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 Loves Raw Carrots!

“Should dogs eat carrots? My dog Donald LOVES to eat raw carrots, like bones. He eats regular dog food and meat, etc, but his favorite treat is carrots. I just wonder if it is OK?“– Eli

Hi Eli.

Carrots can be a wonderful and safe treat for most dogs when offered in moderation. They are low in calories, provide fiber that supports healthy digestion, and are rich in beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to help maintain healthy vision and skin. Many dogs love the crunchy texture, and chewing on raw carrots can offer some gentle cleaning of the teeth, though this is never a substitute for proper dental care.

The main considerations are portion size and your dog’s overall health. Too many carrots may lead to digestive upset, such as soft stools or gas, and dogs with conditions like diabetes or chronic gastrointestinal disease may need stricter limits. Always adjust the size of the carrot pieces to your dog, offering large sections to big dogs and smaller slices to little ones to reduce choking risks. As long as Donald continues eating his complete diet, carrots make a safe, wholesome snack that you can feel good about sharing with him.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Puppy Needs Eye Protection from the Sun!

“We have a 6-week-old dachshund puppy, Onyx, who has a blown pupil that needs to be protected when going out in the sun. Our vet recommends starting with doggles with a block from the sun. Unfortunately, we can’t find anything small enough to start that training. Any suggestions? We are desperate so he can go outside as soon as he has his shots.“ – Victoria

Hi Victoria,

Protecting Onyx’s sensitive eye at such a young age is very important, and your veterinarian is right that shielding him from direct sunlight will help prevent discomfort and further damage. Commercial goggles designed for dogs, such as RexSpecs, are often recommended by veterinary ophthalmologists because they block harmful UV light. However, for a six-week-old dachshund puppy, even the smallest sizes may not fit securely yet, which makes training and gradual acclimation the most realistic first step. Think of it like teaching a child to wear glasses; the process works best when started gently and paired with positive experiences.

In the meantime, limiting outdoor exposure to shaded areas and keeping walks short during bright daylight can reduce the strain on his eyes until he is large enough to wear a proper pair. You can begin introducing the idea of headgear indoors using positive reinforcement, first with soft fabric straps or a loosely fitted band, so he learns to associate the sensation with rewards. Once he grows a little, transitioning to protective goggles will be smoother and safer. If you continue to struggle finding an appropriate fit, your veterinarian may also suggest a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can guide you on custom options or additional protective strategies. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

All of My Dogs Lick & Chew Their Paws Raw! I Need Help!

“I have 8 dogs: 1 60lb Labrador and 7 little dogs of various breeds. 😊They all lick and chew their paws ridiculously. I have tried numerous things, including spraying our yard! Right now, it is slowing down, and they do not chew them raw.

I started them on a small amount of Salmon oil, and it seems to be helping. Also, I took them off all chicken products; I think they’re better on beef. I understand this is a shot in the dark, but I feel bad. Four of the dogs are 9 and over, and four are 6 and under. Thank you for your thoughts in advance!!! ”  – Judi

Dear Judi,

You are doing a wonderful job of paying close attention to your dogs and making thoughtful changes based on how they respond. Paw chewing is a very common concern, and it often has more than one contributing factor. Environmental allergies, food intolerances, parasites, or even secondary yeast and bacterial infections can all cause irritation that leads to this type of behavior. What you describe, where things improve with salmon oil and dietary changes, does fit with what we know about the role of nutrition in supporting skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce inflammation, and some dogs indeed do better when common proteins such as chicken are eliminated.

Since you have multiple dogs showing the same signs, environmental triggers are also worth considering. Grasses, pollens, and even cleaning products used on floors can contribute to itchy paws. Wiping their feet after time outdoors can help minimize contact irritants. Because chronic paw chewing can lead to secondary infections, it is always best to have each dog evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out underlying causes. From there, an individualized plan that may include allergy testing, prescription diets, or targeted medications can be developed. In the meantime, continuing with the salmon oil and monitoring their response to dietary adjustments is a sensible step.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola