Dog Health Questions Answered by Vets
Search our library of answers from qualified veterinarians.
Latest Vet Answers
HELP! My Dog Is Ball-Aggressive
“Hi Dr Paola, I have a dog that is ball-aggressive. His name is Levi, and he just turned 2 years old. His mother was a cattle dog, and the father we don't know. When we go to the dog park, there are lots of tennis balls lying around, and he picks the one he wants to play with. If another dog tries to grab the ball, Levi goes after them. How do we stop this? Why can't he just pick another ball? We also have Levi's sister, Ruby. She loves to play ball too but is not aggressive. They do play pretty rough at home, though. Thank you” - Sandra
What Are Natural Ways To Prevent Fleas On My Yorkie?
Home remedies to prevent fleas. Mine always gets sick with vet treatment to kill fleas.
Did My Senior Terrier Pass Away From Choking Or Was It Just Her Time?
Dear Vet,I am writing to you because I am in a state of severe shock, panic, and grief, and I desperately need your professional reassurance regarding my dog's final moments.This happened four days ago, and she has already been properly buried, but I cannot stop blaming myself. My dog was 13 years old and in the terminal stage of her illness. She had ascites and a tumor near her spleen. In her final days, her back legs became severely swollen, she was completely immobile, had labored breathing, and stopped eating. On her last day, she also refused to drink.Wanting to comfort her, I tried to give her water using a syringe without a needle. I placed it into the corner of her lips through her closed, clenched teeth. I gave her two 5 ml syringes (up to 10 ml total of water), and some of it likely leaked out of her mouth.A few moments later, I noticed she rolled onto her side and completely relaxed. When I held her, she made a few gasping or twitching movements with her head toward me with an open mouth, and then she passed away.I am absolutely terrified that she might have suffocated or choked because of the water I tried to give her, or that I caused her death. From a medical standpoint, given her advanced organ failure, tumor, and ascites, was this just a coincidence of timing as her body was already shutting down?Thank you so much for your time and response
Which Over The Counter Allergy Medicine Is Safe For My Mini Labradoodle?
which over the counter allergy medicine should I give my dog, and how much?
Help! At What Age Should My Labrador Be Spayed?
“Hi Dr Paola, Our 6-month-old female English Labrador, Stella, weighs almost 60 lbs. Her breeder recommended spaying between 1 year and 18 months because of concern that the growth plates are still open. Our vet recommends spaying her before her first heat cycle because of fewer complications from the surgery and other issues that can surface from letting her go too long before being spayed. There are many factors to consider, including cancers, tumors, healing time, bone structure/health, hormones....and then, something popped across my computer screen about laparoscopic spaying that sounded like waiting wouldn't be a problem but likely an expensive option, if I could find one close by. All to say, I'm concerned. We've had American Labs with various grades of the above issues, and of course we don't want these to surface. Also, we are in our 70s, and Stella likely is the last large dog we'll have, and we want to do what's right for this baby given her size and breed. Can you provide guidance?” - Donna
What Are Some Healthy Homecooked Meal Ideas for a Saint Bernard Puppy?
Can I get some ideas on good homecooked meals to make at home in the future.
What Should I Do If My Senior Schischaun Is Bleeding After A Fall?
Baby fell down a flight of stairs on Wednesday afternoon she is now bleeding from her rectum We warn in Eastern Nc what do we do ?
Are There Natural Remedies To Help My German Shepherd With Persistent It...
constant licking itching rubbing his nose I have stopped feeding chichen and pork and any processed treats to no avail Had an allery test done that highlighted sensitivity to the above plus tree bark seroid injections only work temp and really not happy with long term use Are there any natural remedies that can help him ?
Could This Bump on My Senior Pomsky Be a Botfly Wound?
Is this a botfly wound? I’m very concerned since this wound/bump only appeared almost overnight. She hasn’t had any unusual contact beyond her daily walks in the neighborhood & her groomer visits every few weeks or so. Her groomer has been the same one since a puppy so I don’t believe it’s a wound from there, but Im unsure.
Help! What Costs Are Involved in Adopting a Deaf Dog?
"Hi Dr Paola, Are there any financial considerations I should be worried about with a deaf dog? I think it's going to be a challenge, but I'm willing to take it on. Thanks” - Martin
Help! My Husky-Lab Keeps Breaking Into Lunchboxes!
“Hi Dr Paola, Luna is a 7-year-old female Husky-Lab mix . She likes to break into lunchboxes, somehow finding them on shelves, the table, or the counter, and then opens them without destroying them. Is it that she’s bored or hungry? She recently had a check-up and was told 38kg is overweight, so I started feeding her separately and giving her fewer treats. Thanks, Julie”
Why Are My Pit’s Paws Red And Why Is She Licking Them So Much?
Dogs paws are red and she keeps licking them also chewing on grass and itching
Why Does My Australian Shepherd Always Have Soft Stools?
