Ask Dr. Paola – Drooling, Sensitive Tummies & Nail Trimming (October 6, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 mum or dad 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 provide insights that can maintain your furry good friend blissful and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Pet Drools Loads!

“Our pet Gillie is drooling lots. He’s a Labrador retriever and is 5 months outdated. He appears in any other case high quality. When ought to we fear, and when is it regular?“– Lily

Hello Lily,

Gentle drooling will be regular for puppies, notably when they are teething, chewing, or anticipating meals. At Gillie’s age, new enamel are nonetheless erupting, and this typically stimulates additional saliva. Pleasure or chewing on toys can even make a younger Labrador drool a bit extra. Though Labradors will not be usually heavy droolers in contrast with breeds with unfastened lips, some occasional wetness across the mouth will be anticipated.

Try to be extra involved if the drooling is extreme, steady, or paired with different modifications comparable to pawing on the mouth, reluctance to eat, problem swallowing, bad breath, or seen irritation contained in the mouth. These can sign oral discomfort, comparable to gum harm, a retained tooth, or a international object, and fewer generally, they could point out gastrointestinal or neurological illness. For those who discover any of those further indicators, a veterinary examination is vital to maintain Gillie comfy and secure.

At dwelling, you may safely test his mouth in a peaceful second by gently lifting his lips whereas providing mild reward. You need to search for something uncommon, comparable to swelling, redness, or objects caught between the enamel. It helps to compare one side to the other. If Gillie resists otherwise you can’t get a transparent view, it’s best to cease and permit your veterinarian to look at him, as forcing the test could cause stress or hurt.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine is Very Choosy!

“We now have a beautiful 20-month-old Goldendoodle, Cooper, who may be very candy. Do Goldendoodles have delicate stomachs? He’s gotten form of choosy along with his pet food. Is grain-free pet food good for him? What are some good selections of pet food? Thanks“ – Judy

Hello Judy,

Goldendoodles will not be extra probably than different breeds to have what we name a delicate abdomen. Canine are facultative carnivores, and as scavengers, their digestive system advanced to be sturdy and adaptable, able to dealing with a wide range of meals with excessive bacterial hundreds. When a canine appears to react strongly to dietary modifications, it normally signifies that the steadiness of their intestine microbiome has been disrupted. Feeding the identical extremely processed meals day after day can restrict microbial variety, and over time, this may make digestion much less resilient.

Canine thrive when their diets are constructed on high-quality animal proteins, as a result of these present important amino acids that plant sources alone can’t provide. True grain intolerances are very uncommon, and healthful slow-digesting carbohydrates like entire grains, legumes, or sure greens are literally very helpful. They launch vitality steadily and supply fiber that supports gut health. I like to think about eating regimen rotation as crop rotation on a farm, since providing a secure number of balanced meals enriches the microbiome and strengthens total immunity.

In my view, a fresh, balanced diet based mostly on animal protein and complemented by gradual carbohydrates is good. Rotating between full recipes over time not solely helps forestall pickiness but in addition retains his digestive system sturdy, so he can take pleasure in meals the best way nature supposed, and you’ll really feel assured he’s nicely nourished. Congratulations on being so proactive with Cooper’s care. The alternatives you make now will replicate on his long-term well being and well-being.

Finest needs,

– Dr. Paola

How Typically Do We Have to Trim Our Canine’s Nails?

“Hello Dr. Paola,

How typically ought to I minimize my canine’s nails? Is it OK to allow them to develop a bit? My Izzy is a medium-sized canine (she’s a border collie-mix, adopted/rescued, so we aren’t positive), performs outdoors heaps, however I’m unsure how typically to trim them. She’s not bothered once we do it.”  – Victoria

Hello Victoria,

Nail care is a vital a part of maintaining Izzy comfy and cellular. A superb information is that her nails shouldn’t contact the bottom when she is standing nonetheless. If they grow too long, they alter how the paw lands, and over time, this may pressure her joints, very similar to sporting footwear which can be too lengthy and forcing you to vary the best way you stroll. Regardless that outside play will help put on them down, it’s nonetheless greatest to check her nails regularly, about each couple of weeks. For those who hear clicking on the ground, see nails starting to curve, or discover the dewclaws (the nails greater on the leg) getting lengthy, it’s time for a trim.

One more reason to stay on top of trimming is the short, which is the blood provide contained in the nail. When nails develop too lengthy, the short additionally extends, making it tougher to carry them again to a wholesome size with out discomfort. Common trims maintain the short shorter, so the method stays straightforward and painless. Since Izzy is already relaxed with nail care, maintaining this routine will help her posture and joint well being nicely into the longer term. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

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