Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey 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 mother or father or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can preserve your furry pal glad and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of matters 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 is Digging Her Butt!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
My canine Tiana is consistently digging at her butt and I’m unsure why. She doesn’t have fleas or worms. Somebody talked about she might have her anal glands cleaned, I’ve by no means heard of that earlier than although. What ought to I do?” – Taylor
Hello Taylor, If Tiana is consistently digging at her rear that is indicating that one thing isn’t fairly proper. Because you’ve dominated out fleas and worms, one chance is certainly that her anal sacs may want consideration.
Canines have two small anal glands positioned on both aspect of the anus. These glands produce a smelly secretion that helps with marking territory and social communication. These are the very cause why canines all the time sniff one another’s butt when assembly!
Usually, these glands empty naturally when your canine defecates. Nonetheless, in some instances; particularly with smaller breeds or canines with comfortable stools, they don’t empty usually. When the gland’s secretion accumulates within the sacs it may possibly grow to be impacted or infected, resulting in discomfort. Canines attempt to handle the discomfort by extreme licking or scooting. If left untreated, impacted glands can typically become painful infections and even harmful abscesses.
For this reason it is necessary you’re taking her to the vet. They will study Tiana to substantiate whether or not her anal glands have to be expressed or if one other problem, comparable to an allergy or pores and skin irritation, is inflicting her discomfort. Within the meantime, attempt to preserve her from excessively licking or scratching, as this may irritate the world additional.
Greatest needs,
Dr. Paola
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Assist! I Suppose I Am Allergic to My Canine!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I believe I’m allergic to my Havanese canine Chewy. My nostril runs, my eyes water and I itch throughout. My situation has gotten worse since she began her menstrual interval. Are you conscious of anybody else who has had this downside with their Havanese canine? Or is there something I can do?” – Jack
Hello Jack, your described allergy signs may very well be associated to proteins in Chewy’s dander, saliva, or urine, that are widespread allergy triggers. Whereas there isn’t definitive analysis immediately linking a canine’s warmth cycle to elevated allergy symptoms, hormonal adjustments throughout this time might trigger slight will increase in pores and skin oil manufacturing. Extra importantly, canines usually groom themselves extra throughout their warmth cycle, which might unfold further dander and allergens into the atmosphere, probably worsening your signs.
To handle this, concentrate on sustaining a clear dwelling house and seek the advice of your physician or an allergist to substantiate the trigger and focus on therapy choices. Allergy symptoms might be irritating, however with the proper method, you could possibly discover aid whereas persevering with to get pleasure from life with Chewy.
I Want Assist Registering My Canine!
“Whats up Dr. Paola!
How do I register my canine? He’s 2.5 months previous.” – Tony (Kingston’s Dad)
Hello Tony, congratulations in your new pet, Kingston!
Should you’re referring to registering Kingston with a kennel membership just like the American Kennel Membership (AKC) or an analogous group, you’ll sometimes want proof of his pedigree from the breeder. This normally comes as registration papers supplied while you received him. Comply with the directions on these papers to register him below your identify, which is probably going doable via the group’s web site.
Should you imply licensing him together with your native municipality, this is a crucial authorized requirement in most areas. Licensing includes contacting your metropolis or county workplace or visiting their web site to study the appliance course of, as it may possibly differ by location. You’ll probably want proof of Kingston’s vaccinations, particularly rabies, which is often given at round 16 weeks of age. Your native veterinarian will help information you thru the necessities particular to your space. Wishing you all the very best in elevating Kingston!
Wishing you and Kingston all the very best!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
