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 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
Hi Luis,
Dogs do not fully understand that the images on a screen are not real animals. Marci’s reaction to dogs on television is quite common and usually reflects a normal alert response rather than a behavior problem. Dogs often recognize the movement, posture, and vocalizations of other dogs on a screen, even if they cannot fully interpret the context. Think of it like hearing a distant dog bark through a window. The sound and motion trigger an instinctive “someone is here” response. The fact that she rarely barks in daily life and socializes well with other dogs suggests she has a stable temperament, which is a very positive sign.
The most effective approach is gentle behavior modification using positive reinforcement. When a dog appears on television and Marci notices it but remains quiet, calmly reward her with a small treat or praise. Over time, she begins to associate the presence of dogs on the screen with staying relaxed rather than reacting. If she starts to bark, avoid scolding, because attention can unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Instead, calmly redirect her to another activity, such as going to a mat, playing with a toy, or practicing a simple cue like “sit.” Gradually, the television becomes background noise rather than a trigger.
Another helpful strategy is controlled exposure. Keep the volume lower at first and allow her to watch while she is relaxed beside you. Pairing the sight of dogs on the screen with calm moments, treats, or a food puzzle can shift her emotional response. Over time, this works much like helping a person become comfortable with a harmless sound they initially found startling. Since Marci is already well-balanced and quiet overall, these small adjustments usually reduce television barking quite effectively. Good luck!
Dr. Paola
If you want real time answers to your questions, you can talk to one of our veterinarians online. Click on the image or button below:
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
Thanks for loving Dogster, Diene!
Chewing is a very natural behavior for a young dog like Bailey, especially at 16 months of age, when many dogs still have a strong instinct to gnaw and explore with their mouths. Chewing works almost like a calming activity for the canine brain. It releases soothing neurochemicals and satisfies an instinct that wild canids use when consuming prey. Because of this, dogs often become very motivated to continue chewing items that are flavorful and long-lasting. When Bailey searched the house for the collagen stick, she was most likely following the scent and remembering the rewarding experience she had earlier. This enthusiasm can look intense, but it is not considered an addiction. Dogs do not develop food addiction in the medical sense, although highly palatable chews can temporarily become very exciting to them.
Collagen sticks and bully sticks are both animal-derived chews and generally considered safer alternatives to traditional rawhide products. Collagen sticks come from the dermal layer of beef skin and are rich in structural proteins like collagen and elastin. As a dog chews, the material slowly softens and breaks down. Bully sticks are made from dried bull pizzle, which is the penile muscle tissue of cattle, and they are naturally high in protein. This rich protein content and natural aroma make them very appealing to many dogs. One advantage of both options is that they are typically processed without preservatives or chemical treatments, unlike many rawhide chews that may undergo heavy processing and bleaching. This simpler processing tends to make collagen and bully sticks easier for the digestive system to handle when they are given in appropriate portions. Because bully sticks are dense and very palatable, it is best to offer them in moderation and always under supervision. As the chew becomes smaller, there is a potential choking risk if a dog attempts to swallow the final piece, so removing the last portion is a sensible precaution.
The reaction you noticed with Bailey not wanting her meal likely reflects anticipation rather than a problem with the chew itself. When a dog experiences something very tasty, the brain can briefly prioritize that reward over routine food, much like a child who suddenly loses interest in dinner after discovering dessert. A helpful strategy is to offer chews after Bailey finishes her regular meal so her normal nutrition remains the priority. Limiting chew sessions to a short, supervised period also helps keep the item special without allowing it to overshadow her daily diet. When used this way, natural chews like collagen or bully sticks can support dental health by mechanically reducing plaque while also providing healthy mental enrichment for an active young dog. So just be wise about how they are offered and supervised. I hope this helps.
Dr. Paola
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
Hi Linda,You are asking a very practical question, because parasite prevention can become expensive over time, and many pet parents are trying to find a balance between protection and cost. Products like Simparica Trio for Dogs are popular because they combine several protections in one monthly chew. They protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and some intestinal parasites at the same time. That broad coverage is convenient and very effective, which is why veterinarians often recommend it. Studies and veterinary reviews note that these oral preventives can begin killing fleas within hours and provide protection for a full month.
If cost is becoming a concern, the combination you mentioned can be a reasonable alternative. The Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs provides flea and tick protection that can last up to about eight months, slowly releasing active ingredients across the skin and coat. When you divide the price across those months, many families find it less expensive than monthly flea and tick tablets. You would still need a separate heartworm preventive such as Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs, which protects against heartworm and certain intestinal worms. This two-product approach often ends up costing less per month than an all-in-one chew.
From a medical perspective, the most important point is that Jozee remains protected against heartworm disease year-round. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, and prevention is far safer and less costly than treatment. The Seresto plus Heartgard combination can be a sensible and economical plan for many dogs, provided the collar fits properly, and your dog does not chew or damage it. Think of parasite prevention like an insurance policy for your dog’s health. The goal is not necessarily the newest product, but consistent protection that you can comfortably maintain month after month.
Best wishes,
Dr. Paola
- View past week’s questions here: March 23, 2026
- See our full list of past articles here
- Click here to submit a question
- Get Dr. Paola’s weekly advice sent straight to your inbox. Sign up below!
Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV!
