Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Ask Dr. Paola- Vet Care Costs, Barking & Glass (March 24, 2025)

Dogster_Ask Dr Paola Featured Image_v1-2_Nov 12 2024

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! divider single dog paw oct 2024

Help! My Dog and I Can’t Afford Vet Care!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

I really don’t have the money to care for my pet. My dog Goodie has a heart murmur but medical expenses are high, what can I do? I really need help and I’m so scared for him.” – Uriah

I completely understand how overwhelming this situation must feel, Uriah. Loving a pet like Goodie means wanting to do everything possible to keep him healthy, but financial barriers can make that incredibly stressful. The good news is that there are still ways to get him the care he needs.

First, I recommend reaching out to local animal shelters, humane societies, or veterinary schools. Many offer low-cost clinics or financial assistance programs for pet owners in difficult situations. Some veterinarians also offer payment plans or work with organizations like CareCredit, which provides financing options for medical expenses. Additionally, nonprofit groups such as The Pet Fund, RedRover, or The Brown Dog Foundation may offer grants or assistance for pets with medical conditions like Goodie’s.

Since Goodie has a heart murmur, his needs will depend on the severity of the condition. Some murmurs are mild and don’t require immediate treatment, while others need medication to prevent complications. If you haven’t already, ask a veterinarian if there are affordable management options or lifestyle adjustments that could help him stay comfortable. Simple changes, like reducing stress and avoiding excessive exertion, can sometimes make a big difference. You’re doing the right thing by seeking help, and there are resources out there that can support you. Stay strong for Goodie, he’s lucky to have someone who cares so much about him!

Sincerely,
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:

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

white-poodle-barking-on-the-grass
Image Credit: PAN Michal, Shutterstock

Help! My Dogs Don’t Stop Barking!

Hi Dr. Paola,

My dogs Moseley, Rev, and Pickles bark incessantly, and it doesn’t matter what I say or do. They also howl together! They always start barking when I get on the phone. When someone comes to the door. If someone drives by on our lane. It could most certainly be worse cuz I’ve seen and heard, but how do I make it better?” – Corinne

It sounds like Moseley, Rev, and Pickles have developed a habit of barking and howling together, likely reinforcing each other’s excitement or alertness. Barking is a natural canine behavior, but when it becomes excessive, it’s often a mix of instinct, habit, and learned behavior. In their case, it seems to be triggered by external stimuli like people passing by, visitors at the door, and even your phone conversations. This suggests both territorial alert barking and attention-seeking behavior.

Since they don’t seem to respond to verbal corrections, they may not understand what you want from them in those moments. Instead of trying to stop the barking directly, focus on teaching an alternative behavior. For example, you can train a reliable “quiet” cue by first rewarding them when they pause naturally and then gradually pairing it with a verbal command. If they bark when people approach, redirect their focus to a specific spot, like a mat or bed, where they can be rewarded for calm behavior. Practicing impulse control exercises, such as “sit and stay” with distractions, will also help.

For phone-triggered barking, they may have learned that barking gets your attention when you’re distracted. Try giving them a special, long-lasting chew or food puzzle before you make a call, so they associate your phone time with quiet engagement. Consistency is key—if all three dogs are reinforcing each other, training them separately first may be necessary before bringing them together. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help them channel their energy into more appropriate behaviors while still allowing them to express themselves when it truly matters.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paola

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Dachshund dog near trash can
Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

Help! My Dog Ingested Glass!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Hazel threw up in the night, which consisted of little shards of a Corningware glass that had cranberry sauce in it that broke. I immediately cleaned it up with paper towels, but the little scavenger she is got into the trash. Can I give her Pepto Bisol or something to help her? There is no blood.” – Suzie

Hi Suzie, I’m so sorry Hazel got into the trash and ingested glass. Even though she isn’t showing any immediate concerning signs like blood in the vomit, this is still a situation that requires veterinary attention. Ingesting glass can cause internal cuts or irritation in her mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, even if she seems fine right now. The biggest concern is that small shards could cause internal damage as they move through her digestive system.

