Ask Dr. Paola – GoGo Squeeze, Purebred Puppies & Urination Concerns (October 27, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 father or mother or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your furry pal comfortable and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Ate GoGo Squeeze Sauce!

“My canine Emma ate an apple with banana Gogo sauce — the entire thing! What ought to I do?“– Amy

Expensive Amy,

I’m sorry you feel fearful. Canines do like to get into issues they need to not, and typically that curiosity may cause us fear.

Only a reminder to you and all readers: this area shouldn’t be meant for emergencies, so when there’s any doubt about what your canine might have eaten or if regarding indicators seem, the most secure step is at all times to hunt quick veterinary care.

If Emma ate an apple with banana-flavored GoGo Squeez sauce, the priority is determined by the precise substances. Plain apples and bananas are usually protected for canines, and the fruit-only variations of those pouches should not poisonous. The issue comes when a product comprises added sugar, raisins, grapes, chocolate, or synthetic sweeteners corresponding to xylitol, that are harmful even in very small quantities. If it have been solely fruit puree, she would possibly merely have some delicate digestive upset, like smooth stools or fuel.

One other vital consideration is whether or not she swallowed the packaging. Plastic or foil items may cause gastrointestinal obstruction, which can change into a critical emergency in the event that they block the passage of meals. If you happen to suspect Emma ate the bundle or in the event you discover vomiting, lack of urge for food, stomach discomfort, or issue passing stools, she needs to be examined by a veterinarian at once, so please don’t wait. I hope this helps,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! How Do I Know If My Canine is a Purebred?

“Hello Dr. Paola,
How can I discover out if my Havanese puppies are purebred Havanese? At what age can I breed my male canines?“ – Jess

Hello Jess,

These are each crucial questions, and I’m glad you’re asking them. Figuring out in case your Havanese puppies are purebred can’t be finished by look alone, since many small breeds can look comparable. Probably the most dependable approach is thru correct registration with a acknowledged kennel membership and DNA testing. A DNA test can verify parentage and breed heritage with good accuracy. Registration papers from a good registry add assurance, however they’re solely legitimate if the breeding was recorded appropriately. With out these, DNA testing is the best choice to know for sure.

As for breeding, you will need to wait till your male canines are bodily and mentally mature. Whereas males can produce sperm as early as six months, accountable breeding shouldn’t happen till no less than 18 to 24 months of age. This enables time to judge their well being, temperament, and conformation, that are essential to make sure the well-being of future litters and the breed as a complete. Veterinary screening for hereditary situations widespread in Havanese, corresponding to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and sure eye ailments, needs to be accomplished earlier than contemplating breeding. Breeding too younger or with out applicable well being clearances can compromise each the sire and the puppies. As soon as you make sure that it’s lined, please kiss a pet for me!

Greatest,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine is Performing Unusual!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

I’ve an XL American Bulldog known as Gemma. She has been appearing off for the previous two days. Properly, as we speak I observed that when she obtained up from a brief nap, she had peed the place she was mendacity. I believed perhaps she was having a variety of nervousness as a result of we simply moved to a brand new house. So I introduced her for a trip. Once we obtained again, she didn’t wish to get out of the automobile. Then, once I lastly obtained her out of the automobile and into the home. She laid down within the eating room, and about 10 minutes later, she obtained up and she or he had peed once more. She has by no means had an accident in the home… I’m unsure what to do. I don’t have
the funds to convey her to the vets. However I don’t need her to die on me.”  – Amanda

Expensive Amanda,

I can think about how worrying this should really feel for you, particularly since Gemma has by no means had accidents earlier than. When a canine begins urinating whereas mendacity down or with out realizing it, this may point out that she shouldn’t be totally controlling her bladder. There are a number of potential medical causes, together with urinary tract infections, bladder stones, spinal or neurological situations, and hormonal points. In bigger breeds like Bulldogs, sure spinal issues also can play a job.

Anxiousness or stress from transferring houses might trigger home soiling, however the truth that Gemma is urinating while resting or lying down makes a medical trigger more likely.

As a result of Gemma’s indicators appeared all of the sudden and she or he appears much less keen to maneuver round, this needs to be taken significantly. I perceive monetary constraints may be very actual, however given her breed, dimension, and age, it will be most secure to have her checked promptly. Many veterinary hospitals supply fee plans or can information you to native help applications. You might also consider organizations that help pay vet bills. Within the meantime, guarantee she has fixed entry to contemporary water, monitor her means to stroll and urinate on her personal, and maintain her snug on absorbent bedding. Since urinary points can progress shortly, the earlier she is evaluated in individual, the higher the prospect of conserving her protected and comfy. I sincerely hope you discover a method to get assist for Gemma.

– Dr. Paola

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