Always has soft poop that sticks to his fur tried 4 health dog food did not help need a food that farms up his poop
Help! How Do I Break the Cycle of Ear Infections?
“Dear Dr Paola, I've had my best friend Rebel since he was less than a year old. He's now going on 8 years old and has started having recurring ear infections that the vet said were caused by yeast due to his food. I've changed his diet, used the meds, and it'll go away for a week and come right back, in one ear or the other. I treat it, and the cycle continues. What am I doing wrong? How do I get my baby boy better, permanently?” - Leiha
Why Is My Senior Border Collie Mix Whimpering When Using Stairs?
Trying to figure out what is causing my dog discomfort and whimpering when jumping or climbing stairs
Why Did My Healthy Puppy Die Suddenly?
Hello, I need advice about my kitten who suddenly passed away. My kitten was very young and stayed only inside our house. He did not go outside and had no contact with other animals. He was not vaccinated or given any medication because he was still very small. Before he died, he was acting completely normal. He was eating, drinking, and behaving normally. Suddenly, at the moment of death, he moved his four legs upward and passed away. There were no signs like aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, or unusual behavior before this happened. Could you please help me understand what possible causes could lead to such a sudden death in a kitten? I would really appreciate your advice.
HELP! What Should I Feed My Puppy?
“Hi Dr Paola, What key ingredients should I look for in puppy food for a 6-month-old medium-sized pup? I would like to find a kibble, maybe with a topper, that is budget-friendly. “ - Sandy
Help! My Yorkipoos Bark At Everything I Do!
“Dear Dr Paola, Our 2 dogs, 7-year-old Yorkipoos (brother and sister), bark at me in an unfriendly manner all the time. When I move in my chair, stand up, leave the room, go through a door, leave the house, etc. The female, Abby, was my mother-in-law's dog until last July. When Mom died, Abby joined her brother, Bailey, with us. She has barked incessantly since then, and now has Bailey doing it too. It's not just annoying; it's way beyond that. It’s been over a year, and it's constant. Could she be blaming me for taking her away from her home? Or could there be another reason? Help!” - John and Kathleen
Help! Should Dogs Eat Pork?!
“Hi Dr Paola, Should dogs eat pork?” – Pat
Help! Does Your Clinic Take Care of Tooth Extraction?
“Dear Dr. Paola, My adopted dog, Misha, is a mixed breed. She about 10-years-old and weighs around 20 lbs. Misha needs dental work, which could include tooth extractions. Could you please let me know if your clinic can take care of this? Thanks.” – Farid
Help! My Vet Suggests a Biopsy for My Dog!
“Hi Dr Paola, I have a 10-year-old female mini Labradoodle named Riley. She weighs 14 pounds. We had Riley’s bloodwork checked recently, and her ALT was 1100 U/L and ALP 4400 U/L. She also had an ultrasound. The vet has prescribed a medication starting with DEM (I don’t have it with me) for her liver. They said that she has liver issues, and they put her on special dog food for the liver. They also gave her an antibiotic. What are your suggestions? I’m really upset because we had this done two weeks ago. The doctor is now recommending a biopsy, but I don’t want to put her through that. She also has weak legs.” – Joanbe
Why Is My Labradoodle Having Diarrhea With Bright Red Blood?
Bentley is having diarrhea and it has spots of bright red blood. He is acting normal, maybe eating slightly less, but still has energy and is playing. Should I monitor or seek medical attention?
Help! I Feel Like I Am Being Ripped Off By My Vet!
“My sister’s dog’s medication costs $90 from her vet. I found the identical medication online for $41. The vet refuses to authorize the prescription outside of the vet clinic. They claim they can’t control the validity of the prescription or expiration date outside of the clinic. My sister’s dog has been seeing the vet for 8 years. It seems like a scam and they are double dipping and making a huge profit off of the prescriptions. Can they do this? Is it a legal requirement that all prescription medication be bought at the vet? My sister also said they don’t put the pills in a pill bottle with prescription information. They just put them in a clear ziplock bag. It doesn’t sound right to me.“ – Pam
Help! Can Shock Collars Cause Seizures?
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dog, George, had a seizure a couple of days ago. It lasted 2 minutes. Can shock collars cause seizures? “ – Ruth
Help! What Age Should I Get My Puppy Spayed!
“I’m getting a cavapoo in a couple of months, she was born a few days ago and her name is Jade. What age should I get her spayed? Do you have any advice for looking after a brand new puppy? Thank you so much.” – Maria
Help! I’m Not Sure If I Should Spay My Dog Now!
