups persist for greater than an hour or are accompanied by different indicators corresponding to coughing, wheezing, vomiting, or adjustments in urge for food or habits, it’s essential to seek the advice of your veterinarian. These indicators may point out an underlying well being concern that requires skilled analysis.
Good luck!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
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