Ask Dr. Paola: Monday May 12, 2025

The put up Ask Dr. Paola: Monday May 12, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over total articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You might not be conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought-about public area. Nonetheless, we respect that you simply just like the article and would like it if you happen to continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Dogster.com.

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your furry buddy completely happy and wholesome. Keep tuned for skilled steering on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Watches TV!

“My canine Ellie genuinely enjoys watching TV. Is there something improper with this?” – Felicity

Hello Felicity,

It’s nice that you’re paying such shut consideration to Ellie’s habits and happiness. It’s completely regular for some dogs to enjoy watching TV, and usually, there’s nothing improper with it. Canines understand movement otherwise than we do, as their eyes course of movement quicker, so trendy TVs, which refresh pictures rapidly, seem extra lifelike to them than old school ones did. This could make a moving ball on the screen or animals running throughout a scene actually catch their consideration, virtually like how a squirrel outdoors would possibly.

Permitting Ellie to observe TV is much like giving her a mentally stimulating toy. It workout routines her mind, retains her entertained, and might even present consolation if she enjoys sure sounds or scenes. Consider it like providing a canine puzzle toy; it’s an enrichment activity that retains her thoughts engaged. Nonetheless, stability is vital. The secret is ensuring it stays only one a part of her day, like a deal with quite than her principal meal. She nonetheless wants physical exercise, so please don’t skip her walks, coaching, playtime, and quiet bonding moments with you. These are vital for her bodily and emotional well-being. Watching TV needs to be like studying a chapter of a e-book earlier than mattress, not the complete story of her day. So long as Ellie stays completely happy, playful, and wholesome, her love for TV is just one other leisure exercise. In case you ever discover that her curiosity in TV begins to intrude together with her common actions or if she turns into overly fixated, it might be a good suggestion to softly redirect her to different types of stimulation.
Wishing you each lots of enjoyable occasions collectively!

Dr. Paola

Thyroid Drugs & Toes Points!

“Are you able to share some insights about hypothyroid canine that begin thyroid drugs, and their ft turn into severely affected?“ – Randy Webster, DVM

Hello pricey colleague,

When a hypothyroid dog begins thyroid medicine and experiences severe points with their ft, it’s important to research the trigger. Whereas the usual remedy medicine (levothyroxine) is mostly well-tolerated, some canine could have pre-existing pores and skin circumstances that turn into extra noticeable as their metabolism adjusts. Hypothyroidism itself typically causes poor pores and skin and coat well being, and when remedy begins, the physique begins metabolizing vitamins otherwise, which might briefly worsen these points earlier than enchancment is seen.

If the ft have gotten excessively dry, cracked, swollen, or growing sores, this might be attributable to an underlying secondary an infection, an allergic response, and even extreme thyroid hormone ranges if the medicine dosage is simply too excessive. Autoimmune skin circumstances like pemphigus, which might trigger extreme paw pad points, may additionally be unmasked when metabolism shifts. A follow-up check-up together with cytology for secondary infections, thyroid stage re-evaluation (complete T4, free T4 by equilibrium dialysis, and probably TSH), and, if indicated, biopsy for autoimmune pathology. That is essential to evaluate whether or not the medicine must be adjusted if further remedy for infections or allergic reactions is required, or if a special underlying situation is at play. Till then, maintaining the paws clear and moisturized with a dog-safe balm will help present reduction.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Barks at his Reflection!

“My canine Fluffels barks at his reflection each time he sees it within the mirror or window, and he’s 4 years previous. How will we assist him perceive that it’s him? He’s a Maltipoo.
 “ – Ria

Hello Ria,

Thanks for reaching out with such a considerate query about Fluffels. It appears like he’s a spirited little Maltipoo, and I can think about how complicated it have to be for him to see what he thinks is one other canine within the mirror or window. In canine, self-recognition in mirrors will not be as pure as it’s for people and even another species like dolphins or elephants. Most canine interpret their reflection as one other animal quite than recognizing it as themselves, and that is fully regular, even in grownup canine like Fluffels. Consider it like seeing a shadow moving alongside you; with out the understanding of what causes it, it may be puzzling and even regarding.

To assist Fluffels turn into extra snug, the most effective strategy is mild desensitization paired with positive reinforcement. Every time he notices his reflection and stays calm, you’ll be able to softly reward him and provide a deal with. If he begins barking, calmly redirect his consideration to a toy or cue him

– Dr. Paola

The put up Ask Dr. Paola: Monday May 12, 2025 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over total articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You might not be conscious of it, however all of those articles had been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they don’t seem to be thought-about public area. Nonetheless, we respect that you simply just like the article and would like it if you happen to continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Dogster.com.

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