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 is changing colour!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My 5 month miniature poodle moxie was red with white breasts when I bought him, and after two shampoos, his red coat was almost a golden blonde colour. Is this normal? Is there a fee to recover and maintain his red coat or anything I can give him? Are there any special shampoos I should use? Please help! ” – Madeline
Hello Madeline!
It appears that Moxie is experiencing a very normal color transition. Many red poodles experience coat fade or lightning as they mature, which can occur very dramatically in some cases. Poodles have genes that affect coat color changes over time, often leading to a silvery shade in apricots, creams, or several lines. This process is known as “clearing”, with some reds remaining rich and deep, while others will fade naturally no matter what you do.
As it is primarily genetic, there are no magic shampoos or supplements that will completely prevent this change. I’ve seen a colour-enhancing pet shampoo that is specially formulated for red or apricot coats. It claims to restore red pigments without the use of harsh chemicals. They claim to help strengthen the remaining pigments, but they do not reverse genetic decline. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a particular product to you. We need to warn that their safety has not been studied.
It is worth mentioning the role of nutrition in coat health. Moxie ensures that he has a high quality diet rich in omega-3 (such as those found in fish oil), and omega-6 fatty acids can enhance the richness and shine of his coat.
I hope it helps!
Dr. Paola
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Help! My dog doesn’t seem to get along well!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
I own two men’s long haired Chihuahuas (Walter and Trip). They are trash buddies. I got a trip when he was 8 weeks old and about a year later I got a Walter given to someone else, who ignored him and abused him So my friend brought him back and asked if I could take him. It’s been two years now and he’s a very sweet dog, but the problem is that my two dogs are constantly fighting, groaning at each other, sometimes they’re fighting, biting, groaning. They really seem to hate each other. I can’t pick up one without the other who is trying to attack him. Is there anything you can do to stop this behavior? They just fight each other, not fighting other dogs. I live in a family with four dogs of different shapes and sizes, ranging from smaller Chihuahuas to larger Doverman Pinshells. Please help me.” – Wanda
The battle between Wanda, Walter and Trip appears to be due to unresolved tensions, as it is due to competition, resource guard and Walter’s past trauma. You clearly identified them as getting along with other dogs but getting along with each other, so the dynamics of their relationship is a core issue. Avoid situations where they feel the need to compete to prevent the fight.
If necessary, you can use a baby gate or a wooden frame to create a safe space. It is important to focus on enhancing gentle behavior with the high-value rewards offered at the same time. Structured activities such as parallel walks, feeding at the same time, but at a safe distance, and controlled play helps rebuild each other’s resistance.
Your training should focus on strengthening impulse control and neutrality. Teaching clues such as “Leave It” and “Place” gives you an alternative that will respond positively. Make sure to pay attention only if both are calm to prevent jealousy. As their attacks are unique to one another, professional guidance from activists may be useful if the fight continues. Consistency and structure allow them to learn to coexist more peacefully, and if they understand it consistently correctly they will eventually become friends.
Help! What kind of flea treatment should I use?
“Hello, Dr. Paola!
We live in an area where mites and chiggers have been invaded and would like to know the best treatment for my checheon, chewy, and my 10 pound puppy. I mainly feed him raw food and want him to stay healthy. thank you” – Lydia
Hey Lydia, I appreciate your trust in seeking guidance for caring for your dog. Mites and chiggers are external parasites that can transmit some diseases to dogs and humans. Mites are particularly dangerous as they are vectors for serious illnesses. Chiggers (larvae) are primarily systemic infections, but cause severe itching and skin irritation. However, although we cannot recommend specific treatment products as we cannot establish a physician-patient relationship through this space, we have a list of top-level treatment products here.
That said, veterinarian care is highly personalized, and what works for one dog may not be suitable for another. The best behaviour is to consult a veterinarian who is familiar with the mites in your area and can directly assess your dog’s unique health status, medical history and specific needs before deciding on the most appropriate treatment. .
You can also schedule a call with one of the Tele-Triage Veterinary Service’s Pangovet veterinarians to see where to start. It can also provide general guidance on whether a dog’s condition requires urgent in-person care. Make sure your dog is receiving safe and effective care.
I wish you good luck,
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
