Ask Dr. Paola- Lip Licking, Seizures & Tumors (March 17, 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 Doesn’t Stop Lip Licking!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My dog Pip is licking her lips for several minutes at a time. It even wakes her up. She does it if we are out walking, she’s lying in her bed, etc. It happens approximately every hour. Had she got something wrong with her?” – Shelley

Hi Shelley,
It’s great that you are so observant of Pip’s behavior. Frequent lip licking, especially when it disrupts Pip’s sleep or happens as often as every hour, is usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. While occasional lip-licking can be normal, like when a dog is tasting something or feeling a bit anxious, persistent episodes like you’re describing could indicate nausea, acid reflux, dental discomfort, or even an issue affecting her throat. Some dogs also lick their lips excessively when they have an underlying gastrointestinal problem, such as an upset stomach or inflammation. If she’s swallowing a lot alongside the licking, it might suggest regurgitation or reflux.

Since this is happening so frequently and is even waking her up, it would be best to have Pip checked by a veterinarian. A thorough oral exam, along with checking for any signs of nausea, could help pinpoint the cause. If this started recently and is progressively worsening, or if you notice other changes like decreased appetite, gulping, or drooling, those would be important details to share with your vet. In the meantime, keeping a close eye on when it happens, like whether it’s before or after meals, during certain activities, or after drinking, could help in identifying any patterns that might give clues to the underlying issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola

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Help! What Do I Feed My Dog Who Has Seizures?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

GusGus is our 5 1/2 lb Pomeranian baby. He is 14 years old. Since he was a baby, he has had seizures, about two a month. Otherwise he is pretty healthy. Now older, his back right leg shivers when he stands, but he does walk well. We have fed him Racheal Raes small kibble dog food for some time, but recently were informed her pet food company was bought and they no longer provide good meat in the process. What is the best dry dog food, small size kibbles for our GusGus. I am so concerned about what sources the protein/meat is used in dry dog food. We are desperate to find a healthy food for him as we love him so very much. Thank you” – Jeanette

Hi Jeanette,
I completely understand your concern about finding the best food for GusGus, especially with his history of seizures and now some tremors in his leg. Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health, and as dogs age, their dietary needs become even more specific.

When selecting dog food, it’s essential to focus on ingredient quality. Look for a product with clearly named animal proteins as the first ingredient (such as real chicken, turkey, or fish) rather than generic “meat meal” or by-products. Avoid foods with ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if they are listed within the first 5 ingredients on the label, and avoid artificial preservatives and colorings.

If you’d like to dive deeper into label reading, there are plenty of educational resources available that explain what to look for in dog food. Dogster has thousands of reviews from other pet parents, which can help provide insight into ingredient sourcing and quality.

It’s 2025, so you can even find formulas that focus on joint and brain health, which often contain omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants that could be beneficial. I prefer fresh, whole-food-based diets over traditional kibble, as they often contain higher-quality proteins, fewer carbohydrates, and more bioavailable nutrients. If you’re open to it, incorporating lightly cooked fresh food or high-quality freeze-dried options as toppers can also provide additional nutrients and improve digestibility. Whatever you do, make sure you run it past GusGus’s vet to ensure it’s a good option for him.

Some last tips would be to take your time transitioning GusGus gradually to his new food; ideally, do it over 7–10 days to help give his digestive system time to adjust and prevent digestive upset. Keeping a close eye on his energy levels and seizure frequency will also guide you in making the best choice for him. He is lucky to have such a loving family looking out for his well-being!

Best of luck,

Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Has a Mast Cell Tumor!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Nikki was recently diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumor. They put her on 50mg Benadryl (she weighs 67 lbs). Surgery was recommended, but the tumor is on her stomach and very close to ribs, so not sure if clean margins are possible. I’m weighing holistic approaches vs surgery, but the holistic route is very overwhelming to me. What questions should I be asking my vet? And is a 2nd opinion suggested?” – Eadie

Hi Eadie,

I’m so sorry that Nikki is facing this diagnosis. Mast cell tumors can vary widely in behavior, so gathering as much information as possible will help you make the best decision for her. Since surgery has been recommended, one of the most important questions to ask your veterinarian is about the tumor’s grade and stage, as these influence prognosis and treatment options. You’ll also want to discuss whether additional imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, could clarify the tumor’s extent and whether clean margins are realistically achievable. If complete removal isn’t possible, ask about alternative strategies, such as radiation or targeted therapies, to manage any remaining cancerous cells.

A second opinion is always a good idea, especially if you’re feeling uncertain about the surgical outcome. A veterinary oncologist can provide valuable insights into the risks and benefits of surgery versus holistic or integrative approaches. To my knowledge, there is limited scientific evidence supporting holistic treatments for mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs. While some natural therapies, such as medicinal mushrooms (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum), omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric (curcumin), may have anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating effects, they should not replace conventional veterinary care. If holistic medicine feels overwhelming, you don’t have to choose one path over the other; talk to your vet. Many cases benefit from a combination of conventional treatment and supportive therapies like supplements, medicinal mushrooms, or dietary adjustments. Just consider that it is crucial to follow your doctor’s recommendations and avoid giving anything without their approval and knowledge because natural medication can sometimes interfere with other treatments. Your priority is ensuring Nikki’s comfort and quality of life, so don’t hesitate to ask about pain management, potential side effects, and what to monitor at home. You’re her best advocate; noting your observations and gathering all the available information and facts will help you move forward with confidence.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paola