Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we convey knowledgeable 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 offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can hold your furry good friend completely satisfied and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices 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 undecided why. She doesn’t have fleas or worms. Somebody talked about she may 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.
Canine 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 canine 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 canine with gentle stools, they don’t empty usually. When the gland’s secretion accumulates within the sacs it may possibly turn into impacted or infected, resulting in discomfort. Canine attempt to handle the discomfort by extreme licking or scooting. If left untreated, impacted glands can generally turn into painful infections and even harmful abscesses.
That is why it will be significant you’re taking her to the vet. They’ll look at Tiana to verify whether or not her anal glands must be expressed or if one other difficulty, resembling an allergy or pores and skin irritation, is inflicting her discomfort. Within the meantime, attempt to hold her from excessively licking or scratching, as this may irritate the realm additional.
Finest needs,
Dr. Paola
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Assist! I Suppose I Am Allergic to My Canine!
“Expensive Dr. Paola,
I feel 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 frequent allergy triggers. Whereas there isn’t definitive analysis immediately linking a canine’s warmth cycle to elevated allergic reactions, hormonal modifications throughout this time might trigger slight will increase in pores and skin oil manufacturing. Extra importantly, canine typically groom themselves extra throughout their warmth cycle, which might unfold further dander and allergens into the surroundings, probably worsening your signs.
To handle this, concentrate on sustaining a clear residing area and seek the advice of your physician or an allergist to verify the trigger and talk about remedy choices. Allergy symptoms will be irritating, however with the best method, you might be able to discover reduction whereas persevering with to get pleasure from life with Chewy.
I Want Assist Registering My Canine!
“Hiya Dr. Paola!
How do I register my canine? He’s 2.5 months outdated.” – Tony (Kingston’s Dad)
Hello Tony, congratulations in your new pet, Kingston!
In the event you’re referring to registering Kingston with a kennel membership just like the American Kennel Membership (AKC) or an analogous group, you’ll usually want proof of his pedigree from the breeder. This often comes as registration papers offered once you bought him. Comply with the directions on these papers to register him below your title, which is probably going doable by way of the group’s web site.
In the event you imply licensing him along with your native municipality, this is a crucial authorized requirement in most areas. Licensing entails contacting your metropolis or county workplace or visiting their web site to be taught the applying course of, as it may possibly fluctuate by location. You’ll possible want proof of Kingston’s vaccinations, particularly rabies, which is usually given at round 16 weeks of age. Your native veterinarian may help information you thru the necessities particular to your space. Wishing you all one of the best in elevating Kingston!
Wishing you and Kingston all one of the best!
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
