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 is Chewing On Everything!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

My pup Zoey is a Shih Tzu Bichon mix. She’s chewing stuff up, and I dont know
what is going on with her. I’m concerned about her.
” – Trevor

Hey Trevor,

It sounds like Zoey is going through a frustrating phase, and I understand why you’re concerned. Chewing can be a normal behavior for dogs, but when it becomes excessive or destructive, it often signals an underlying need. It could be it’s teething, boredom, anxiety, or even a lack of appropriate outlets for her natural instincts. Since she’s a Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, she likely has a combination of traits from both breeds, including a strong playful tendency, which might make managing her behavior a bit more challenging.

First, consider her age; if she’s still a puppy, teething discomfort could be driving her to chew on anything she can find. If she’s older, she may be experiencing boredom or stress. Providing appropriate chew toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise can help redirect her energy in a positive way. If she’s left alone for long periods, she might be chewing as a way to cope with anxiety. In that case, interactive toys or even scent games can keep her engaged. If her chewing seems compulsive or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors, a vet check might be needed to rule out underlying medical issues. Letting her explore the world in a structured way, through training, mental enrichment, and play. These tools and methods can help satisfy her instincts and reduce destructive habits. If you’d like to speak to one of our vets for more tailored advice, you can always schedule a call at PangoVet, where one of our experienced veterinarians can help you in more detail.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paola

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Help! My Bloodhound Gets Reoccurring Ear Infections !

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Beretta is a Bloodhound who gets reoccurring ear infections when we take her to the vet. It’s usually yeast sometimes though it’s an infection as well no matter what we do that just keeps coming back. Any suggestions? Thank you. “ – Lacey

Hi Lacey,

I completely understand how frustrating and concerning chronic ear infections can be, especially in a breed like a Bloodhound. Their long, floppy ears create a warm, moist environment that yeast and bacteria thrive in, making them naturally prone to these recurring issues. Since Beretta keeps experiencing these infections despite treatment, it’s important to look at the bigger picture and make sure you include both the underlying causes and long-term management strategies.

Recurrent ear infections are often linked to allergies, whether environmental (like pollen or dust mites) or food-related. If you haven’t already, you might want to explore a hypoallergenic diet trial to see if food sensitivities are contributing to the problem. Regular ear cleaning is also key, but it’s important to use a veterinary-recommended drying solution rather than overcleaning, which can disrupt the natural balance of the ear canal. Since yeast thrives in damp conditions, drying her ears thoroughly after baths, swimming, or even humid weather can make a big difference. If infections continue despite these measures, a deeper diagnostic approach that includes ear cytology, culture, or allergy testing may help pinpoint an underlying issue that needs more targeted treatment. Given how persistent these infections have been, it may also be worth discussing long-term management options with your vet, such as immunotherapy for allergies or a specific maintenance plan to prevent flare-ups.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Vomits After Every Meal!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My dog Codie is a King Charles Cavalier and Maltese mix. I have had him on Purina food since he was a pup, and started with Purina ONE Smart Blend. I recently bought the Purina True Instinct dog food with real turkey and venison to give him a variety of tastes, but this one makes him vomit every time he eats it. Why could that be? He will be 3 years old in May. Please explain why one formula was fine and this one is not. Thanks!” – Donna

Hi Donna, it sounds like Codie may have a sensitivity or intolerance to one of the ingredients in the new food. Even though both Purina ONE SmartBlend and True Instinct products are from the same brand, their formulations differ in protein sources, fat content, additives, and digestibility. Dogs, just like people, can tolerate some foods well while others upset their stomach. Since Codie vomits every time he eats the new blend, it suggests that something in the formulation isn’t agreeing with him.

There are a few possible reasons for this reaction. One is that he could have an intolerance to venison, which he hasn’t been exposed to before, or there might be a higher fat content that is too rich for his digestive system. Another possibility is an ingredient like peas, lentils, or certain preservatives that differ from what his system is used to processing. Sudden dietary changes can also trigger gastrointestinal upset, but since he reacts every time he eats it, it’s more likely an issue with the food itself rather than just the transition.

To keep Codie comfortable, I’d recommend stopping this food immediately and returning to what he was eating before. If you still want to offer variety, introduce new proteins gradually, one at a time, to see how he tolerates them. If vomiting persists even after switching back, it would be best to have him checked by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying conditions. Keeping track of which proteins or ingredients cause an issue can help guide you toward the best diet for him.

All the best,

Dr. Paola