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 father or mother 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your furry pal completely satisfied and wholesome. Keep tuned for professional steering on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your canine companion. Have a query? Ship it in right here!
Assist! My Canine Spins in Circles!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
Why does my canine Scruffy spin in circles earlier than going to the toilet? It’s type of humorous but in addition fairly unusual. ” – Jimmy
Hello Jimmy,
That’s an awesome remark and a quite common query amongst canine mother and father. Scruffy’s spinning earlier than going to the toilet may look unusual and even humorous, nevertheless it’s truly a traditional and purposeful habits rooted in intuition. Canines inherited this tendency from their wild ancestors, who would typically circle earlier than eliminating to tamp down grass, verify for potential threats, or align themselves in a most well-liked path. One fascinating research printed in Frontiers in Zoology even urged that canines could desire to align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic area, typically selecting a north-south axis when defecating, though extra analysis continues to be wanted on this space.
On a extra sensible degree, the circling helps the canine really feel protected and settled earlier than partaking in a susceptible exercise like going to the toilet. It could additionally function a manner for the canine to evaluate the floor for consolation, particularly if the bottom is uneven or has unfamiliar textures. So whereas it could appear humorous or odd, Scruffy is simply following pure, hardwired behaviors that serve a function in his world. So long as the circling isn’t extreme or accompanied by indicators like straining or discomfort, there’s no trigger for concern.
Finest, Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canine Has Cushing’s Illness!
“Hello Dr. Paola,
My 11-year-old feminine Dachshund Jasmine was recognized with Cushing’s illness in Might. I’m at the moment ready for her Trilostane prescription to return in. Would placing her on a recent meals weight loss program assist together with her weight achieve and pot stomach? “ – Melissa
Hello Melissa,
It’s great that you simply’re wanting into methods to help Jasmine as she begins remedy for Cushing’s illness. This situation happens when a canine’s physique produces an excessive amount of cortisol over time, most frequently as a result of a benign tumor within the pituitary gland overstimulating the adrenal glands. Cortisol is important for a lot of regular capabilities, however persistent overproduction results in indicators like muscle loss, stomach distension, elevated urge for food, and a thinning coat. The pot-bellied look, specifically, is the results of weakened stomach muscular tissues and a redistribution of fats, slightly than simply weight achieve.
Therapy with Trilostane helps by selectively blocking an enzyme produced within the adrenal glands that’s concerned in cortisol manufacturing. By limiting how a lot cortisol is made, Trilostane brings hormone ranges nearer to regular, permitting the physique to begin therapeutic from the pressure of persistent overexposure. The remedy doesn’t treatment the situation however manages it, and cautious monitoring via ACTH stimulation exams is required to make sure the dose is efficient with out over-suppressing cortisol, which continues to be wanted for fundamental capabilities. Over time, because the remedy takes impact and cortisol ranges stabilize, canines typically regain muscle tone, lose a number of the extra stomach fats, and present improved vitality and coat high quality.
Within the meantime, transitioning Jasmine to a correctly balanced recent meals weight loss program could assist help her muscle mass and metabolic well being. A weight loss program that’s wealthy in high-quality, lean animal protein and low in processed carbohydrates could be significantly helpful in canines with Cushing’s, because it helps to keep away from additional fats accumulation whereas supporting lean tissue. Whereas weight loss program alone gained’t reverse her indicators, it could work alongside Trilostane to enhance her total situation and vitality. Simply make sure that any new weight loss program is formulated below the steering of your canine’s veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to make sure it meets all her nutrient necessities throughout this important time.
I hope this helps!
– Dr. Paola
Assist! My Canine Received’t Chewing!
“Pricey Dr. Paola,
My newly adopted canine Birdie chews on every thing continually. To assist, I’ve gotten a number of opinions about her weight loss program. We’re at the moment feeding her Pure Steadiness Candy Potato & Venison, and we’ve additionally tried Purina One. I’d wish to attempt The Farmer’s Canine, however I’m undecided which is greatest for her. ” – Susan
Hello Susan,
Thanks in your query. Birdie’s fixed chewing is definitely fairly frequent in newly adopted canines, particularly if she’s younger or nonetheless adjusting to her surroundings. Chewing is usually a pure manner for canines to discover, self-soothe, or relieve boredom. Whereas weight loss program can affect total habits and luxury, chewing this persistently normally has extra to do together with her degree of psychological stimulation and every day routine than what’s in her meals bowl.
That mentioned, with regards to selecting the perfect weight loss program for her, there are some actual variations between the choices you’ve talked about. Whereas meals isn’t at all times the direct trigger, her weight loss program can affect how she feels total, together with her vitality ranges, digestion, and even habits. If she’s wholesome and never displaying any digestive considerations or indicators of meals intolerance, this is perhaps an excellent time to guage the standard and stability of her present weight loss program.
Pure Steadiness Candy Potato & Venison is a limited-ingredient, grain-free choice that’s typically chosen for canines with sensitivities, nevertheless it accommodates about 45 to 50% carbohydrates, principally from candy potatoes and peas. Purina One sometimes has an identical and even greater carbohydrate content material, relying on the components.
In distinction, The Farmer’s Canine presents gently cooked, much less processed meals with complete meats and recent greens. These recipes are likely to have round 20 to 30% carbohydrates and embody naturally occurring antioxidants from components like spinach, carrots, and broccoli. This recent meals format is less complicated to digest and will supply higher nutrient absorption, serving to help her vitality, immune system, and pores and skin well being.
When you resolve to modify, be sure that to transition steadily over 7 to 10 days to keep away from digestive upset. On the identical time, offering protected chew toys and enriching her surroundings will assist redirect that chewing intuition in a wholesome, optimistic manner.
Good luck!
Dr.Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
