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 periodontal disease!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My Bella is a Pomeranian and has many health issues. We now know that she has periodontal disease and all the vets I take her to her take her about cleaning her teeth . I have fixed Social Security income so I can’t afford it. Knowing that she is in pain hurts my heart, do you have any suggestions? ” – Janet
Janet, sorry to hear about Bella’s struggle and the financial restrictions you face. I can feel how deeply you care for Bella, and it’s clear you want to do everything possible to keep her comfortable and healthy. Periodontal disease, especially in small varieties such as Pomeranians, can actually be painful and challenging to manage without specialized dental treatment. The cost of such a procedure can be daunting, but some alternatives and approaches may help ease the situation for Bella while working within the financial constraints.
Low-cost veterinary clinics or nonprofits are often lifelines in these situations. Many communities have services dedicated to ensuring pet parents have access to affordable care. Reaching out to your local shelters, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary school will allow you to connect to programs that offer less dental cleaning speeds. It’s worth asking your current vet if they know community resources and if there are payment plans available.
In the meantime, you can take small but meaningful steps at home to help Bella feel more comfortable. Daily brushing with dog-specific enzyme toothpaste can reduce the accumulation of harmful bacteria. If she’s not used to it, start slowly and treat it like a gentle ritual rather than a chore, split the goal into many small steps and do your best to keep it positive. You can also consider preservative oral rinsing, designed for dogs. This will help you control infection while planning professional care. Veterinarian-approved teeth biting can also support oral health, but it should be used with caution if the gums are very soft.
Your dedication to Bella is shining, and her love is her greatest asset. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about her immediate pain level, Veterinarian Terage consultation The veterinarian can provide guidance and help her prioritize her needs. While you work towards a long-term solution, don’t forget that even small efforts can make a huge difference to her comfort and health.
I wish you good luck,
Dr. Paola
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Help! We are inviting new puppies to our family!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
We met a puppy who wanted to invite you into our family. It’s a jug crossed with a dachshund. Are there any special considerations to consider, or are there any things we should or shouldn’t, or reasons not to buy a puppy? ” – Julie
Hello Julie, congratulations to welcoming new puppies to your family! It appears that we met a fun mix of pitcher jugs (Jack Russell Terrier and Pugcross) and dachshunds. You can create unique and energetic friends. Merging the traits of these breeds means that the puppy is likely to be lively, intelligent and attractive, but it can inherit the specific traits and potential challenges you want to prepare It has sex.
From a behavioral perspective, Jack Russells and the Dachshund are known for their strong prey drive and independent stripes that can manifest themselves as stubbornness and tendency to chase small animals. The effects of pugs can balance this with a more relaxed temperament. Like all puppies, it is important to be proactive in consistent training based on active reinforcement from the start. Early socialization is key to preventing future behavioral problems.
Healthy, it’s a lottery. Mixed varieties can benefit from genetic diversity, but they may also inherit breed-specific issues. Dachshunds tend to support problems due to elongated spines, particularly disc disease (IVDD), so it is essential to avoid activities such as jumping down furniture and maintaining a healthy weight. Consider installing a lamp in your home. Meanwhile, pugs can inherit respiratory challenges from brachiomatous (flat face) anatomy, but Jack Russell is an active dog that tends to get cooperative problems and injuries from an adventurous mind. is. Regular veterinary examinations can help you monitor these risks.
Although we did not mention the age of the puppy, health screening for IVDD can be performed by x-ray between 24 and 48 months. It is recommended that you engage your veterinarian about important considerations and the next steps. Before welcoming puppies to our home, it is important to consider whether the energy levels and potential habits of this mix suit your family’s lifestyle. If everything feels like a fit, you will probably find yourself in a loyal and loving companion.
Employing a puppy is like bringing a small amount of sunlight home. It requires care and commitment, but the joy they bring is unparalleled!
Help! What should I feed Doxie?
“Hello, Dr. Paola!
Do you recommend grains and grains for 4 month old Doxie Pappie Enzo? We are currently putting him on Origen grainless puppy food“ – Donna
Hello Donna and congratulations to your new Doxie puppy, Enzo! It is important to choose the right diet for your growing puppy, as nutritional needs at this stage directly affect your long-term health. Orijen’s grain-free puppy food is a high-quality option that focuses on animal protein sources and nutrient concentration components, but should be considered when deciding on a grain-free and grain-inclusive diet There are several factors.
Grain-free diets have been popular due to concerns about grain allergies, but dogs’ true grain sensitivity is rare. While many dogs thrive on a grain-free diet, the FDA is investigating a potential link between a grain-free diet and a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although research is ongoing, some veterinarians recommend diets that contain grains unless there is a specific medical reason to avoid grains. To be honest, veterinarians have similar opinions to human doctors.
If Enzo thrives in Origen’s grain-free formula, excellent energy levels, shiny coat, healthy stools and stable growth are signs that the diet is working for him. However, if you are worried or unsure, you can consider moving to a formula that contains grains.
Ultimately, the best diet for Enzo is one that supports his nutritional needs and matches his unique health and lifestyle. A regular veterinary checkup is essential to ensure he grows as expected. If you notice changes in his health, behavior, or growth, we recommend reviewing his diet with your veterinarian to make adjustments as needed. You can also schedule an online consultation with one of the Pangovet veterinarians for simple questions and guidance during your visit. Therege Veterinary Services. They will provide reliable advice and help you deal with your concerns quickly.
I wish you good luck,
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
