Ask Dr. Paola- Calming Patches & Choosing a Dog Food (March 10, 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! I Need Help with Products!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Some stickers sold online by Natpat claim to calm and relax your pet. They are called pet zen vapor stickers and are non-mediated. The package claims the stickers are made with plant-based ingredients, eco-friendly, and vet-formulated. You place the sticker in a locket and attach it to the dog’s collar. I want to try it on Murphy, my 22-pound King Charles Cavalier to calm and reduce his barking. Do you have any information on this product? Thank you for considering my question ” – Jan

Hi Jan,

Thank you very much for your trust. While I have no direct experience with this product, I will try to help answer your question as best as I can.

One of our writers, Emily Muller, reviewed this product on our site. She tested it on her adorable dog, Micah, and reported that just a couple of minutes after placing the sticker on the collar, Micah was noticeably calmer. You can read her review and enjoy some amazing photos of her gorgeous pup.

Ensuring the collar is properly secured so that Murphy cannot get to it is important. While the risk of adverse reactions is low, you should monitor Murphy for any unusual signs when introducing the stickers, as individual sensitivities can vary. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately.

Likewise, it’s essential to remember that barking is a natural form of communication for dogs. While some barking is normal, excessive barking can indicate underlying causes such as anxiety, boredom, territorial behavior, or learned habits. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed may be prone to vocalizing due to excitement or separation distress rather than aggression. While the Pet Zen Vapor Stickers may help promote relaxation, they won’t directly address the root cause of his barking. If Murphy barks out of habit or in response to triggers like outside noises, behavioral training paired with calming aids might be more effective.

Positive reinforcement training can help teach Murphy alternative behaviors. Rewarding quiet moments with treats, engaging him in puzzle toys to keep his mind stimulated, and using commands like “quiet” with consistent reinforcement can gradually reduce unnecessary barking. If his barking stems from separation-related distress, gradually increasing his comfort with alone time and providing calming background sounds may also help. Combining training with tools like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps might offer additional support. While natural calming aids like the Pet Zen stickers may contribute to an overall sense of relaxation, their effectiveness will vary between dogs. If Murphy’s barking remains persistent or increases in intensity, consulting a behaviorist specialist may be beneficial as they can create a personalized handling and training plan for Murphy. I hope this helps!

Sincerely, Dr. Paola

Dr. Paola

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I Need Help Choosing a Dog Food!

“I am hoping to offer my Spunky the best quality food. I am trying to find out if Open Farms is better than Performatin Ultra Limited. I’m having a hard time finding comparisons.”–  Lucy

Dear Lucy,
It is nice to read that many pet parents, like yourself, are researching to choose the right nutrition for their pets. This indicates Spunky is clearly loved and well cared for. The quality of what we feed our pets directly influences their health and vitality. I don’t have personal experience with either brand, but I have some general information to share.

Open Farm is celebrated for its transparency and commitment to ethically sourced proteins and sustainable practices. Their recipes often feature a variety of protein sources, including less common options like venison and fish, which can be beneficial for dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities. Additionally, Open Farm provides detailed information about their ingredient sourcing, allowing pet parents to trace the origin of each component in their dog’s food.

Performatrin Ultra Limited Ingredient diets focus on simplicity, offering recipes with a single protein source combined with limited and easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. These kinds of diets make feeding dogs with food sensitivities or allergies easier, as when you know what triggers them and also know exactly what a food contains, it minimizes the chances for adverse reactions.

Each of these brands offers a range of different products and ultimately, the best choice depends on Spunky’s specific health requirements, preferences, and any known sensitivities. Since our goal is to be the most useful resource for pet parents, at Dogster we have hundreds of free-access educational posts in the topics of nutrition, understanding food labels, considerations, and recalls as well as food reviews. Observing how Spunky responds to a particular diet is essential, as individual reactions can vary. If you notice any adverse signs or have concerns about his nutritional needs, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to ensure his diet is the best for his health and needs.

If you need personalized help navigating the labels or understanding why a dog might react to a certain diet, a one-on-one video call with one of our vets on our sister site, Pangovet, and they can help guide you and answer any questions you may have. Again, congratulations, choosing the right food for your dog is the most proactive approach a loving pet parent can have.

Warm regards,

Dr. Paola

Help! What is the Best Food for Boxers?

“Hi Dr. Paola!

 I have 2 boxers. Zeke & Tyson are 4-year-old and 2-year-old males. What dog food have you seen to be the best for this breed of dogs, or what ingredients are best for them? Thanks“ – Troy

Hi Troy,

Boxers are such an energetic and fun-loving breed! Given their high activity levels, muscular build, and predisposition to certain health concerns, choosing the right diet is essential to keeping Zeke and Tyson in peak condition. Boxers can be prone to heart issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), so it’s important to ensure their diet includes taurine-rich ingredients like beef, chicken, turkey, and organ meats. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish can also support heart health and reduce inflammation. Since they are also prone to food sensitivities, a diet with easily digestible proteins and limited ingredients is best. I prefer to avoid diets with wheat, corn, and soy.

High-quality animal protein should always be the first ingredient in their food, supporting their lean muscle mass and high energy needs. Boxers can also have sensitive stomachs, so avoiding overly processed foods and artificial additives is wise. I prefer fresh and gently cooked diets as long as they are nutritionally balanced, lucky for us it’s 2025 and there are lots of great options commercially available and some of them even delivered to your doorstep! If you’re opting for dry or wet foods, look for one with clearly named animal protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or brown rice. If once you narrow down your favorite options, you need help understanding why a specific ingredient is added to a recipe, a one-on-one video call with Pangovet can help guide you and make an informed decision.

Please note that the Boxer breed is susceptible to bloating (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV), feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce risks. One last thing, if Zeke and Tyson have been fed the same diet for a while and you are considering a diet change, please take your time to transition them slowly. Ideally do it over 7-10 days to allow their digestive system and microbiome to adapt, helping to prevent digestive upset.

I hope this helps! Dr. Paola