Pepto-Bismol is not recommended in this case, as it won’t protect against any potential internal injury and could mask signs that a veterinarian needs to assess. Instead, it’s best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may recommend an exam, X-rays, or feeding a bulk-forming diet (such as plain canned pumpkin or soft bread) to help cushion any remaining fragments. Keep a close eye on Hazel for signs of discomfort, vomiting, lack of appetite, or difficulty defecating, and avoid giving any over-the-counter medications unless advised by a vet. Since this could be an urgent situation, an online teletriage veterinary service like our own service, PangoVet.com may be helpful to assess her risk level if you can’t get to a clinic immediately.

All the best,

Dr. Paola

This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Greenland Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Greenland Dog is a large breed, a husky-type dog from Greenland. Often confused with a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute due...

Dog Anal Glands: Our Vet Explains Common Issues & How They’re Treated

It’s likely that you’ve heard the words “anal glands” at some point during your time as a dog parent. Some of you will...

6 Best Dog Thermometers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are several reasons for pet owners to have a thermometer designated just for their pets. For many, knowing their pet’s baseline temperature...

Miniature Schnaupin Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

You’re not alone if you’re less than familiar with the Miniature Schnaupin. This is a small, intelligent dog breed that is a beautiful...

More related

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Rabies? Our Vet Explains the Facts

Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans and dogs. The virus is found throughout the world...

Fox Red Labrador Retriever Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

When you think of Labrador Retrievers, you might think of the adorable yellow Labrador puppy featured on Andrex toilet paper commercials in the...

10 Foods With Potassium for Dogs: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

If your dog has hypokalemia or a low concentration of potassium in their bloodstream, your veterinarian may have recommended that you supplement your...

Orange Pomeranian: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Pomeranians mostly come in orange. It’s considered the classic coloration and is mostly utilized by breeders who produce dogs for the show ring....

Keep reading

How Much Does Dog Food Cost in 2025? Average Prices & Buying Tips

Pet food has experienced an inflation rate of about 1.97% per year since 1997. Back then, you could buy the same amount of dog food for $20 that you would need to spend more than $30 on today. Therefore, we...

pouring dog food

Can Dogs Eat Waffles? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

It’s nice to spend time with your pet in the morning and share a good breakfast with them, which has many people wondering if it is safe to feed waffles to dogs. It might be fine for your dog to...

Can Dogs Eat_waffles

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

If your dog is begging at the dinner table, it is very tempting just to give them a few bites. While there are some human foods dogs can enjoy, lasagna is not one of them. Some of the ingredients inside...

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna

Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

As a dog owner, you may have given a piece of cheese to your dog as a treat, or they may have snagged a piece while you were making lunch. If you’re wondering if this is okay or are considering...

Can Dogs Eat Cheese

Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa? Vet-Verified Facts to Know

Alfalfa is an important grazing plant that feeds livestock worldwide. Many people wonder, can dogs can eat alfalfa? The short answer is yes, alfalfa is a healthy food for dogs. However, there are a few factors to consider before making...

Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa

What Are Tocopherols in Dog Food? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts

Commercial dog food is what most owners feed their dogs because it’s convenient, and affordable compared to homemade food, and typically offers all the nutrients that a dog needs to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Many different...

dog eating dog food

11 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

As a dog owner, pet nutrition is something you’re likely taking pretty seriously. As pet nutrition continues to develop and improve, the focus has turned to what nourishment will eliminate health issues and create a long and full life for...

Goldendoodle sitting near the pier

Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Stores that sell bulk items are a huge convenience, and Costco is one of the favorites. If you have a puppy, Costco’s brand of puppy food, Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula, is an excellent choice. You’ll be pleased to hear that...

Dogster_Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Review