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 Watches TV!

“My dog Ellie genuinely enjoys watching TV. Is there anything wrong with this?” – Felicity

Hi Felicity,

It’s great that you are paying such close attention to Ellie’s behavior and happiness. It is perfectly normal for some dogs to enjoy watching TV, and in most cases, there is nothing wrong with it. Dogs perceive motion differently than we do, as their eyes process motion faster, so modern TVs, which refresh images quickly, appear more lifelike to them than old-fashioned ones did. This can make a moving ball on the screen or animals running across a scene truly catch their attention, almost like how a squirrel outside might.

Allowing Ellie to watch TV is similar to giving her a mentally stimulating toy. It exercises her brain, keeps her entertained, and can even provide comfort if she enjoys certain sounds or scenes. Think of it like offering a dog puzzle toy; it is an enrichment activity that keeps her mind engaged. However, balance is important. The key is making sure it remains just one part of her day, like a treat rather than her main meal. She still needs physical exercise, so please do not skip her walks, training, playtime, and quiet bonding moments with you. These are important for her physical and emotional well-being. Watching TV should be like reading a chapter of a book before bed, not the entire story of her day. As long as Ellie stays happy, playful, and healthy, her love for TV is simply another recreational activity. If you ever notice that her interest in TV starts to interfere with her regular activities or if she becomes overly fixated, it could be a good idea to gently redirect her to other forms of stimulation.
Wishing you both a lot of fun times together!

Dr. Paola

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Thyroid Pills & Feet Issues!

“Can you share some insights about hypothyroid dogs that start thyroid pills, and their feet become seriously affected?“ – Randy Webster, DVM

Hi dear colleague,

When a hypothyroid dog starts thyroid medication and experiences serious issues with their feet, it’s essential to investigate the cause. While the standard treatment medication (levothyroxine) is generally well-tolerated, some dogs may have pre-existing skin conditions that become more noticeable as their metabolism adjusts. Hypothyroidism itself often causes poor skin and coat health, and when treatment begins, the body starts metabolizing nutrients differently, which can temporarily worsen these issues before improvement is seen.

If the feet are becoming excessively dry, cracked, swollen, or developing sores, this could be due to an underlying secondary infection, an allergic reaction, or even excessive thyroid hormone levels if the medication dosage is too high. Autoimmune skin conditions like pemphigus, which can cause severe paw pad issues, may also be unmasked when metabolism shifts. A follow-up check-up including cytology for secondary infections, thyroid level re-evaluation (total T4, free T4 by equilibrium dialysis, and possibly TSH), and, if indicated, biopsy for autoimmune pathology. This is crucial to assess whether the medication needs to be adjusted if additional treatment for infections or allergies is required, or if a different underlying condition is at play. Until then, keeping the paws clean and moisturized with a dog-safe balm can help provide relief.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Barks at his Reflection!

“My dog Fluffels barks at his reflection every time he sees it in the mirror or window, and he’s 4 years old. How do we help him understand that it’s him? He’s a Maltipoo.
 “ – Ria

Hi Ria,

Thank you for reaching out with such a thoughtful question about Fluffels. It sounds like he is a spirited little Maltipoo, and I can imagine how confusing it must be for him to see what he thinks is another dog in the mirror or window. In dogs, self-recognition in mirrors is not as natural as it is for humans or even some other species like dolphins or elephants. Most dogs interpret their reflection as another animal rather than recognizing it as themselves, and this is completely normal, even in adult dogs like Fluffels. Think of it like seeing a shadow moving alongside you; without the understanding of what causes it, it can be puzzling or even concerning.

To help Fluffels become more comfortable, the best approach is gentle desensitization paired with positive reinforcement. Each time he notices his reflection and remains calm, you can softly praise him and offer a treat. If he starts barking, calmly redirect his attention to a toy or cue him

– Dr. Paola