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 Puppy Drools A lot!

“Our puppy Gillie is drooling a lot. He’s a Labrador retriever and is 5 months old. He seems otherwise fine. When should we worry, and when is it normal?“– Lily

Hi Lily,

Mild drooling can be normal for puppies, particularly when they are teething, chewing, or anticipating food. At Gillie’s age, new teeth are still erupting, and this often stimulates extra saliva. Excitement or chewing on toys can also make a young Labrador drool a bit more. Although Labradors are not typically heavy droolers compared with breeds with loose lips, some occasional wetness around the mouth can be expected.

You should be more concerned if the drooling is excessive, continuous, or paired with other changes such as pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, or visible irritation inside the mouth. These can signal oral discomfort, such as gum injury, a retained tooth, or a foreign object, and less commonly, they may indicate gastrointestinal or neurological disease. If you notice any of these additional signs, a veterinary examination is important to keep Gillie comfortable and safe.

At home, you can safely check his mouth in a calm moment by gently lifting his lips while offering gentle praise. You want to look for anything unusual, such as swelling, redness, or objects stuck between the teeth. It helps to compare one side to the other. If Gillie resists or you cannot get a clear view, it is best to stop and allow your veterinarian to examine him, as forcing the check can cause stress or harm.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog is Very Picky!

“We have a wonderful 20-month-old Goldendoodle, Cooper, who is very sweet. Do Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs? He’s gotten kind of picky with his dog food. Is grain-free dog food good for him? What are some good choices of dog food? Thanks“ – Judy

Hi Judy,

Goldendoodles are not more likely than other breeds to have what we call a sensitive stomach. Dogs are facultative carnivores, and as scavengers, their digestive system evolved to be strong and adaptable, capable of handling a variety of foods with high bacterial loads. When a dog seems to react strongly to dietary changes, it usually means that the balance of their gut microbiome has been disrupted. Feeding the same highly processed food day after day can limit microbial diversity, and over time, this can make digestion less resilient.

Dogs thrive when their diets are built on high-quality animal proteins, because these provide essential amino acids that plant sources alone cannot supply. True grain intolerances are very rare, and wholesome slow-digesting carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, or certain vegetables are actually very beneficial. They release energy gradually and provide fiber that supports gut health. I like to think of diet rotation as crop rotation on a farm, since offering a safe variety of balanced meals enriches the microbiome and strengthens overall immunity.

In my opinion, a fresh, balanced diet based on animal protein and complemented by slow carbohydrates is ideal. Rotating between complete recipes over time not only helps prevent pickiness but also keeps his digestive system strong, so he can enjoy food the way nature intended, and you can feel confident he is well nourished. Congratulations on being so proactive with Cooper’s care. The choices you make now will reflect on his long-term health and well-being.

Best wishes,

– Dr. Paola

How Often Do We Need to Trim Our Dog’s Nails?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

How often should I cut my dog’s nails? Is it OK to let them grow a bit? My Izzy is a medium-sized dog (she’s a border collie-mix, adopted/rescued, so we aren’t sure), plays outside lots, but I’m not sure how often to trim them. She’s not bothered when we do it.”  – Victoria

Hi Victoria,

Nail care is an important part of keeping Izzy comfortable and mobile. A good guide is that her nails should not touch the ground when she is standing still. If they grow too long, they change how the paw lands, and over time, this can strain her joints, much like wearing shoes that are too long and forcing you to change the way you walk. Even though outdoor play can help wear them down, it is still best to check her nails regularly, about every couple of weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, see nails beginning to curve, or notice the dewclaws (the nails higher on the leg) getting long, it is time for a trim.

Another reason to stay on top of trimming is the quick, which is the blood supply inside the nail. When nails grow too long, the quick also extends, making it harder to bring them back to a healthy length without discomfort. Regular trims keep the quick shorter, so the process stays easy and painless. Since Izzy is already relaxed with nail care, keeping this routine will support her posture and joint health well into the future. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola