Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we deliver 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 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 supply insights that can preserve your furry buddy joyful and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your canine companion. Have a query? Ship it in right here! 
Assist! My Canine Has a Gum Illness!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My Bella is a Pomeranian and has numerous well being points. We’ve now come to search out out she has a gum illness and each vet I take her to concerning getting her tooth cleaned needs $700 to $1000. I’m on a set social safety earnings and might’t afford that. It hurts my coronary heart to know that she’s in ache, do you may have any strategies?” – Jeannette
Jeannette, I’m so sorry to listen to about Bella’s struggles and the monetary restrictions you’re going through. I can really feel how deeply you take care of Bella, and it’s clear you wish to do all the pieces doable to maintain her comfy and wholesome. Periodontal illness, particularly in small breeds like Pomeranians, can certainly be painful and difficult to handle with out skilled dental care. The prices of such procedures will be daunting, however some options and approaches would possibly assist ease Bella’s scenario whereas working inside your monetary constraints.
Low-cost veterinary clinics or nonprofit organizations are sometimes a lifeline in these circumstances. Many communities have companies devoted to serving to pet mother and father entry inexpensive care. Reaching out to native shelters, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary faculties can join you with applications that present dental cleanings at lowered charges. It’s price asking your present veterinarian in the event that they know of any group sources or if they’ve accessible cost plans.
Within the meantime, you may take small however significant steps at house to assist Bella really feel extra comfy. Day by day brushing with dog-specific, enzymatic toothpaste can scale back the buildup of dangerous micro organism. If she’s not used to it, begin slowly, treating it like a mild ritual reasonably than a chore, break the objective into many small steps, and take a look at your greatest to maintain it constructive. You may additionally think about antiseptic oral rinses designed for canine, which can assist management an infection when you plan for skilled care. Veterinary-approved dental chews can even assist her oral well being, although these must be used cautiously if her gums are very tender.
Your devotion to Bella shines by way of, and that love is her biggest asset. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure about her fast ache ranges, a veterinary tele-triage session with a veterinarian may present steerage and assist prioritize her wants. Bear in mind, even small efforts could make a major distinction in her consolation and well being when you work towards a long-term resolution.
Greatest needs,
Dr. Paola
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Assist! We’re Inviting a New Pup into Our Household!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
We’ve got met a pup we wish to invite you to our household, It’s a Jug crossed with a Dachshund. Are there any specific issues to bear in mind or issues we should always or shouldn’t do or causes to not purchase pup” – Julie
Hello Julie, congratulations on contemplating welcoming a brand new pup into your loved ones! It sounds such as you’ve met a pleasant mixture of a Jug (Jack Russell Terrier and Pug cross) and Dachshund, which might make for a singular and energetic companion. Mixing the traits of those breeds means your pup is more likely to be energetic, clever, and charming however might also inherit sure traits and potential challenges that you simply’ll wish to put together for.
From a behavioral perspective, Jack Russells and Dachshunds are identified for his or her sturdy prey drives and impartial streaks, which might manifest as stubbornness or an inclination to chase small animals. The Pug affect might steadiness this with a extra relaxed temperament. Like with each pup, it’s essential to be proactive with constant coaching primarily based on constructive reinforcement from the beginning. Early socialization is vital to stopping future behavioral issues.
Well being-wise, it’s a lotto-drawn; combined breeds can profit from genetic range, however they’ll additionally inherit breed-specific points. Dachshunds are susceptible to again issues on account of their elongated spines, particularly intervertebral disc illness (IVDD), so avoiding actions like leaping off furnishings and sustaining a wholesome weight will likely be important. Think about putting in ramps round your house. Pugs, alternatively, can inherit respiratory challenges from their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, whereas Jack Russells are lively canine which may be susceptible to joint points or accidents from their adventurous spirit. Common vet check-ups will aid you monitor for these dangers.
You didn’t point out the pup’s age however between 24 to 48 months of age, well being screenings for IVDD will be carried out by way of X-rays. It’s all the time a good suggestion to get a veterinarian concerned to information you about essential issues and subsequent steps. Earlier than welcoming a pup into our house, it is very important replicate on whether or not this combine’s vitality ranges and potential quirks align with your loved ones’s way of life. If all the pieces seems like a match, you’ll possible end up with a loyal and loving companion.
All the time bear in mind, adopting a pup is like bringing house a little bit piece of sunshine—it requires care and dedication, however the pleasure they create is unmatched!
Assist! What Ought to I Feed My Doxie?
“Hey Dr. Paola!
Would you advocate grain or grain-free for a four-month-old Doxie pet Enzo? We presently have him on Orijen’s grain-free pet meals“ – Donna
Hello Donna, and congratulations in your new Doxie pet, Enzo! Choosing the proper weight loss plan for a rising pet is essential, as their dietary wants throughout this stage immediately influence their long-term well being. Orijen’s grain-free pet meals is a high-quality choice that focuses on animal protein sources and nutrient-dense components, however there are a number of components to think about when deciding between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets.
Grain-free diets turned standard on account of considerations about grain allergic reactions, however true grain sensitivities in canine are uncommon. Whereas many canine thrive on grain-free diets, the FDA has investigated a possible hyperlink between grain-free diets and a coronary heart situation known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Though the analysis is ongoing, some veterinarians advocate grain-inclusive diets except there’s a selected medical motive to keep away from grains, to be trustworthy, vets differ in opinions similar to human docs do.
If Enzo is prospering on Orijen’s grain-free components—displaying good vitality ranges, a shiny coat, wholesome stools, and regular progress—it’s an indication the weight loss plan is working for him. Nevertheless, in the event you’re involved or not sure, you would think about transitioning to their grain-inclusive components.
In the end, one of the best weight loss plan for Enzo is one which helps his dietary wants and aligns along with his distinctive well being and way of life. Common veterinary check-ups are important to make sure he’s rising as anticipated. When you discover any adjustments in his well being, habits, or progress, it’s a good suggestion to overview his weight loss plan with a veterinarian to make changes as wanted. For fast questions or steerage between visits, you would additionally guide a web based session with one in all our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage veterinary service. They will present dependable recommendation and assist deal with your considerations promptly.
Greatest Needs,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection