Ask Dr. Paola – Sitting Sideways, Excessive Sneezing & Scratching (August 18, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 father or mother or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From vitamin suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may preserve your furry good friend pleased and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Is Sitting Sideways. May It Be Their Hips?!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

Abigail is a 2.5-year-old Shepherd/Lab combine. Just lately, I’ve seen that when she sits, she sits to the facet and has to lean in opposition to one thing. The vet stated it’s her knees, however I believe it’s her hips. She prescribed ache meds, and now Abigail can run like loopy.

My query is, do I want to present her some type of complement? And in that case, which one? I’ve wasted cash on so many. Any assist may be very appreciated.

Thanks to your time.”  – Anna

Hello Anna,

You’re completely proper to need a clear and efficient method for Abigail with out losing time or cash on unproven merchandise. At two and a half years previous, a Shepherd-Lab combine exhibiting this sort of seated posture might certainly be compensating for discomfort in both the hips or the knees. Whereas your veterinarian noticed modifications within the knees, your concern about her hips is legitimate and fairly frequent in breeds liable to each hip dysplasia and cruciate or patellar points. The truth that she responds nicely to ache medicine suggests irritation is current, whatever the actual joint affected.

Joint dietary supplements might be useful, particularly these backed by peer-reviewed analysis. Search for a product that comprises confirmed elements comparable to glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and undenatured kind II collagen (UC-II). These assist cartilage well being and joint consolation. Omega-3 fatty acids, notably these derived from marine sources like fish oil, are additionally anti-inflammatory and have proven advantages in managed research. Dasuquin Advanced, GlycoFlex III, or Movoflex are examples of veterinary-recommended joint dietary supplements with good proof and bioavailability. Consistency is essential right here; these aren’t fast fixes however long-term assist instruments. If Abigail is obese, even barely, managing her physique situation can have a higher influence on joint consolation than any complement.

Because you’re already working carefully along with your vet, contemplate asking for radiographs of her hips and stifles (knees) to raised perceive the place the structural modifications are occurring. This may assist information each therapy and preventive methods extra exactly, avoiding additional guesswork or wasted spending.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Is Sneezing a Lot!

“Howdy Dr. Paola,

Cooper is an 18-month-old Goldendoodle. He’s a pleasure with a lot of power. Simply within the final week or so, he’s been sneezing quite a bit. What are some issues we are able to attempt to cease the sneezing?

Thanks.“ – Judy

Hello Judy,

Thanks for reaching out and for sharing slightly about Cooper. At 18 months previous and stuffed with power, a sudden onset of sneezing that persists for quite a lot of days is one thing value taking note of, particularly if there’s no apparent set off. Sneezing in canine might be brought on by a number of issues, together with environmental irritants like mud, pollen, or family cleaners, in addition to extra particular points like overseas materials (for instance, a grass awn/foxtail lodged in the nasal passage), gentle higher respiratory infections, and even dental issues that have an effect on the nasal cavity. In youthful canine, overseas our bodies are a typical trigger, notably if the sneezing began out of the blue and contains pawing on the nostril or discharge coming from one nostril.

To assist Cooper at house, contemplate whether or not there have been any current modifications to his atmosphere. Vacuuming regularly, utilizing air purifiers, and avoiding robust scents like sprays or candles can decrease publicity to irritants. If he enjoys sniffing around outdoors, attempt gently rinsing his nostrils with sterile saline utilizing a veterinary nasal rinse to assist filter allergens or particles. Nevertheless, if the sneezing is frequent, worsens, or is accompanied by nasal discharge, particularly if it’s one-sided or comprises blood, it’s necessary to have him examined. In these instances, a veterinarian might have to carry out a rhinoscopy or imaging to examine for inflammation, infection, or a overseas object. Delicate, seasonal sneezing can generally resolve by itself, however persistent or progressive indicators ought to at all times be investigated to keep away from problems.

Finest,

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Retains Scratching Their Neck and Ears!

“Expensive Dr. Paola,

I just lately obtained a brand new Cavapoo pet, Frida, and she or he gained’t cease scratching her neck and ears! She will likely be operating round after which out of the blue cease to scratch herself. I don’t know if it’s her collar or one thing else. At her final vet go to earlier than she got here house, her vet stated she was wholesome, so I’m anxious it may be stress.

Assist!” – Julia

Hello Julia,

Congratulations on welcoming Frida into your own home. Cavapoos are such vibrant, affectionate little canine, and it appears like she’s already energetic. When a younger pet out of the blue begins scratching round their neck and ears, it’s necessary to contemplate each bodily and behavioral causes. Given her age and the particular location, that is extra prone to be dermatologic, fairly than stress-related. Puppies typically react to new collars, particularly if they’re product of tough or artificial supplies that may irritate delicate pores and skin. If the collar is simply too tight or has sharp edges or tags rubbing her neck, that might actually trigger the scratching. Attempt eradicating the collar for a couple of hours below supervision and see if the habits decreases.

Nevertheless, persistent scratching in the ears or across the base of the ears may also be an early signal of exterior ear infections, allergy symptoms, and even external parasites like mites or fleas. Simply because her final veterinary examination was regular doesn’t rule out one thing that will have developed since, particularly now that she’s in a brand new atmosphere. Puppies have immature immune techniques and might rapidly react to modifications in weight-reduction plan, grooming merchandise, and even new detergents used on bedding. If the scratching continues, worsens, or is accompanied by redness, head shaking, or a foul odor from the ears, I like to recommend having her rechecked promptly. Whereas stress can generally heighten consciousness of sensations, true pruritus at all times has an underlying trigger that must be addressed instantly. Such situations are likely to worsen, so please don’t wait.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

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