Ask Dr. Paola- Refusal to Walk, Eye Gunk & Oral Health (August 4, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may maintain your furry pal glad and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Received’t Stroll!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

Generally after we’re strolling, my canine Billie turns right into a statue and gained’t transfer. At cafés, she insists on standing within the walkways and panting. I’m fearful somebody’s going to run her over! She’s 8 kilos and eight years previous. Is she okay, and is there something I ought to do? ”  – Myrna

Hello Myrna,

When a canine freezes throughout a stroll, it typically alerts that one thing within the atmosphere feels off or overwhelming. Canine generally use this conduct when they’re unsure, confused, and even uncomfortable. In Billie’s case, standing nonetheless and panting in the midst of a busy café seemingly displays anxiety or overstimulation. For a small canine like her, weighing simply 8 kilos, even on a regular basis sounds and actions like clattering dishes or somebody strolling by can really feel intense. Moreover, smaller canine have a better floor area-to-volume ratio, which implies they soak up environmental warmth extra rapidly and may battle to manage their temperature, particularly on warm pavement or in direct daylight.

It is usually necessary to contemplate potential bodily discomfort. Ache within the again or joints could make strolling much less interesting, and canine are specialists at hiding these indicators till they develop into extra limiting. Panting, whereas regular in some conditions, might also mirror ache or warmth stress, not simply emotional stress. I like to recommend a radical veterinary test to rule out orthopedic or sensory points and to make sure she isn’t coping with low-grade overheating. Within the meantime, strive guiding Billie gently away from high-traffic or sizzling areas, and observe when and the place these episodes happen. With a better look, it is possible for you to to uncover what’s bothering her and assist her really feel safer and extra relaxed in these conditions.

Greatest,

Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Has Darkish Eye Gunk!

“Is it regular for canine to have darkish eye gunk? We clear Zoe’s eyes as soon as a day, generally twice. It dries up however is a bit sticky beneath, virtually like a booger texture. Thanks, Dr. Paola!  “ – Ellen

Hello Ellen,
A point of eye discharge will be regular in canine, particularly in these with outstanding eyes, brief muzzles, or tight facial folds, equivalent to Pugs, Shih Tzus, or Maltese. The darkish materials you might be noticing, with a sticky texture just like a dried nasal booger, is usually a innocent mixture of tears, mud, pure oils, and particles. If the discharge is minimal, brownish, and never irritating to the pores and skin across the eyes, it’s normally not a trigger for concern. Your routine of gently cleansing her eyes a couple of times day by day is suitable and helps forestall staining and buildup.

Nevertheless, if the discharge turns into extra frequent, thickens, or adjustments coloration to yellow, inexperienced, or grey, it might level to an underlying concern like conjunctivitis, tear duct blockage, or delicate irritation of the attention floor. Further indicators to observe for embody squinting, redness, or Zoe attempting to rub her face. In the event you discover any of those adjustments, a veterinary analysis would assist determine the trigger and guarantee her eyes stay wholesome and comfy.

I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! How Usually Ought to I Brush My Canine’s Enamel?

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

How typically ought to I brush my canine’s enamel? Penny is a medium-sized rescue canine,
breed unknown however seemingly some Labrador/Pit Bull/Staffy, and she or he actually doesn’t
like us touching her mouth.” – Cass

Hello Cass,

It’s nice that you just’re fascinated by Penny’s dental care. Veterinary dental specialists advocate brushing your dog’s teeth as soon as a day, as plaque begins to harden into tartar inside 24 to 48 hours. Each day brushing helps forestall gingivitis, periodontal disease, and the discomfort and long-term well being points that may come from oral micro organism coming into the bloodstream. That stated, if Penny resists having her mouth touched, it is very important method this slowly and gently, all the time utilizing optimistic reinforcement to construct her consolation and belief.

For canine who’re uncomfortable with oral dealing with, the method will be just like instructing tolerance for grooming or nail trims. Start with transient classes the place you merely contact her chin or lips and pair it with a reward. Over time, work as much as lifting her lips and touching the enamel, all the time preserving the expertise optimistic and pressure-free. Within the meantime, you should use supportive instruments like veterinary-approved dental wipes, enzymatic water components, or dental chews to assist handle plaque. Whereas these choices don’t substitute the mechanical advantage of brushing, they provide some safety when you regularly assist Penny develop into extra comfy. You may also want to contemplate an expert cleansing.

Good luck!

Dr.Paola

Trending Merchandise

.