Ask Dr. Paola- Anxiety-Chewing, Postpartum Panting & Spaying (July 14, 2025)

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!

Help! My Dog Anxiously Chews!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My rescue, Bonbin, is half Corgie and half Border Collie. She had anxiety chewing, which I was able to redirect using toys. I need suggestions to stop her obsessive licking of humans. She will start at my hand and work her way up my arm. She is about 3 or 4 years old and has failed a couple of placements. And no, I don’t have cows.

Help! ”  – Nina

Hi Nina,

Thank you for giving Bonbin a second chance and creating a safe space for her. Corgi and Border Collie mixes often come with a double helping of intelligence and drive, which is wonderful, but it can also tip into obsessive or compulsive behaviors, especially when their mental and physical needs aren’t fully met. Obsessive licking of humans, as you’re describing, is often rooted in anxiety, a lack of adequate outlets for energy, or even learned attention-seeking behaviors. It can quickly become self-reinforcing if not gently redirected.

The first step is to treat the licking the same way you’ve successfully managed the chewing: redirect it. When Bonbin begins licking, calmly remove your arm and offer her a task or behavior incompatible with licking, such as a “place” command on a mat, a food puzzle, or a chew toy. Reinforce calm behavior with praise or subtle, calming rewards. Using these low-key rewards helps maintain a relaxed state without unintentionally encouraging overstimulation or anxious excitement.

Since she’s a working mix, incorporating daily structured activities that challenge both her mind and body can be transformative. Think of short obedience sessions, scent games, or herding-like outlets such as a Treibball, a flirt pole, or “find it” games. Just like a Border Collie without sheep will find something else to control, Bonbin may be turning to you as her “job.” The key is consistency and gentle redirection, paired with opportunities to engage in meaningful, structured tasks each day.

If the licking seems truly compulsive or becomes difficult to interrupt, especially if it escalates when routines change or when she’s left alone, it may point to an underlying anxiety disorder. In such cases, medical support might become necessary, but before considering that step, it would be worthwhile to have a behavior management plan reviewed by a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Often, a small change in our setup or communication style is enough to shift the pattern.

Wishing you both continued progress
Dr. Paola

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Help! I Am Concerned About My Dog Postpartum!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My Shih Tzu, Abby, had a litter of six the first time. Three of those died, and now she has only one puppy. She does feed this one, but she also gets on the bed and scratches it. Is anything wrong? She has water and food, but still pants a lot. Please help! “ – Mark

Hi Mark,

Thank you for reaching out. Panting in a postpartum dog like Abby can have several potential causes, and while some panting can be normal in the early days after whelping, especially due to hormonal shifts or the stress of nursing, persistent or excessive panting should not be overlooked. It’s especially concerning when combined with restlessness, like the bed scratching you described. These signs may indicate discomfort, retained placental tissue, uterine infection (metritis), low calcium levels (eclampsia), or even early signs of mastitis, particularly if her mammary glands feel hot, firm, or painful.

Given that Abby has lost several puppies, it’s especially important to rule out any postpartum complications. Dogs with metritis or eclampsia may continue to care for their pups for a short while, which can delay recognition of their declining health. A thorough physical exam, possibly supported by bloodwork and imaging, is essential to determine the cause of her panting and restlessness. Because this situation involves a nursing dam and the risk of life-threatening complications, she should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Her well-being and her pup’s survival depend on prompt and appropriate care.

Please don’t wait,

– Dr. Paola

Help! We Are Unsure About Spaying!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Daisy, our Western Highland Terrier, is about 10 months old and has had her first heat. My wife is afraid that having her “fixed” will change her personality. She is a very loving little dog, and my wife loves that, and it would crush her to lose this.

Note: we had a rescue Western Highland Terrier who was 3 to 5 years old when we
got her, and she was NOT loving, although she was a very good dog. ” – Loren

Hi Loren,

It’s completely understandable that your wife feels protective of Daisy’s sweet nature, especially after having had a different experience with a previous Westie. Concerns that spaying might change a dog’s personality are very common, but they’re not typically supported by evidence. The core temperament of a dog, particularly traits like affection, social bonding, and attachment to family members, is shaped much more by genetics, early socialization, and life experiences than by the presence or absence of reproductive hormones.

Spaying does remove estrogen and progesterone cycling, but this usually does not result in a shift from affectionate to aloof behavior. In fact, many dogs become more relaxed and focused over time, particularly as they mature beyond the intense hormonal fluctuations of adolescence. There is no scientific evidence showing that spaying a loving dog makes her emotionally distant. What can happen is a temporary adjustment period post-surgery, during which your dog may be quieter or slightly off-routine while healing, just as a person might be after any major medical procedure or surgery.

Delaying the spay until after the first heat, as you’ve done, is actually consistent with newer recommendations for some breeds and sizes, and at ten months, Daisy is old enough to handle anesthesia and recovery well. If your wife’s concern is rooted in grief or worry about losing the bond she cherishes, it may help to remind her that Daisy’s loving nature is who she is, not a product of her hormones. Proceeding with a pre-surgical exam and discussing any specific behavioral observations with your vet can also reassure you both that the decision is being made thoughtfully and with Daisy’s lifelong well-being in mind.

Best,

Dr.Paola