"Hi Dr. Paola, Luna is a 9-month-old black lab. Should I get her spayed now?” – Robert
Help! My Dog Suddenly Sleeps in a Different Spot!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I have two dogs, Bandit and Bea, and one likes to sleep beside the bed, and the wall, and the other likes to sleep at the end of the bed on the floor, and they have their beds there accordingly. These have been their sleeping spots for 4 years. Then, about 4 days ago, my male dog, who likes to sleep in his big bed at the end of our bed, decided he wanted to sleep in the small bed beside the bed and the wall. He doesn’t fit in it, but he makes it work, but then the other dog, whose bed it is, has been put out and upset over it. So I grabbed her second tiny bed and put it next to her other one, so they both have tiny beds by the wall, and it seems to be working, but I have no idea why our boy has had a change of heart. How do I go about figuring this out? The only thing I can think of is that I’m pregnant, and the day before this happened, I changed sides of the bed with my husband, so I’m now on the dog’s side, and maybe he wants to be closer to me? Other than that, nothing seems to have changed. Thanks!” – Louanne
Why Is My Labrador Mix Acting Aggressively Over His Sleeping Spot?
Our boy has a bed at the end of our bed and has slept there for 4 years. Our other dog sleeps in a tiny cat bed beside the bed, alongside the wall (which is a tiny space just wide enough for the dog and cat bed). Recently, I changed sides of the bed because I'm pregnant, so lying on the close-to-wall side is easier, and now Mac also wants to sleep in the cat bed beside the wall. So much so, that he even stole the bed and growled at our other dog, which he never does! She has 2 cat beds, one in the other room and one in the bedroom, so we brought the second one in, and now they're both sleeping in tiny beds beside the wall and me. Where do I begin to figure out what's going on with Mac? It's so out of character, and I'm worried something might be wrong, but he's not really showing any other signs of issues.
Help! My Dog Doesn’t Stop Barking!
“How do I stop excessive barking?” – Linda
Help! My White Dog Has Red Hair in Private Spots!
“Daisy has reddish hair around her privates, and it’s dark in the creases. Also looks like she ate something reddish around her mouth. She is white. Not bloody not sure what caused it.” – Rita
Help! My Dog is So Thin I Can Feel His Ribs!
“My Schnauzer-schnoodle Sammie is almost 8 years old. He has gotten really thin. He eats just a little bit. He gets an hour walk every day. He is very thin, and I can feel his ribs. How can I get some weight on him? His diet is Ollie twice a day. Minimum treats.“ – Kathleen
Why Is My Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla Being Aggressive Toward My Family?
Advice on reactive biting in the home towards myself husband and son.
Help! My Dog Has Bright Pink Lips!
“My dog paws at his lips often after eating or drinking, and other times. It’s as if it hurts or burns. He’s fairly gentle when he does this. The vet gave him a cortisone shot, but it showed zero noticeable help. His lips look bright pink. I clean his bowls and water often. What can I do?” – Terri
Help! We Are Considering OSS Surgery!
“Stella is a 5-year-old golden retriever. She has had several litters; the last one required a C-section. We’re seriously considering OSS surgery. Wondering about pros and cons.“ – Sussanne
Help! Can I Do An O2 Box at Home?
“My 9-year-old Shih Tzu, Frederick, has developed fluid in the lungs, and I also found out he has an enlarged heart, almost extending to both sides of the rib cage. The emergency vet, at the time, said he wanted to keep Frederick overnight in an O2 box. I knew Frederick would not like that, as he sleeps at the foot of my bed every night. But I’m wondering, my husband works with an O2 tank for welding. Is it possible that I can build an O2 box and use my husband’s O2 bottle at home?” – Rachel
Help! My Dog Is a Poop Eater!
“I have a female dog whom I rescued in October. Lulu is a “poop eater.” I mostly get the poop picked up immediately. I’ve purchased no poop chews and reward her with treats when she poops and immediately runs to the door after. She has learned to come to her bed for treats after doing her business. I do, however, catch her trying to eat a piece of it if I missed picking it up. I feel she was food insecure before coming to me and learned to eat poop. She was so skinny. What more can I do?“ – Carlan
Help! My Dog Gets Itchy Anal Glands!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My shorty Jack Russell Terrier gets anal glands that itch, which leads to a vet visit every 2-3 weeks. She’s 8 years old and has a healthy diet plus vitamins. I’ve tried Glandx, which doesn’t work. We tried pumpkin for more fiber, but still the same results. Any suggestions you may offer my girl? Thank you," - Stella
Help! My Dogs Are Overweight
Dear Dr. Paola, Both of my dogs are overweight. Tucker, our 10-year-old lab mix, has arthritis, and Mitch, our 7-year-old lab, is just overweight. What is the best diet dog food I can use for both? - Lisa
I Need Help Managing the Puppy Biting Stage!
“How do I manage the difficult/biting barking extremes at dawn and dusk with my 11-week-old Bernadoddle (Bernese Mountain dog & poodle mix) pup? So far, I’ve had to put Tuxedo in his area for 10 minutes. Though it starts up again once he is out.“ – Beverly
Help! I Need the Most Affordable Flea Medication!
