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!

Why Is My Dog Chewing the Walls?

“Donny is a beagle, and I have read that beagles get bored easily. He’s 2 years old and has always been well behaved, but recently he’s taken to chewing our walls — the corners, and the other day, the middle of the wall. He got a hole in it and then chewed more. We were only out for 2 hours! He has been left alone for 5-6 hours at a time since he was about 6 months old, so this is new behavior. What should we do? – Fred

Hi Fred,

What you are describing with Donny is quite common in young, intelligent hounds like beagles. Chewing on walls, particularly when it appears suddenly, often signals a mix of boredom, frustration, and possibly separation-related stress. Even though Donny has been comfortable being left alone for longer periods in the past, at two years old, he is in his prime energy stage, and his need for mental and physical stimulation is higher than before. Think of him as an athlete who suddenly has more stamina; if he does not get enough outlets, that energy can redirect into destructive chewing.

The best approach is to enrich his environment and give him jobs that tap into his natural instincts. Beagles are scent hounds, so puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and scent games are incredibly satisfying for them. Food-dispensing toys allow him to engage in natural foraging behaviors while minimizing hazards. Giving him a long sniff-based walk or structured play session before you leave will also make it easier for him to relax. Since this is a new behavior, I recommend ruling out any underlying medical causes, as gastrointestinal discomfort or dental pain can sometimes lead to abnormal chewing. If all checks out fine, focusing on structured exercise, mental challenges, and providing appropriate outlets for chewing should help reduce the damage to your walls. And, if you need a plan for Donny, you can reach out to our vet team at PangoVet; we are happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog Barks Like Crazy During Dinner!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

Is there a way to get my dog Luna to stop barking like crazy when it’s dinner time? Thanks “ – Pippa

Hi Pippa,

Many dogs get very excited around mealtimes, and barking can quickly become part of the routine if it has been unintentionally reinforced. Luna has likely learned that barking is followed by the very rewarding event of being fed, so in her mind, the noise works. The good news is that with consistency and patience, you can teach her that calm behavior, not barking, is what makes dinner arrive.

The first step is to change the association by only presenting her meal once she is quiet, even if that means waiting just a few seconds at first. Gradually extend the period of silence you expect before setting the bowl down. You can also redirect her energy by asking for an easy cue she knows, like “sit” or “down,” and rewarding the behavior with her dinner. Over time, this shifts her focus from barking to offering calm, predictable responses. Just like children learn to raise their hands instead of shouting for attention, dogs can learn that stillness and quiet are the behaviors that pay off. If you need support through this process, you can find us at PangoVet. We are happy to help.

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Pee’s in the Middle of the Night!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

I have an issue with Jersey, my 5.5-year-old Goldie. He has always slept well in the
garage in his bed. However, in the past few weeks, he started scratching at the door in the middle of the night. I get up to take him out to pee, and sometimes he’ll go back to sleep. I walk him twice a day, he gets plenty of attention, I feed him well, and he eats. He also
started humping his lounge bed, which is odd. Any idea what is happening and what I can do?” – Davey

Hi Davey,

When a dog who has always slept soundly suddenly begins waking at night and scratching at doors, it is important to first consider possible medical causes. At 5 and a half, Jersey is still young, but changes such as urinary tract infections, digestive upset, or early discomfort in the joints can all lead to restlessness and the need to go outside more frequently. The humping you describe may also point to discomfort, stress, or, in some cases, a medical issue involving the urinary or reproductive system. A thorough veterinary examination, including a urinalysis and physical check, would be the best first step to rule out anything underlying.

If Jersey receives a clean bill of health, then the behavior may be more related to learned patterns or emotional needs. Once a dog experiences that scratching brings you to the door and results in going outside or gaining attention, it can become a habit. In those cases, reinforcing calm behavior, ensuring a consistent bedtime routine, and perhaps providing a quiet activity such as a safe food puzzle before bed can help him settle. Since the changes appeared relatively suddenly, though, I would strongly encourage starting with a veterinary check to make sure nothing physical is driving the new signs. Once you rule out any medical concerns, if you need support with his behavior, you can contact our vets at PangoVet. We would be happy to help you create a specific behavioral modification plan for Jersey.

Bset!

– Dr. Paola