Ask Dr. Paola- Spinning, Cushing’s Disease & Chewing (July 7, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 mum or dad 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 supply insights that may maintain your furry pal completely satisfied 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 choices and supply the very best care to your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Assist! My Canine Spins in Circles!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

Why does my canine Scruffy spin in circles earlier than going to the toilet? It’s type of humorous but additionally fairly unusual. ”  – Jimmy

Hello Jimmy,

That’s an awesome remark and a quite common query amongst canine dad and mom. Scruffy’s spinning earlier than going to the toilet may look unusual and even humorous, but it surely’s really a traditional and purposeful behavior rooted in instinct. Canine inherited this tendency from their wild ancestors, who would typically circle earlier than eliminating to tamp down grass, test for potential threats, or align themselves in a most popular path. One interesting study revealed in Frontiers in Zoology even urged that canine could desire to align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic area, typically selecting a north-south axis when defecating, though extra analysis remains to be wanted on this space.

On a extra sensible stage, the circling helps the canine really feel protected and settled earlier than partaking in a susceptible exercise like going to the toilet. It could actually additionally function a manner for the canine to evaluate the floor for consolation, particularly if the bottom is uneven or has unfamiliar textures. So whereas it could appear humorous or odd, Scruffy is simply following pure, hardwired behaviors that serve a function in his world. So long as the circling isn’t extreme or accompanied by indicators like straining or discomfort, there’s no trigger for concern.

Finest, Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Has Cushing’s Illness!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

My 11-year-old feminine Dachshund Jasmine was identified with Cushing’s illness in Could. I’m at the moment ready for her Trilostane prescription to return in. Would placing her on a contemporary meals food plan assist together with her weight acquire and pot stomach? “ – Melissa

Hello Melissa,

It’s great that you simply’re wanting into methods to assist Jasmine as she begins remedy for Cushing’s disease. This situation happens when a canine’s physique produces an excessive amount of cortisol over time, most frequently as a result of a benign tumor within the pituitary gland overstimulating the adrenal glands. Cortisol is crucial for a lot of regular features, however power overproduction results in indicators like muscle loss, stomach distension, elevated urge for food, and a thinning coat. The pot-bellied look, specifically, is the results of weakened stomach muscle mass and a redistribution of fats, reasonably than simply weight acquire.

Therapy with Trilostane helps by selectively blocking an enzyme produced within the adrenal glands that’s concerned in cortisol manufacturing. By limiting how a lot cortisol is made, Trilostane brings hormone ranges nearer to regular, permitting the physique to begin therapeutic from the pressure of power overexposure. The remedy doesn’t treatment the situation however manages it, and cautious monitoring by means of ACTH stimulation exams is required to make sure the dose is efficient with out over-suppressing cortisol, which remains to be wanted for primary features. Over time, because the remedy takes impact and cortisol ranges stabilize, canine typically regain muscle tone, lose a few of the extra stomach fats, and present improved power and coat high quality.

Within the meantime, transitioning Jasmine to a correctly balanced fresh food diet could assist assist her muscle mass and metabolic well being. A food plan that’s wealthy in high-quality, lean animal protein and low in processed carbohydrates could be significantly helpful in canine with Cushing’s, because it helps to keep away from additional fats accumulation whereas supporting lean tissue. Whereas diet alone received’t reverse her indicators, it could actually work alongside Trilostane to enhance her general situation and vitality. Simply make certain that any new food plan is formulated below the steerage of your canine’s veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to make sure it meets all her nutrient necessities throughout this vital time.

I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Assist! My Canine Received’t Chewing!

“Pricey Dr. Paola,

My newly adopted canine Birdie chews on every thing continually. To assist, I’ve gotten a number of opinions about her food plan. We’re at the moment feeding her Pure Stability Candy Potato & Venison, and we’ve additionally tried Purina One. I’d prefer to attempt The Farmer’s Canine, however I’m undecided which is greatest for her. ” – Susan

Hello Susan,

Thanks to your query. Birdie’s constant chewing is definitely fairly frequent in newly adopted canine, particularly if she’s younger or nonetheless adjusting to her surroundings. Chewing is usually a pure manner for canine to discover, self-soothe, or relieve boredom. Whereas food plan can affect general habits and luxury, chewing this persistently often has extra to do together with her stage of psychological stimulation and each day routine than what’s in her meals bowl.

That mentioned, in relation to selecting one of the best food plan for her, there are some actual variations between the choices you’ve talked about. Whereas meals isn’t at all times the direct trigger, her food plan can affect how she feels general, together with her power ranges, digestion, and even habits. If she’s wholesome and never exhibiting any digestive issues or signs of food intolerance, this is likely to be a superb time to guage the standard and stability of her present food plan.

Pure Stability Candy Potato & Venison is a limited-ingredient, grain-free choice that’s typically chosen for canine with sensitivities, but it surely comprises about 45 to 50% carbohydrates, principally from candy potatoes and peas. Purina One usually has an identical and even greater carbohydrate content material, relying on the components.

In distinction, The Farmer’s Dog presents gently cooked, much less processed meals with complete meats and contemporary greens. These recipes are likely to have round 20 to 30% carbohydrates and embody naturally occurring antioxidants from components like spinach, carrots, and broccoli. This contemporary meals format is less complicated to digest and will supply higher nutrient absorption, serving to assist her power, immune system, and pores and skin well being.

In case you decide to switch, ensure that to transition steadily over 7 to 10 days to keep away from digestive upset. On the similar time, offering protected chew toys and enriching her surroundings will assist redirect that chewing intuition in a wholesome, optimistic manner.
Good luck!

Dr.Paola

The put up Ask Dr. Paola- Spinning, Cushing’s Disease & Chewing (July 7, 2025) by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over total articles infringes on copyright legal guidelines. You will not be conscious of it, however all of those articles have been assigned, contracted and paid for, so they are not thought-about public area. Nevertheless, we admire that you simply just like the article and would find it irresistible in case you continued sharing simply the primary paragraph of an article, then linking out to the remainder of the piece on Dogster.com.

Trending Merchandise

.