“Dear Dr. Paola, I’m trying to decide on the best flea and heat guard for my dog Jozee. Also the most inexpensive. I thought about buying a seresto collar and heart guard. I have for some time bought Semparica plus, but it seems it just keeps going up in price. “ – Linda
Help! My Dog Doesn’t Want to Eat Her Food!
“I have a 16 month old Yorkie, Bailey, who likes to chew which is fine with me as her teeth are very clean. However, after just 2 short sessions with a collagen stick she didn’t want to eat her food and instead was searching all over the place where I had put the collagen stick up out of sight. Thoughts on collagen sticks versus bully sticks and addiction? Thank you! Love this site!“ – Diene
Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV!
“Marci is a 3 year old goldendoodle. She is 70% poodle and 30% golden retriever. She hardly ever barks. She will only bark when somebody is at the door and when a dog comes on TV. Is there anything I can do about barking at tv? She gets along well with other dogs. Thanks, “ – Luis
Why Is My Neutered Yorkie Cross Still Getting Sexual Reactions?
“Dexter, my seven-year-old Yorkie cross, has been neutered, but he constantly licks himself and has a sexual reaction; his penis comes out, but doesn’t go all the way back in. And each time my husband has to help him by manually doing it. We just don’t know what to do.“ – Ruth
Are Bark Collars Ethical?
“My dog Honey is 9 months old. She barks incessantly. Usually early evening. Or when a leaf falls 🤪. Is it inhumane to use a bark collar? “ – Shirley
I Need Help With My Dogs Anxiety!
“I need help regarding my dog’s anxiety… I have a 15-month-old Yorkie, Bailey, that literally shakes and cries when out and about, riding in the car, stroller, etc. On daily walks, she lunges and barks at anyone walking by and, of course, other dogs. I believe out of fear. If a neighborhood dog barks from within their house when we go by, she turns around and heads for home. I spoke to her vet about CBD, and she mentioned a company called Ellevet. I hate to put her on daily meds, but I cannot take her anywhere, and I’m feeling trapped at home as she runs to sit at the door when she sees me getting ready to go anywhere. My previous Yorkie loved to go everywhere, loved car rides, etc.“ – Diane
Help! Can I Use Flea + Calming Collars Together?
“Can you put a flea and tick collar and a calming collar on a dog at the same time?“ – Denise
Help! My Dog Over Licks His Paws!
“My senior dog seems to overlick his paws. Sometimes it seems like it may be out of boredom because when I redirect him, he stops, but I also read that it might have something to do with possible yeast overgrowth. I don’t know. Please provide any information you can. Thank you so much.“ – Wendy & Purdy Boy
Help! My Dog Keeps Getting UTI’s!
“My mastiff-lab, Honey, keeps getting UTIs. We took him to a vet, and they gave us a canine antibiotic to take every 12 hours (Amoxicillin 500mg) that he took for 30 days. Less than a week after he finished the 30 days, his symptoms came back. Perplexed! $179 vet bill that basically did nothing.“ – Shirley
Help! Are Bark Collars Inhumane?
“Honey is 9 months old. She barks incessantly. Usually early evening. Or when a leaf falls. Is it inhumane to use a bark collar? “ – Shirley
Help! My Dog Eats Weird Things!
“We have an 8-month-old Shih Tzu, Indy, who has eaten grass, chunks of wood, pine cones, and various other things she finds on the ground. She is now digging up little holes in the lawn. Is there a something missing in her diet? How can we best break this bad habit?“ – Carla
Why Are My Senior Dogs Barking So Much After Moving?
“I have 2 Hanesse. Benthic and Shelby. We just moved into an apartment, and both dogs are barking all the time. What barking device would work for both dogs? They are 9 years old. “ – Susan
Help! Can Food Affect Behavior?
“Can dog foods affect a dog’s hormones? I have an 8-year-old lab mix who has become more testy, and his penis will elongate, and he wants to hump objects. Chief has been neutered for over 7 years. The only change to his diet is that I have started adding some wet dog food to his diet for variety. Could that be influencing his behavior? He is one of 3 dogs who have all been around for 6 years. His behavior is creating a tense environment for all.“ – Sophia
Help! I Want to Change My Puppy’s Dog Food!
“Cher is a 9-month-old female Shih Tzu puppy. She is presently eating Royal Canin puppy food wet and dry. I am considering transitioning her to Diamond Natural small-breed adult dry food. My thought is that the Diamond Natural brand is less expensive and seems to have similar ingredients. I am asking for your advice on this Diamond Naturals brand vs Royal Canin. Thank you in advance for your advice.“ – Alan
Help! I Struggle to Brush My Dogs Teeth!
“Are dental chews helpful? I find it hard to brush my Sammi’s teeth. “ – Henry
Help! How Do I Know if Giardia Has Cleared?
