Welcome to the “Ask Dr. Paola” series. Here we bring you expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) every Monday, ensuring that readers have a better understanding of your dog’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a veteran lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insights that will keep your furry friends happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on the various topics that are most important to you and your dog. This allows you to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care to your dog peers. Do you have a question? Send it here! 
Help! My dog has degenerative myelogenous properties
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Dallas was diagnosed with degenerative myeloid disorder almost a year ago. He’s really starting to struggle with his hind legs and he’s falling a lot. What can I do to help him? ” – Barbara
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for reaching out deeply for Dallas. Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a very heartbreaking state to witness as it slowly slashes out the maneuverability of a dog while he is mentally cheerful and engaged. It’s very difficult to see a beloved friend trapped in a body that no longer cooperates with. The good news is that there are ways to support Dallas’ quality of life and help him stay comfortable and active as long as possible.
At this stage, the support device can make a big difference when the feeling of weakness and falling more frequently. A proper rear support harness can help Dallas walk more steady, especially when going outside to navigate toilets and slippery floors. Some dogs also benefit from using wheelchairs and carts. This allows you to remove the weight from the rear edge and continue exploring the world a little independent. You can try out some of these DIY wheelchair projects.
In the home, a yoga mat or rubber runner can create a safe path that minimizes slipping. Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy can help maintain muscle tension, support circulation, and reduce further, like physical therapy in humans with spinal problems.
There is no treatment for DM, but now the goal is to maintain comfort and dignity. Some dogs may also consider working with veterinarians who provide integrated care, such as acupuncture and laser therapy, as they find these treatments to help maintain strength and comfort. If you don’t know how to support Dallas every day, Tele-Triage Consultation It helps guide decisions without the need for a clinic trip, especially when mobility is limited. You are revealing everything you can to brighten his days, and that love and your support and presence mean more to him than anything else. Thank you for being a parent to my beloved pet!
From the heart,
Dr. Paola
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Help! My dog food has been recalled!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
I have been buying Carna4 dog food for a while recently from a PA seller for Amazon offshore dogs Emmy and Tazzy. No one informed us that the product had been recalled. That’s not correct. We’ve been feeding this dog a homemade meal on this dog food.
What health risks do we need to know now? Who is it responsible to notify buyers if there is a risk in “healthy” foods made for humans and our beloved fur babies? Should I throw away the latest bags of ducks, liver, eggs and sprouted seeds? We live in buyers. I’m paying attention to the world. I didn’t see this coming! “ – Donna
Hello Donna,
When choosing commercial dog food, I fully understand your frustration and concerns. We look forward to transparency and safety, especially when it comes to dog happiness. Emmy and Tazzy are fortunate to coordinate someone and tailor their care.
To my knowledge, CARNA4 had no recalls and none have been reported by the FDA. That said, if you hear this from a reliable source, it’s important to accurately determine why the product was pulled. While some recalls are preventative, such as minor quality concerns, others are based on potential contamination (such as salmonella and mold) and confirmed risks due to confirmed cases. The latter one requires immediate action, such as pulling it off the shelf.
Recalls are generally expected to be issued through coordination with the FDA, with manufacturers expecting to notify retailers, distributors and ideally the public. Unfortunately, not all online retailers or third-party sellers are keen to pass on that information, allowing pet parents to remain in the dark. Especially if you are at risk of illness, if a recall is announced, it is safest to immediately stop supplying the affected product and monitor your pet for abnormal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and changes in appetite. Even if Emmy and Tazzy look good, we recommend notifying your vet and keeping your package or batch number convenient if you need a follow-up test.
When it comes to liability, both manufacturers and sellers share an ethical obligation to inform consumers, but the reality is that follow-throughs are often inconsistent, especially in online markets. In such cases, it is always safest to stop the food with caution until you have confirmed that the batch is not included in the recall. We recommend reporting your concerns directly to the FDA’s Pet Food Complaint Portal. They take consumer reports seriously. Your voice will help you support not only your dog but others as well. By the way, did you know that Dogstar sends official recall alerts to your emails? You can sign up and receive an email every time your dog food issues a recall. I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola
Help! My dog obsessed and licks his leg!
“Hello, Dr. Paola,
My dog’s death obsessively licks his legs and me, especially my hands, arms, legs and feet. He seems upset when I tell him to stop. Is this unsettling? Should I stop him or have him do it? “ – Heather
Hello Heather,
Thank you for sharing this about Morty. He sounds like a very loving soul, but he realizes that constant licking can raise doubts and sometimes even overwhelming. When a dog repeatedly licks a leg or human, it can often be a sign of not only grooming and affection, but also a fundamental emotional or physical need.
Licking can serve as a self-sedative behavior, just like how some people bite their nails when they are unsure. If Morty appears to be suffering when you get in the way, anxiety can certainly play a role. A history of separation-related stress, boredom, or reinforcement (if licking is once rewarded with caution, everything can contribute. However, it is also important to rule out physical causes. In particular, licking the foot can come from allergies, irritability, or discomfort. It is worth having the veterinarian see him if his feet appear red, swollen or stained with saliva.
Instead of scolding him, which can cause confusion or add stress, try redirecting his energy in a way that meets his emotional and physical needs. For example, give him a puzzle toy, a frozen lick mat, or take part in a gentle training session using aggressive reinforcements. You are right to pause and wonder if you want to allow action. And the best path is usually one of compassionate redirects. If anxiety is suspected but not extreme, Tele-Triage Service It will help guide you on a simple, supportive intervention before proceeding to a full behavioral consultation. You are already doing the right thing with Morty by observing and asking the right questions. Sometimes our dogs communicate by licking things they can’t say. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
