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 Ate GoGo Squeeze Sauce!

“My dog Emma ate an apple with banana Gogo sauce — the whole thing! What should I do?“– Amy

Dear Amy,

I’m sorry you are feeling worried. Dogs do love to get into things they should not, and sometimes that curiosity can cause us worry.

Just a reminder to you and all readers: this space is not intended for emergencies, so when there is any doubt about what your dog may have eaten or if concerning signs appear, the safest step is always to seek immediate veterinary care.

If Emma ate an apple with banana-flavored GoGo Squeez sauce, the concern depends on the exact ingredients. Plain apples and bananas are generally safe for dogs, and the fruit-only versions of these pouches are not toxic. The problem comes when a product contains added sugar, raisins, grapes, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which are dangerous even in very small amounts. If it were only fruit puree, she might simply have some mild digestive upset, like soft stools or gas.

Another important consideration is whether she swallowed the packaging. Plastic or foil pieces can cause gastrointestinal obstruction, which may become a serious emergency if they block the passage of food. If you suspect Emma ate the package or if you notice vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, or difficulty passing stools, she should be examined by a veterinarian without delay, so please don’t wait. I hope this helps,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! How Do I Know If My Dog is a Purebred?

“Hi Dr. Paola,
How can I find out if my Havanese puppies are purebred Havanese? At what age can I breed my male dogs?“ – Jess

Hi Jess,

Those are both very important questions, and I am glad you are asking them. Determining if your Havanese puppies are purebred cannot be done by appearance alone, since many small breeds can look similar. The most reliable way is through proper registration with a recognized kennel club and DNA testing. A DNA test can confirm parentage and breed heritage with good accuracy. Registration papers from a reputable registry add assurance, but they are only valid if the breeding was recorded correctly. Without these, DNA testing is the best option to know for certain.

As for breeding, it is important to wait until your male dogs are physically and mentally mature. While males can produce sperm as early as six months, responsible breeding should not occur until at least 18 to 24 months of age. This allows time to evaluate their health, temperament, and conformation, which are crucial to ensure the well-being of future litters and the breed as a whole. Veterinary screening for hereditary conditions common in Havanese, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and certain eye diseases, should be completed before considering breeding. Breeding too young or without appropriate health clearances can compromise both the sire and the puppies. Once you ensure that it is covered, please kiss a puppy for me!

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog is Acting Strange!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

I have an XL American Bulldog called Gemma. She has been acting off for the past two days. Well, today I noticed that when she got up from a short nap, she had peed where she was lying. I thought maybe she was having a lot of anxiety because we just moved to a new home. So I brought her for a ride. When we got back, she did not want to get out of the car. Then, when I finally got her out of the car and into the house. She laid down in the dining room, and about 10 minutes later, she got up and she had peed again. She has never had an accident in the house… I’m not sure what to do. I don’t have
the funds to bring her to the vets. But I don’t want her to die on me.”  – Amanda

Dear Amanda,

I can imagine how worrying this must feel for you, especially since Gemma has never had accidents before. When a dog begins urinating while lying down or without realizing it, this can indicate that she is not fully controlling her bladder. There are several possible medical causes, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, spinal or neurological conditions, and hormonal issues. In larger breeds like Bulldogs, certain spinal problems can also play a role.

Anxiety or stress from moving homes may cause house soiling, but the fact that Gemma is urinating while resting or lying down makes a medical cause much more likely.

Because Gemma’s signs appeared suddenly and she seems less willing to move around, this should be taken seriously. I understand financial constraints can be very real, but given her breed, size, and age, it would be safest to have her checked promptly. Many veterinary hospitals offer payment plans or can guide you to local assistance programs. You might also consider organizations that help pay vet bills. In the meantime, ensure she has constant access to fresh water, monitor her ability to walk and urinate on her own, and keep her comfortable on absorbent bedding. Since urinary issues can progress quickly, the sooner she is evaluated in person, the better the chance of keeping her safe and comfortable. I sincerely hope you find a way to get help for Gemma.

– Dr. Paola