“Since tests for Giardia are unreliable and diarrhea can persist for weeks following elimination of the Giardia, how do I determine if a 3-day treatment with fenbendazole has cleared it? Is a repeat 3-day treatment in 7-10 days needed?“ – Karen
Help! My Puppy Has a Heart Murmur!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My new 9-week-old Sheltie puppy was just diagnosed with a heart murmur with a grade of 5/6. On our vet’s recommendation, we are trying to get an appointment with a cardiologist at Auburn University, whom she knows. In the meantime, how can we help Blondie to be her best? She loves rough house playing with our other two sheltie puppies. She’s a tough little cookie and usually starts it. Is this dangerous for her with the murmur? Nobody has ever hurt anybody. I watch to make sure she’s not panting or passing out. And she hasn’t. What do I do if she did? I feed them a good dog food, dry, freeze-dried with only good ingredients, including ginger and chicory. Fresh water all day. What else can I do? Do I need to be aware that this condition may be fatal? How likely? Thank you.” – Becky
Help! I Don’t Want My Dachshund to Always Need to Be Manually Expressed!
“ My 6 year old mini dachshund Miles keeps having anal gland issues, we supplement with fiber, fish oil and probiotics and his poops are bulky but it still always seems like his anal area is bothering him. We bring him in to get expressed when we notice he’s extra irritated and his glands are always quite full, but we don’t know what else we can do? Does he need more exercise? I am starting to worry about him as I obviously don’t want to ever risk abscesses or infections but I don’t want to rely on manual expression either. Please help! “ – Rebecca
Help! Does My Dog Have Dementia?
“My 16 year old mixed terrier Hazel enjoys fairly good health and gets moderate exercise each day. She’s lately taken to destroying my made bed every day when I’m in another room. Do dogs get dementia and could this be a problem? I scold her but the behavior continues.“ – Dianne
Help! My Puppy Has Whipworm!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Winnie is a 4-and-a-half-month-old chihuahua puppy. She has completed all of her first year shots. She had a parasite shot at her first appointment because she was scooting around and the vet suspected worms. She was then given Albon Suspension. Second appointment she tested negative. At her last appointment she tested positive for Whipworm and was prescribed Safeguard. My question is, why wasn’t she prescribed Safeguard to begin with which would have covered all worms and parasites?” – Susan
Why Are the Inner Corners of My Senior Chiweenie's Eyes Red?
The inside corners of his eyes are red. They are normally white?
Why Is My Senior Pug Trembling and Lethargic After Mating?
I am currently not in the best living situation I ended up rescuing a 7 yr old pug when a friend passed im not sure if she was spayed she does go into heat I ended up in jail for 4 days for a driving infraction and she was in heat a chihuahua got stuck with her and its been about 3 weeks all the sudden shes trembling not eating sleeping alot almost ethnic wont get off the couch seem to be acting wierd
Are There Nutritional Gaps in My Dachshund Mix's Low-Fat Diet?
My weenie-mix had a pancreatitis flare up a few months back and since then she has had some gland issues . Our vet things she's already lost the ability to express herself and said that diet changes won't work but we've decided to try a low-fat/ anti inflammatory, novel protein diet to see if that makes any difference. What we've been feeding her is a few different meats on rotation like: - Bison -White fish ( tilapia, cod, mahi mahi) - Kangaroo -Rabbit We've also changed her kibble to a venison and sweet potato recipe, and we give her abut 1tbsp 4x a day. With her larger meals we give her a lighted steamed veggie mix ( dark leafy greens, sweet potato or butternut squash, broccoli, red pepper, carrot, green beans and some rice (about 2 tbsp of this per day) We also supplement with a 1/4 tsp salmon oil, probiotics, TRI-ACTA H.A. for joint mobility and some pumpkin powder. I am wondering if we are on the right path? I've figured out the calories and I know we are okay there but I am worried since she's having so little kibble that we may be missing essential nutrients, can you spot any gaps in her diet ie: calcium.
Help! My Dog Ate Ibuprofen!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dog Daisy ate ibuprofen last night. I’m not sure how much, she’s been throwing up all morning. She seems fine other than that. I called the vet, they said a small amount of Pepto-Bismol may be used and seems to be working. Are there any other signs I need to watch for? “ – James
Help! How Do I Know It’s Time for a Vet Visit?
“Hi Dr Paola, Brownie has had a gurgling stomach off and on for 3 days. He is a Weimaraner mix, 60 pounds. Active and no signs of distress. He is a bit restless when his stomach gurgles. No signs of bloating or pain. I have massaged his stomach/bowel area, and he doesn’t mind. He has been eating once a day, rather than his usual twice. No changes in his food (3/4 cup kibble, 1 Tbsp boiled chicken breast, 1 Tbsp white rice). I gave him a Tbsp of yogurt two days ago, which quieted his stomach. Then, I read that dogs have trouble digesting lactose. He vomited 1/4 of his meal the following day. Drinks lots of water. His bowels have been loose, occasionally with a bit of mucus. We have seen mucus in his stool when we have been traveling with him, and he is out of his routine. We have not been traveling lately. We walk him up to two miles per day without any problems. He is alert and energetic. We keep a pretty close eye on him. He stays indoors, or in our back yard (AZ desert, no real grass, only rocks and synthetic grass), unless we take him out. We got him from a shelter 5 years ago in August. He is around 6? Have not had any stomach issues prior to this. Questions: What signs should we look for that require a vet visit? How long do we wait for the gurgling stomach to cease? Thank you! “ – Wendy
I Need Help Choosing a Fresh Dog Food!
“Dear Dr. Paola, I have a Newborn Australian Terrier named Honorable Maxamillion Alexander the Great Good, 2nd. We want to learn, compare, and research all the human-grade fresh food, human-quality vet-approved recipes. We want wholegrains (possibly limited grains), vegetables, some allowable fruits, and totally human-grade training treats. We are trying to determine the very best of organizations, for example, The Farmer’s Dog, Pet Plate, Ollie’s, The Pet Table, NomNom, all of them, to learn about before deciding.” – Bonnie
Help! My Dog Has a Torn CCL!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My active, 70 lb, 8.5-year-old Lab mix Allie had successful FHO when he was 1.5 years old. Now she limps on that leg. Vet says it is torn CCL and recommends TPLO. I am concerned that the femur is not stable enough since it is no longer in the hip socket and will slide. Also, how could she get torn CCL if there is no stress of femur on tibia due to femur’s flexibility?” – Tad
Help! My Dog Has an Ear Polyp!
“My son’s dog Lexi has a polyp in his ear, and he doesn’t have the money to get it removed. Do you have suggestions on what we can do? Thank you,“ – Debra
Help! My Dog Ate String Lights
“Dear Dr. Paola, My chihuahua, Darby, is 11 pounds and ate a string of mini battery-operated Christmas lights. They were on when he ate them, and he rubbed his face on the ground and had white foam flying out of his mouth and was nervous and confused and kept shaking his head violently and trotting around and rubbing his sides of face and looked scared and worried and sad, I’m going to give him a Vaseline sandwich or cotton.” – Kelly
Help! My Dog Might Be HIV Positive!
“Hi Dr. Paola, If a mother dog is said to possibly be HIV positive and she delivers puppies, does the blood cross to the puppies? Will they have it?” – Betty Joe
Help! My Dogs Has an Enlarged Heart!
“My Yorkie, Katie, is 5.5 lbs and 12.5 years old. Recently diagnosed with enlarged heart by cardiologist. No prescriptions were given, but we were told she should have ‘no salt in her diet.’ I plan on using Dogster’s recipe for ground beef and vegetables mixed with a little bit of Dr. Marty Nature Blend because she loves Dr Marty’s food, and it keeps her regular, gives her bright eyes, low weight and energy. She’s been on Dr Marty’s her whole life. I called Dr Marty’s business and spoke with a knowledgeable person who said salt is the last item on the ingredient list, and there is very minimal salt (0.02). The vet said to use canned dog food.“ – Agnes
Help! My Dog Has a Sore Behind His Ear
“Dear Dr. Paola, Teddy is around 10 years old. He was a drop off when I found him, I thought he was dying! He had sores that drained puss all over his body. I worked on him all the time and he is finally getting his hair back now, but he has a sore behind his ear that’s as big as half his head. I had been in the hospital for two months, and when I got home, he was missing. He was gone for six weeks; thankfully, I found him in my front yard. We need help. He is a fighter. He loves to go outside and sit in the sun and has a big heart. Can someone help us? We need you! Thank you,” – Teddy & Karen
Help! My Dog Obsessively Licks His Paws!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dog Morty obsessively licks his paws and me, especially my hands, arms, legs, and feet. He seems upset when I tell him to stop. Is this anxiety? Should I make him stop or just let him do it? “ – Heather
Help! My Dogs’ Food Has Been Recalled!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I’ve been buying Carna4 dog food for a while for my dogs Emmy and Tazie from a Seller in PA and recently off Amazon. No one notified us that the products were recalled. That is not right, we have been feeding our dogs this dog food along with their home-cooked meal. What are the health dangers we now need to be aware of? Whose responsibility is it to notify buyers when dangers exist in any “healthy” foods made for humans and our dear fur babies? Should I throw out our latest bag of Duck, Liver, Eggs, and Sprouted Seeds? We live in a buyer beware world; I didn’t see this coming! “ – Donna
Help! My Dog has Degenerative Myelopathy
“Dear Dr. Paola, Dallas was diagnosed with Degenerative myelopathy almost a year ago. He is really starting to struggle with his back legs, and he is falling a lot. What can I do to help him?” – Barbara
Help! My Dog Vomits After Every Meal!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dog Codie is a King Charles Cavalier and Maltese mix. I have had him on Purina food since he was a pup, and started with Purina ONE Smart Blend. I recently bought the Purina True Instinct dog food with real turkey and venison to give him a variety of tastes, but this one makes him vomit every time he eats it. Why could that be? He will be 3 years old in May. Please explain why one formula was fine and this one is not. Thanks!” – Donna
Help! My Bloodhound Gets Reoccurring Ear Infections!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Beretta is a Bloodhound who gets reoccurring ear infections when we take her to the vet. It’s usually yeast sometimes though it’s an infection as well no matter what we do that just keeps coming back. Any suggestions? Thank you. “ – Lacey
Help! My Dog is Chewing On Everything!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My pup Zoey is a Shih Tzu Bichon mix. She’s chewing stuff up, and I don't know what is going on with her. I’m concerned about her.” – Trevor
Help! My Dog Ingested Glass!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Hazel threw up in the night, which consisted of little shards of a Corningware glass that had cranberry sauce in it that broke. I immediately cleaned it up with paper towels, but the little scavenger she is got into the trash. Can I give her Pepto Bisol or something to help her? There is no blood.” – Suzie
Help! My Dogs Don’t Stop Barking!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dogs Moseley, Rev, and Pickles bark incessantly, and it doesn’t matter what I say or do. They also howl together! They always start barking when I get on the phone. When someone comes to the door. If someone drives by on our lane. It could most certainly be worse cuz I’ve seen and heard, but how do I make it better?” – Corinne
Help! My Dog and I Can’t Afford Vet Care!
“Dear Dr. Paola, I really don’t have the money to care for my pet. My dog Goodie has a heart murmur but medical expenses are high, what can I do? I really need help and I’m so scared for him.” – Uriah
Help! My Dog Has a Mast Cell Tumor!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Nikki was recently diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor. They put her on 50mg Benadryl (she weighs 67 lbs). Surgery was recommended, but the tumor is on her stomach and very close to ribs, so not sure if clean margins are possible. I’m weighing holistic approaches vs surgery, but the holistic route is very overwhelming to me. What questions should I be asking my vet? And is a 2nd opinion suggested?” – Eadie
Help! What Do I Feed My Dog Who Has Seizures?
“Hi Dr. Paola, GusGus is our 5 1/2 lb Pomeranian baby. He is 14 years old. Since he was a baby, he has had seizures, about two a month. Otherwise he is pretty healthy. Now older, his back right leg shivers when he stands, but he does walk well. We have fed him Racheal Raes small kibble dog food for some time, but recently were informed her pet food company was bought and they no longer provide good meat in the process. What is the best dry dog food, small size kibbles for our GusGus. I am so concerned about what sources the protein/meat is used in dry dog food. We are desperate to find a healthy food for him as we love him so very much. Thank you” – Jeanette
Help! My Dog Doesn’t Stop Lip Licking!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My dog Pip is licking her lips for several minutes at a time. It even wakes her up. She does it if we are out walking, she’s lying in her bed, etc. It happens approximately every hour. Had she got something wrong with her?” – Shelley
Help! What is the Best Food for Boxers?
“ Hi Dr. Paola! I have 2 boxers. Zeke & Tyson are 4-year-old and 2-year-old males. What dog food have you seen to be the best for this breed of dogs, or what ingredients are best for them? Thanks“ – Troy
I Need Help Choosing a Dog Food!
“I am hoping to offer my Spunky the best quality food. I am trying to find out if Open Farms is better than Performatin Ultra Limited. I’m having a hard time finding comparisons.” – Lucy
Help! I Need Help with Products!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Some stickers sold online by Natpat claim to calm and relax your pet. They are called pet zen vapor stickers and are non-mediated. The package claims the stickers are made with plant-based ingredients, eco-friendly, and vet-formulated. You place the sticker in a locket and attach it to the dog’s collar. I want to try it on Murphy, my 22-pound King Charles Cavalier to calm and reduce his barking. Do you have any information on this product? Thank you for considering my question ” – Jan
Help! How Do I Introduce My Pups to Grooming?
“ Hello Dr. Paola! I have two Yorkie pups, Aurora and Orion, who are +/- 15 weeks. Please can you guide me on how to introduce them to being groomed (preparing them at home) & at what age? Thanks” – Bill
Help! My Dog Has Fleas!
“My dog Mimi was diagnosed with flea infestation—what is ‘flea infestation’ and how do dogs get it? I keep her groomed, and her groomer has never found fleas on her, I never found fleas on her, my house is not infested with fleas. Mimi is a Polish Sheepdog, spoiled, lives in the house, potties outside, and has her own bed (which is flea free). She was constantly itching and going in circles on concrete to scratch her buttocks. (it would get raw). She’s been taking Oclacitinib for 2 months; she still itches but not as much. Is there anything else I can do to help her?“ – Julia
Help! I Think My Dog Died from Her Food!
“Hi Dr. Paola, My dog Luna passed away shortly after I changed her dog food. Is it possible to get her food tested? Because if it was the cause, it should probably be a recall and I could save other dogs. ” – Amber
Help! My Dog is Constipated!
“ Hello Dr. Paola! Ollie has been constipated for the last 3 days, what should I feed him to help? We feed him a Cesar .35 OZ with raw veggies and cooked rice. He gets a healthy diet and has been regular for years except when he is sick” – Bill
Help! My Dog Fell Down Stairs!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My dog took a tumble down about 5 stairs. He can walk but won’t jump and he has a bump near his back leg” – Julia
Help! My Dog Has Anal Gland Issues!
“Hi Dr. Paola, I have an almost 10-year-old female beagle mix that I adopted when she was around two. I wouldn’t say she’s had anal gland problems the whole time, but she does “drain” or “ooze” anal gland liquid every so often. I was told by my groomer that hound-type dogs have anal gland troubles and that I should express her glands routinely which I have been trained to do. However, other research I have read says not to express the anal glands frequently because the glands will cease doing it on their own. I stopped expressing them and am letting nature do its thing. Which is right?” – Melissa
Help! My Dog Died After Vet Care!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My dog Archie died after I took him to the vet. He was coughing up phlegm from his lungs for three nights. The vet disagreed with me, said he was vomiting, and treated him for that. My dog died a week later, after receiving many tests, treatments, CT scans, X-rays, and even a camera into his lungs and hospitalization. After taking him to another vet, I learned that he had atypical pneumonia. I can’t help but believe that had he been treated for the complaint I originally brought him in for, he would be here now. He was only six years old and in perfect health. Could you give me your opinion on this, please? I have videos showing Archie coughing, certainly not vomiting.” – Annette
Help! My Dogs Spleen Has Recently Been Removed!
“Is Astragalus a good supplement for my dog with a recently removed spleen? I’m looking for holistic options to boost the immune system that don’t impact blood clotting like black currant seed oil does. “ – Sadie
Help! My Dog Hasn’t Eaten for a Week!
“Dear Dr. Paola, My dog Missy hasn’t eaten in a week! I’ve tried everything, including canned food and milk. Unfortunately, she seems very weak. What should I do? Do you make house calls? ” – Cynthia
I Adopted a Malnourished Greyhound & Need Help!
“Dear Dr. Paola, We have recently adopted a Greyhound called Zimmi, who is severely malnourished and is still in rehab before we get her on Saturday. All of her medical tests came back with a clear bill. She has been sterilized recently and has had all her injections, dewormings, and Bravecto treatments. How can I assist with her weight gain and her overall progress?” – Natashja
Help! How Do I Deal With a Territorial Dog?
“My sister has a Shi-Poo dog, Luna. She’s 6 years old and has always been territorial and bites. I’m tired of my sister never having taught her pup to do anything. She works all day, and her kids have left for college. The dog is fine for about 15 minutes when being petted. Then it snaps and bites and attacks. How do I get it to stop since I don’t see the dog often, but my sister refuses to do anything about it? “ – Cassandra
Help! I Need Clippers For Big Dogs!
“Hi Dr. Paola, Are there nail clippers available for big dogs with heavy black nails like Zakky & Blade that have sensors built in to avoid cutting into the quick?” – Dave
Help! My Dog Has Heartworm!
“Dear Dr. Paola, I rescued Benji one month ago from the Humane Society in Palm City, and he was a stray dog. I am very concerned because he has heartworm and they gave us an antibiotic that we should give him for a month and they told us that after that we have to leave Benji there for 2 days, because they have to give him 2 painful injections of arsenic and i can’t see him for 2 days because it will be tough on Benji. We research and find out that the protocol is different. We took Benji to the Vet, and she told us that after the antibiotics we have to give him one pill of NexGard and wait one month and after that we take him there for the injection and the same day we can pick him up and in case he doesn’t respond well we have to find a clinic and leave him there. This has to be repeated 2 more times because the injections are 3 and not 2 at the same time, like the Humane Society told us. My heart is sinking because I don’t want him to have pain, anxiety, and feel that we abandon him in the moment that he needs the most. I would appreciate it if you could guide me in this difficult situation, because I don’t know much about it and I don’t want to lose Benji. He has some good days, but he also has bad days when he doesn’t want to eat anything or drink water, and he is lethargic, which makes me really worried. Benji is a mixture of Maltese, Westie, and Terrier, and because he was a stray dog, they think that he is 5 or six years old according to his teeth. I appreciate your help. Sincerely,” – Ines
Thoughts on Anti-Aging Pills for Dogs?
“ Hey Dr. Paola, What do you think of the new anti-aging pill for dogs? “ – Su