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 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

Hey Shirley.

Recurrent urinary tract infections in a dog like Honey are frustrating, and when signs return quickly after a full course of antibiotics, it usually means the underlying cause has not yet been identified, rather than the treatment being useless. In large breed dogs, especially males, repeated infections are uncommon and often linked to something that allows bacteria to persist, such as bladder stones, prostate disease, anatomical abnormalities, endocrine conditions, or infection with bacteria that are resistant to the chosen antibiotic. Treating without a urine culture is a bit like choosing a key without knowing which lock you are opening; sometimes it fits, sometimes the bacteria survive, and the infection returns.

The next step that truly changes the outcome is a sterile urine sample collected by cystocentesis, a simple and well-tolerated procedure in which a sterile needle is used to obtain urine directly from the bladder through the abdominal wall, for urinalysis and culture with sensitivity testing. This approach prevents contamination and allows the laboratory to identify the exact bacteria, select the antibiotic that will eliminate it, and determine the appropriate treatment length. Many recurrent cases also benefit from imaging, such as radiographs or ultrasound, to look for stones or prostate enlargement. If Honey is showing frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, discomfort, fever, or reduced appetite, prompt reevaluation is important, since urinary infections in males should always be taken seriously

Good luck!

Dr. Paola

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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

Dear Wendy,

Excessive paw licking in senior dogs can have more than one cause, and it often helps to think of it like a person biting their nails; sometimes it is a habit or stress, and other times there is an underlying irritation that makes the behavior hard to ignore. While boredom or anxiety can contribute, especially if he stops when redirected, the most common medical reasons include environmental allergies, contact irritation from grass or surfaces, arthritis discomfort, or secondary infections with bacteria or yeast. Yeast overgrowth typically causes redness, a brownish saliva stain on the fur, a musty odor, or thickened skin between the toes, but it usually develops as a consequence of underlying inflammation rather than as the primary problem.

Because Purdy Boy is a senior, it is especially important to rule out medical causes before assuming this is behavioral. A veterinary exam can evaluate the paws for signs of allergic inflammation or infection, such as redness, swelling, odor, or skin changes, and also assess the joints for pain or stiffness that might be driving the licking. In the meantime, gentle management helps, regular walks and mental enrichment reduce boredom, wiping paws after outdoor time removes allergens and moisture, and redirecting him to a calm activity when licking starts prevents the habit from becoming self-reinforcing. If the licking becomes persistent, causes redness, swelling, odor, or hair loss, it is best addressed promptly, since chronic licking can turn mild irritation into a cycle that is much harder to break.

Kind regards,

Dr. Paola