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! How Do I Get My Dog to Go Pee in the Rain?!

“My Labrador, Dax, refuses to pee in the rain – until he’s super busting to go and it’s quite nearly an accident. BUT, here’s the twist – he loves jumping into puddles, rolling in the wet grass after the rain, getting dirty, etc. But if the rain is falling, he is reluctant to go outside. What do we do to help him?“– Maria

Hi Maria,

This is a very common situation, especially among intelligent and sensitive breeds like Labradors. What Dax is showing is not confusion or stubbornness but a learned discomfort associated with the sensation of rain falling directly on his body. Many dogs enjoy wet surfaces once the rain has stopped because they can choose when and how to interact with the water, but the unpredictable feeling of raindrops hitting their head and back can feel startling or unpleasant, especially if they were never gently desensitized to it as puppies.

To help Dax, begin with positive association training. Start by going outside with him when it is lightly drizzling and bring high-value treats. Praise and reward him the moment he steps out, even if he only stays briefly. Over time, gradually increase exposure as he becomes more comfortable. You can also try using a raincoat with a hood or a large umbrella to reduce the sensation of falling water on him. Some dogs respond well to being escorted out the door with calm encouragement, especially if you stay close and remain confident.

It may take some consistency, but with patience and gentle reinforcement, Dax will begin to associate rainy outings with positive experiences rather than discomfort. Remember to celebrate even small progress, as this builds trust and confidence that will extend to other training situations too. Enjoy the process and have fun!

– Dr. Paola

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How Do I Get My Dog to Play Fetch?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Tiger brings me his toys, and when I take them to throw them and play fetch, he looks devastated, but I’m not sure what else to do with the toys he keeps bringing to me. Could he be just wanting to show them off? He retrieves them and brings them back to me, and I toss them again, but I get the sad puppy dog eyes when I do it. But I’m just not sure what else to do!“ – Teresa

Hi Teresa,

That’s a lovely observation, and it sounds like Tiger is trying to communicate something more nuanced than a simple game of fetch. Many dogs, especially retrievers or those with strong social bonds, bring their toys as a way of sharing rather than initiating a high-energy game. In Tiger’s case, those “sad eyes” may reflect disappointment because his goal might not be to chase but to engage in a moment of connection. By taking the toy and throwing it, you might be unintentionally missing the social part of his offering, which to him could feel like a rejection of his “gift.”

You can test this by changing the interaction. When Tiger brings you a toy, instead of immediately throwing it, gently praise him, speak softly, and pet him while he still holds the toy. Try engaging in light tug play or simply admire his toy with enthusiasm. Some dogs enjoy sitting beside their person, chewing, or showing off their toy while being praised. If you observe that he relaxes and looks content rather than disappointed, you’ve found what he was really asking for: shared attention and affirmation rather than a fetch session.

In short, Tiger’s behavior reflects a social offering, not necessarily a request for action. By slowing down and recognizing his intent, you’re helping strengthen your bond and honoring the emotional depth dogs express through play.
Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! Can Dogs Watch TV?

“Is screen time ok for dogs? My frenchie Petey seems to enjoy it when I scroll, he puts his little face in front of the phone and stares, mostly likes it when it’s dog videos. I haven’t been giving him much screen time, but thought I’d check if it was as bad for him as it is for us!”  – Eric

Hi Eric,

That’s a great question and one many pet parents are beginning to ask as screens become part of our daily lives. For dogs like Petey, watching videos is mostly a sensory curiosity rather than true entertainment. Dogs perceive visual information differently from humans, and modern high-refresh screens can now display movement at a rate that dogs can actually detect. This explains why he seems interested in dog videos or moving animals, as these mimic natural motion cues that attract his attention.

Occasional screen exposure is not inherently harmful, provided it doesn’t replace physical activity, interactive play, or social time. Think of it as a mild novelty, similar to how a dog might enjoy briefly watching out a window. However, prolonged or frequent screen time can lead to overstimulation or frustration, especially if he sees animals but cannot interact with them. Always ensure Petey has plenty of real-world engagement; walks, sniffing opportunities, and interactive play are irreplaceable for his emotional and physical well-being.

In moderation, a few minutes of screen curiosity is perfectly fine. Just treat it as a brief, shared curiosity rather than a form of enrichment, since true enrichment for dogs comes from engaging their senses, movement, and social connection. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola