Ask Dr. Paola – Garlic, Parvo & Stray Behavior (January 12, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Do Minties Have Garlic in Them?

“Minties dog chews have garlic listed as an ingredient, but I know garlic is toxic for dogs, so what’s the deal?” – Brenda

Hi Brenda,

I looked into this brand’s products at their official webpage and did not see garlic listed as an ingredient in the current formulations. That alone brings some peace of mind because the most reliable information is always the label on the package in front of us. That said, it is important to note that manufacturers sometimes adjust recipes, which explains why older listings may look different from what is available today.

It is still completely valid to question garlic in any canine product. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that can damage red blood cells when given in meaningful amounts, and this is the mechanism behind the anemia we worry about in dogs. The dose makes the poison, similar to how a tiny pinch of salt is harmless, but a whole cup would not be. In some veterinary products, extremely small, carefully controlled quantities of garlic extract have been used to enhance palatability or repel insects, and at those trace levels, they do not approach toxic thresholds. The key is that these amounts are intentionally kept far below what would cause oxidative injury. For pet parents, checking labels and choosing products without unnecessary Allium ingredients remains the simplest way to keep dogs safe while still enjoying the potential benefits of dental chews. If you are ever in doubt about any ingredient in your dog’s food or treats, just give us a call at Pangovet. We would be happy to explain to you the potential risks, if any.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Town Has a Parvo Outbreak!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My puppy Blossom is safe, but we’ve heard about a Parvo outbreak in our town. I’m just wondering statistically, what are the chances of a puppy surviving it if they contracted it?“ – Charlene

Hey Charlene,

I am glad to hear Blossom is safe. What a relief! When we look at canine parvovirus, early and intensive supportive care makes a remarkable difference. With prompt hospitalization that provides fluid therapy, electrolyte correction, antiemetics, and careful nutritional support, survival rates in treated puppies often reach seventy to ninety percent. The contrast is stark because untreated cases have a much lower chance of recovery, which is why prevention and rapid intervention matter so much.

Parvo behaves a bit like a fast-moving storm that overwhelms a young immune system, so a puppy’s age, hydration status, and the speed at which treatment begins all influence the outcome. Vaccinated puppies are far better protected because their immune system already recognizes the virus and can respond more efficiently. Keeping Blossom on schedule with her vaccines, avoiding high-risk areas until her series is complete, and monitoring her for any gastrointestinal or systemic signs are practical ways to keep her safe during a community outbreak.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! I Found a Stray Dog Behaving Strange!

“I found a stray dog yesterday, and he is very sweet and kind. He ate dinner and breakfast. He comes over to me for pats. But this afternoon, I noticed he was by his bed, just walking around in circles. What could it mean? ”  – Justin

Dear Justin,

First of all, thank you for giving this stray some much much-needed food, love, and care. When a dog begins to walk in circles, especially if this behavior is new, it usually points to an underlying medical issue rather than a behavioral quirk. Circling can appear with conditions that affect the vestibular system, the brain, or even the inner ear. Dogs sometimes move in a loop, the same way a person might lean to one side when feeling dizzy. In other cases, discomfort from ear disease or disorientation from cognitive changes can lead to pacing or circling around a resting spot.

Because you do not know this dog’s history and he is already showing a neurologic sign, a veterinary examination is important. A veterinarian can assess his neurologic status, check his ears, evaluate for pain, and rule out conditions such as vestibular disease, toxin exposure, or infectious causes. The fact that he is friendly, eating, and seeking affection is encouraging, but circling is not something to monitor passively. Early assessment gives him the best chance of a safe and comfortable transition into your loving care. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola