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 Barks Non Stop!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Every time we let our dog Barry out in the backyard he barks non-stop. We are worried about our neighbors. What can we do?” – Susan H

Hi Susan,

Barry’s persistent barking in the backyard is a common concern for dog parents, and it’s great that you’re considering both his well-being and your neighbors. Dogs bark for various reasons: excitement, boredom, territorial instincts, or even anxiety. The key here is to identify the root cause and address it with training and environmental adjustments.

First, observe him, and find out what triggers Barry’s barking. If he’s reacting to noises, people, or other animals, he may feel the need to alert or protect his territory. In this case, limiting his visual exposure with a solid fence or providing a designated quiet area could help. If the barking stems from boredom or excess energy, increasing his physical and mental stimulation with interactive toys, scent work, or structured playtime before he goes outside may help to reduce his urge to bark.

Training plays a crucial role. Teaching a cue like “quiet” using positive reinforcement can be effective. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions. You can simply capture it: when Barry stops barking, reward him with praise or a treat.

A great way to extinguish undesired behavior is by putting it under stimulus control. By training Barry to bark on a cue, he is less likely to bark without it.

You should also redirect his focus with a toy or engage him in a task when he steps into the yard. Before the barking stops. If he barks excessively despite training, consider supervised backyard time rather than allowing unlimited access, as dogs often develop habits when left to their own.

If Barry’s barking is due to anxiety, particularly separation anxiety, the approach may require a more gradual desensitization process. Keep in mind that you can always consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to provide tailored strategies. With patience and consistency, Barry can learn to enjoy the backyard without turning it into a barking zone.

Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog Has Kidney Failure!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Holly Belle, our 15-year-old pup, is still going strong but has kidney failure. She drinks water and pees often, using up one 23in. x 23in. pee pad each time. What usually happens as the symptoms progress? She still eats, runs, plays, sleeps well. Her poop is small and hard as rocks. Her teeth are bad, some loose, some falling out. Her vet won’t give her dental cleaning anymore. I have started to add vegetable/olive oil to her food” – Susan S

Susan, it sounds like Holly Belle is a resilient little soul, and you’re doing a wonderful job supporting her through her golden years. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition, meaning the kidney tissue damage and the resulting signs will gradually worsen over time. However, the rate of decline can vary significantly from dog to dog. I’ll do my best to explain it here, but I do recommend scheduling a call with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet so you can have a proper conversation, and they can help answer any further questions you may have and hopefully ease your worries.

Dietary management including treats or anything she gets needs to be approved by your vet as at some stages of kidney disease strict protein and phosphorus restrictions are required. Right now, she still has a good quality of life, which is what matters most.

As kidney disease advances, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste effectively, leading to an increase in toxins in the bloodstream. You may notice more obvious signs such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, muscle wasting, lethargy, and appetite decline. Excessive thirst and urination often continue, and in later stages, dogs may become dehydrated despite drinking a lot. Hard, dry stools are common due to dehydration, so adding some moisture to her food is important. The olive or vegetable oil can provide some extra calories and lubrication, but hydration is key to addressing constipation. Your vet may even request you learn how to apply subcutaneous fluids.

Her dental issues are also a concern, as infected or loose teeth can contribute to systemic inflammation and make eating painful. Since a full dental cleaning under anesthesia is no longer an option, daily oral rinses, dental wipes, or even offering soft, easy-to-chew foods can help minimize discomfort. If her mouth pain worsens, a veterinarian may consider antibiotics or pain relief options.

At this stage, the focus is on maximizing her comfort and quality of life. Monitoring her appetite, energy levels, and any signs of discomfort (like pacing, drooling, or avoiding food) will help you understand when adjustments are needed. When the time comes that she no longer finds joy in her usual activities, struggles to eat, or appears to be suffering, a gentle goodbye may be the most compassionate choice. But for now, it sounds like she still has good days ahead, and with your love and care, she’s able to enjoy them.

Help! My Dog Has Diabetes!

“Hello Dr. Paola!

My 8-year-old Schnoodle Addie was just diagnosed with diabetes a month ago. She eats Pet Fresh and loves it. Is this an ok dog food for her considering she is a diabetic? It’s high in protein but I’m not sure if there is enough fiber to control her blood sugar. I hate to take it away because Addie is very picky but she loves Pet Fresh.” – Patti

Hi Patti. Managing diabetes in dogs like Addie requires a careful balance of diet, insulin, and monitoring to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Pet Fresh is a brand that offers a variety of products, each with different ingredient compositions and nutrient profiles. If you need support with this, teletriage veterinary service can help you analyze the ingredients and nutrient content of a specific formula. You can actually schedule a call with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet.com and they can help answer any questions you may have all for an affordable price, without having to leave home.

Since diabetes management is highly individualized, it’s essential to also work closely with your veterinarian who will help monitor Addie’s glucose levels and determine whether her current diet and treatment are appropriate or if adjustments are needed.

High-protein diets can be beneficial for diabetic dogs, but fiber also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption. If the specific Pet Fresh formula Addie enjoys lacks sufficient fiber, your vet may suggest incorporating additional fiber sources or transitioning to a different food that better supports her glucose control. Since diabetes management often involves ongoing adjustments, expect some trial and error to find the best balance for Addie. The goal is to keep her happy while ensuring her blood glucose remains as stable as possible, and with careful monitoring, I am sure you can find a solution that works for both her health and her preferences.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Paola