Ask Dr. Paola – Anxiety, Jumping & Giving Birth (August 25, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry knowledgeable 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 mother or father or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your furry good friend pleased and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects 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!

Assist! My Canine Is Immediately Anxious!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

My 6-year-old Coton de Tulear, Chloe, has all the time been a relaxed and pleased canine. Lately,
she has change into nervous and has numerous nervousness. She all the time beloved being within the automotive; now she shakes and trembles.

She acts like she is afraid we’re going to depart her someplace. Once we get out of the automotive, she screams and cries, despite the fact that we all the time take her with us and have by no means left her within the automotive. She likes being alone in our home and has no points after we depart.

My husband has been engaged on restoring a canoe. She is terrified of the loud noises the sanding machine makes. She appears very nervous. Ought to we give her a gentle tranquilizer? Ought to we ask her vet for some medicine? What can we do? She will get tons of consideration from us. It’s like her character has modified.

Thanks, ”  – Nancy

Nancy,

It may be unsettling when a canine’s conduct modifications so noticeably, particularly in a companion as mild as a Coton de Tulear. A selected adverse affiliation can set off sudden nervousness, and in Chloe’s case, the concern might have began with the loud sanding machine and generalized to different conditions, just like the automotive. Canines can hyperlink an disagreeable sensory expertise to close by contexts, even when the connection appears oblique to us. That is known as sensitization, and as soon as it takes maintain, a canine’s threshold for concern can drop in different environments.

Earlier than contemplating medicine, it is very important rule out any underlying medical points that may contribute to increased anxiety, corresponding to ache, sensory modifications, or metabolic circumstances. In case your veterinarian finds her wholesome, you possibly can give attention to conduct modification. Gradual desensitization mixed with counterconditioning is the gold customary. For the automotive, that may imply beginning with very quick, constructive periods, pairing every step with high-value treats or a favourite toy, and solely progressing when she is relaxed. Hold her surroundings as predictable and calm as doable whereas she recovers her sense of security.

Some canine do profit from short-term anti-anxiety medication or supplements when mixed with a structured conduct plan. If her nervousness is intense or interfering with day by day actions, focus on along with your veterinarian whether or not situational medicine or a longer-acting possibility is acceptable. The objective is to assist Chloe rebuild her confidence at her personal tempo so she will return to the pleased, adaptable canine she was earlier than.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Is Leaping on Everybody!

“Howdy Dr. Paola,

I’m having NO luck making an attempt to cease my 4-year-old Boxer from leaping on individuals after they come to go to. Are you able to give me any suggestions? All the things I’ve tried just isn’t working. As you most likely know, Boxers are very cussed with a thoughts of their very own.
Thanks,” – Carolyne 

Hello Carolyne,

Boxers are certainly filled with character and dedication, which makes them great companions, but additionally means they want very clear and constant boundaries. Jumping is so rewarding for canine as a result of it will get speedy consideration, so the very best technique is to show an alternate, incompatible conduct that earns them equal or better rewards. For instance, a canine can’t be sitting, mendacity down, or remaining on a chosen mat whereas leaping on the identical time. By reinforcing these incompatible behaviors, you make well mannered greetings probably the most invaluable selection.

You’ll need to plan some coaching periods. Earlier than visitors arrive, have your Boxer on a leash to forestall her from working towards the undesirable conduct. Ask for a sit, a down, or a “go to your mat” cue and reward generously as quickly as she complies. Have guests take part by solely providing consideration, petting, or treats when she is sustaining that place. If she will get up and jumps, the greeting stops instantly, and it resumes solely when she returns to calm conduct. A brief play session or stroll beforehand will assist scale back her preliminary burst of vitality, making it simpler for her to succeed.

With repetition, consistency, and rewards tied solely to calm, grounded greetings, she’s going to study that retaining her paws on the ground is the quickest approach to get the love and a focus she loves.
I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Is About to Give Beginning!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

What ought to I do when my canine Lola provides delivery?” – Kevin

Hello Kevin,

One of the best ways to arrange for Lola giving delivery begins nicely earlier than labor begins. Common veterinary visits throughout being pregnant are important as a result of they permit your vet to verify the being pregnant, estimate the due date, and assess the quantity and positioning of puppies by way of imaging. These check-ups can detect potential risks early, corresponding to a slim delivery canal or unusually giant puppies, providing you with time to plan for a protected supply. Your veterinarian also can information you on Lola’s diet, parasite prevention, and train so she enters labor in the absolute best situation.

When labor starts, create a quiet, heat, and cozy whelping space the place she feels protected. Most canine deal with whelping instinctively, however you need to monitor from a brief distance, ensuring puppies are delivered at regular intervals and are respiration and nursing quickly after delivery. If she has robust contractions for greater than half-hour with out producing a pet, rests for over two hours between puppies when you understand extra are coming, or appears exhausted or distressed, search veterinary care instantly.

After birth, guarantee all puppies are respiration nicely, staying heat, and nursing often. Let Lola bond with them, however examine briefly that every is flourishing. Being well-prepared by way of prenatal care and figuring out what’s regular throughout supply is the easiest way to guard each Lola and her newborns.
Greatest needs,

– Dr. Paola

Trending Merchandise

.