Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, 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 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can preserve your furry pal joyful and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Is Altering Coloration!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My 5-month-old miniature poodle Moxie was pink with a white chest once I purchased him, however after two shampoos, his pink coat has turned an virtually golden blonde colour. Is that this regular? Is there something I can payment or give him that can restore and preserve his pink coat? Is there a particular shampoo I ought to use? Please assist!” – Madelyne
Hello Madelyne!
It appears like Moxie goes by a really regular colour transition. Many red Poodles expertise coat fading or lightening as they mature, and this will occur fairly dramatically in some circumstances. Poodles carry genes that affect coat color change over time, usually resulting in shades of apricot, cream, and even silvering in some traces. This course of is called “clearing,” and whereas some reds keep wealthy and deep, others naturally fade it doesn’t matter what you do.
There’s no magic shampoo or complement that can utterly forestall this transformation, because it’s primarily genetic. I’ve seen color-enhancing pet shampoo particularly formulated for pink or apricot coats, which declare to revive pink pigments with out the usage of harsh chemical substances. In declare to assist intensify remaining pigment, however they gained’t reverse genetic fading. Sadly, I cannot suggest a selected product to you and I ought to warn you that their security has not been studied.
It’s value mentioning the position of vitamin in coat well being. Guaranteeing Moxie is on a high-quality weight loss program wealthy in omega-3 (such as those found in fish oil) and omega-6 fatty acids can improve the richness and shine of his coat.
Hope that helps!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canines Can’t Appear to Get Alongside!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
I’m the proprietor of two male long-haired chihuahuas (Walter and Tripp). They’re litter mates. I received Tripp when he was 8 weeks outdated and a couple of 12 months later I received Walter, who had been given to another person however that individual had been neglecting and abusing him so my pal took him again and requested if I might take him. It’s been 2 years now and he’s a really candy canine, however the issue is, my two canines battle continuously, growling at one another and generally they battle, biting and growling. They actually appear to hate one another. I can’t choose up one with out the opposite making an attempt to assault him. Is there one thing that I can do to cease this conduct? They solely battle with one another they don’t battle with different canines. I reside in a family with 4 different canines of various styles and sizes from a smaller Chihuahua to a big Doberman Pinscher they usually get together with all of them besides one another. Assist please” – Wanda
Wanda, it appears like Walter and Tripp’s fights are because of unresolved pressure, doubtless because of competitors, resource guarding, and Walter’s previous trauma. Since you will have clearly recognized that they get together with different canines however not one another, their relationship dynamic is the core difficulty. To prevent fights, keep away from conditions the place they really feel the necessity to compete—equivalent to choosing one up in entrance of the opposite, petting one, and even talking and watching one whereas not the opposite.
You need to use child gates or crates when essential to create a protected area. It’s essential to concentrate on reinforcing calm conduct with high-value rewards which can be provided concurrently. Structured actions like parallel walks, feeding concurrently however at a protected distance, and managed play might help rebuild their tolerance for one another.
Your coaching ought to concentrate on impulse management and reinforcing neutrality. Instructing cues like “leave it” and “place” will give them options to reacting aggressively. Guarantee they obtain consideration solely when each are calm to forestall jealousy. Since their aggression is restricted to one another, skilled steerage from a behaviorist could assist if the fights persist. With consistency and construction, they will be taught to coexist extra peacefully, and in the event you constantly get it proper, finally get alongside.
Assist! What Flea Remedy Ought to I Use?
“Whats up Dr. Paola!
We reside in an space that’s infested with ticks and chiggers and want to know which remedy can be finest for my Shichon, Chewie, my 10-pound pet. I’m feeding him principally uncooked meals and wish him to remain wholesome. Thanks” – Lydia
Hey Lydia, I admire your belief in searching for steerage in your canine’s care. Ticks and chiggers are exterior parasites that may transmit a number of ailments to canines and people. Ticks are particularly harmful as they’re vectors of serious illnesses, chiggers (larval mites) primarily trigger intense itching and pores and skin irritation fairly than systemic infections. Nevertheless, since we’re unable to ascertain a doctor-patient relationship by this area, I’m unable to suggest a selected remedy product, although we do have an inventory of the top available ones here.
That stated, veterinary care is extremely individualized, and what works for one canine will not be appropriate for an additional. The most effective plan of action is to seek the advice of a veterinarian who’s accustomed to the species of ticks in your space and who can straight consider your canine’s distinctive well being standing, medical historical past, and particular wants earlier than figuring out essentially the most acceptable remedy.
Should you’re not sure the place to begin, you can even schedule a name with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage veterinary service, they usually might help present normal steerage on whether or not your canine’s situation requires pressing in-person care, to make sure your canine receives protected and efficient care.
Finest Needs,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
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