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 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

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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

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