Ask Dr. Paola – Garlic, Parvo & Stray Behavior (January 12, 2026) – Dogster

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 guardian or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your furry buddy glad and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Do Minties Have Garlic in Them?

“Minties canine chews have garlic listed as an ingredient, however I do know garlic is poisonous for canine, so what’s the deal?” – Brenda

Hello Brenda,

I appeared into this model’s merchandise at their official webpage and didn’t see garlic listed as an ingredient within the present formulations. That alone brings some peace of thoughts as a result of essentially the most dependable data is all the time the label on the bundle in entrance of us. That stated, it is very important observe that producers typically alter recipes, which explains why older listings could look totally different from what is offered in the present day.

It’s nonetheless fully legitimate to query garlic in any canine product. Garlic incorporates organosulfur compounds that may injury purple blood cells when given in significant quantities, and that is the mechanism behind the anemia we fear about in canine. The dose makes the poison, just like how a tiny pinch of salt is innocent, however an entire cup wouldn’t be. In some veterinary merchandise, extraordinarily small, rigorously managed portions of garlic extract have been used to reinforce palatability or repel bugs, and at these hint ranges, they don’t strategy poisonous thresholds. The secret’s that these quantities are deliberately stored far under what would trigger oxidative damage. For pet mother and father, checking labels and selecting merchandise with out pointless Allium ingredients stays the best technique to maintain canine protected whereas nonetheless having fun with the potential advantages of dental chews. In case you are ever unsure about any ingredient in your canine’s meals or treats, simply give us a name at Pangovet. We might be glad to elucidate to you the potential dangers, if any.

Type regards,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My City Has a Parvo Outbreak!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

My pet Blossom is protected, however we’ve heard a few Parvo outbreak in our city. I’m simply questioning statistically, what are the probabilities of a pet surviving it in the event that they contracted it?“ – Charlene

Hey Charlene,

I’m glad to listen to Blossom is protected. What a reduction! Once we have a look at canine parvovirus, early and intensive supportive care makes a exceptional distinction. With immediate hospitalization that gives fluid therapy, electrolyte correction, antiemetics, and cautious dietary help, survival charges in handled puppies usually attain seventy to ninety percent. The distinction is stark as a result of untreated instances have a a lot decrease likelihood of restoration, which is why prevention and speedy intervention matter a lot.

Parvo behaves a bit like a fast-moving storm that overwhelms a younger immune system, so a pet’s age, hydration standing, and the velocity at which remedy begins all influence the outcome. Vaccinated puppies are much better protected as a result of their immune system already acknowledges the virus and may reply extra effectively. Holding Blossom on schedule together with her vaccines, avoiding high-risk areas till her collection is full, and monitoring her for any gastrointestinal or systemic indicators are sensible methods to maintain her protected throughout a neighborhood outbreak.

Greatest,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! I Discovered a Stray Canine Behaving Unusual!

“I discovered a stray canine yesterday, and he’s very candy and type. He ate dinner and breakfast. He comes over to me for pats. However this afternoon, I observed he was by his mattress, simply strolling round in circles. What might it imply? ”  – Justin

Pricey Justin,

To begin with, thanks for giving this stray some a lot much-needed meals, love, and care. When a canine begins to stroll in circles, particularly if this conduct is new, it often factors to an underlying medical challenge quite than a behavioral quirk. Circling can seem with situations that have an effect on the vestibular system, the mind, and even the interior ear. Canine typically transfer in a loop, the identical approach an individual may lean to at least one facet when feeling dizzy. In different instances, discomfort from ear illness or disorientation from cognitive adjustments can result in pacing or circling round a resting spot.

Since you have no idea this canine’s historical past and he’s already exhibiting a neurologic sign, a veterinary examination is vital. A veterinarian can assess his neurologic standing, verify his ears, consider for ache, and rule out situations resembling vestibular disease, toxin publicity, or infectious causes. The truth that he’s pleasant, consuming, and looking for affection is encouraging, however circling will not be one thing to watch passively. Early evaluation offers him one of the best likelihood of a protected and comfy transition into your loving care. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola