Dr. Paola’s Dogster Q&A: Expert Advice for Your Canine Companion
Welcome to our weekly “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) provides expert advice to help you better understand your dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to address your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips to behavioral troubleshooting, she offers insights to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Have a question? Send it in here!
Investigating a Tragic Loss: Potential Food Contamination
Amber, a concerned dog owner, recently reached out to Dr. Paola with a heartbreaking story. After changing her dog Luna’s food, Luna tragically passed away. Amber suspected the new food may have been the cause and wanted to have it tested to prevent other dogs from suffering a similar fate.
Dr. Paola empathized with Amber’s loss and commended her for her proactive approach to potential food safety issues. She advised Amber to keep the remaining food stored in its original packaging for testing. Dr. Paola recommended a veterinary toxicology lab or a university-affiliated diagnostic lab for thorough testing. Additionally, she suggested reporting the concern to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine for further investigation.
In cases of sudden and unexplained pet deaths, Dr. Paola highlighted the importance of a necropsy performed by a veterinary pathologist. This procedure could provide crucial insights into Luna’s passing and help determine the cause of death. Despite the heartache Amber was experiencing, Dr. Paola reassured her that identifying any food-related issues could potentially save other dogs in the future.
Battling Fleas: A Persistent Itch
Julia, another pet owner, sought Dr. Paola’s advice regarding her dog Mimi’s flea infestation. Despite diligent grooming and no visible fleas, Mimi’s persistent itching and discomfort raised concerns for Julia. Dr. Paola explained that Mimi likely suffered from flea allergy dermatitis, a common condition triggered by flea bites.
Dr. Paola educated Julia on the complexities of flea infestations, emphasizing that fleas can hide in various environments, making them challenging to detect. She recommended a comprehensive flea treatment plan, including a fast-acting oral treatment to control fleas before they bite. Dr. Paola also stressed the importance of deep cleaning the home to eliminate flea eggs and larvae, preventing future infestations.
For Mimi’s ongoing discomfort, Dr. Paola suggested a long-acting itch relief treatment to address her allergic reactions effectively. By combining flea control measures with itch management, Mimi could experience relief from her symptoms and lead a more comfortable life. Dr. Paola encouraged Julia to continue exploring potential allergy triggers if Mimi’s itching persisted.
Grooming Guidance for Yorkie Pups: Setting Them Up for Success
Bill, a proud owner of two Yorkshire Terrier pups, Aurora and Orion, sought Dr. Paola’s advice on introducing them to grooming at home. Dr. Paola commended Bill for his proactive approach to grooming, emphasizing the importance of early positive experiences for the pups.
Dr. Paola recommended desensitizing Aurora and Orion to handling by gently touching sensitive areas like paws and ears. She advised using a soft brush and introducing grooming tools gradually to create a positive association. Bathing, nail trimming, and introducing grooming sounds were essential steps in preparing the pups for professional grooming sessions.
By establishing a consistent grooming routine with positive reinforcement, Aurora and Orion would learn to associate grooming with care and bonding. Dr. Paola encouraged Bill to focus on short, positive grooming sessions to build the pups’ confidence and comfort with the process.
In conclusion, Dr. Paola provided expert guidance on a range of topics, from investigating potential food contamination to managing flea infestations and introducing pups to grooming. With her insightful advice and compassionate approach, Dr. Paola continues to empower pet owners to provide the best care for their beloved canine companions.
