Ask Dr. Paola – Toy Sizes, Limping & Allergies (September 2, 2025)

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 supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may maintain your furry good friend pleased and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Do Small Canines Actually Want Small Toys?

“Hello Dr. Paola,

Are small canine toys mandatory for small canines?– Jeff

Hello Jeff,

Sure, they’re! Appropriately sized toys are essential for small canines. Simply as you wouldn’t hand a toddler a big instrument meant for an grownup, small canines want toys that match their dimension and mouth construction. Toys which are too massive will be irritating and discourage play, whereas toys which are too small for a breed’s dimension and chew energy can pose a choking hazard. The correct dimension encourages secure chewing, interactive play, and psychological stimulation, all of that are important for a canine’s well-being.

For small dogs specifically, toys additionally assist help dental well being by lowering plaque buildup and giving them an outlet for natural chewing instincts. Rotating completely different textures and shapes retains play participating, very similar to providing a baby quite a lot of puzzles to maintain their thoughts lively. Selecting sturdy, non-toxic toys particularly designed for smaller mouths ensures each security and enrichment, serving to your little canine keep each entertained and wholesome.
Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Is Limping!

“Howdy Dr. Paola,

Bella was working at day care and stopped shortly, and began limping. They are saying she has a deformity in her kneecap. She will not be herself. What can I do to assist her really feel higher? Will this situation enhance or proceed to worsen?” – Carol

Hello Carol,

What you describe in Bella sounds very very similar to patellar luxation, a situation the place the kneecap slips out of its regular place. This is likely one of the most typical orthopedic points in small and toy breed canines, though it could happen in bigger canines as effectively. Relying on the grade of the luxation, some canines present solely occasional skipping or delicate lameness, whereas others develop persistent ache, limping, and even secondary arthritis over time. Since Bella will not be herself and is displaying clear indicators of discomfort, a veterinary examination is necessary to verify the analysis and assess the severity.

Therapy depends upon how unstable the kneecap is and the way a lot it impacts her high quality of life. Gentle circumstances can generally be managed with weight management, joint-supportive dietary supplements, bodily remedy, and exercise changes. Extra extreme circumstances typically require surgery to realign the kneecap and stabilize the joint, which might present lasting aid and stop additional injury. The situation doesn’t sometimes resolve by itself, and in lots of canines it progresses if left untreated, so early analysis is the easiest way to maintain Bella comfy and shield her long-term mobility. When you prepare her appointment, limiting vigorous exercise and offering a mushy, supportive resting space will assist cut back pressure on her knee. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! I Am Making an attempt to Keep away from Treatment!

“I’ve been utilizing Hills Prescription Derm Pet food for my 8-month-old pet, Gabi, as she should have allergy symptoms and is at all times itching or biting. I don’t wish to use a prescription medication and have been making an attempt all types of treats which are imagined to be probiotic for allergy symptoms and pores and skin sensitivities. A good friend informed me she makes use of Open Farm, Salmon and Oatmeal. I wish to attempt it. Does Open Farm have all of the vitamins and nutritional vitamins that canines/puppies are imagined to get from common pet food. I don’t wish to make my very own pet food as you might want to add dietary supplements however am prepared to attempt Open Farm Canine Meals.

Please let me know what you assume. I by no means had this drawback with any canines I’ve had previously, simply this new pet this 12 months. Thanks in your assist.” – Barbara

Hello Barbara.

Pores and skin itchiness and chewing can certainly be associated to food allergies, however they may also be attributable to environmental allergens, parasites, or pores and skin infections, so it’s at all times necessary to have your veterinarian verify the trigger earlier than making dietary modifications. Prescription diets like Hill’s Derm are rigorously formulated for elimination or hydrolyzed protein trials, that are the gold normal for diagnosing meals allergy symptoms in canines. Introducing a number of treats or switching meals with out a structured trial typically makes it tough to know what is really serving to.

Concerning your query about Open Farm Salmon and Oatmeal, this model is marketed as a whole and balanced weight-reduction plan, and, when labeled as such by AAFCO, it ought to include the vitamins and nutritional vitamins required for upkeep or progress. Nonetheless, in case you are feeding a pet, you need to make sure the formulation particularly states that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for progress, together with massive breed progress if that applies to your canine’s breed. Whereas Open Farm can present full vitamin, it’s not designed as a diagnostic instrument for allergy symptoms, the best way prescription diets are. In case your pet really has a food allergy, switching to an over-the-counter meals with out ruling issues out first might lengthen her discomfort.

The most effective subsequent step is to work together with your veterinarian on a structured elimination diet trial, which generally lasts 8 weeks and makes use of a single novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet with no different meals or treats. That is probably the most dependable option to establish if meals is the reason for her itching. As soon as that’s established, your vet can information you on secure, long-term weight-reduction plan choices that will embody high-quality business meals like Open Farm.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

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