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!

Do Small Dogs Really Need Small Toys?

“Hi Dr. Paola,

Are small dog toys necessary for small dogs?– Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Yes, they are! Appropriately sized toys are very important for small dogs. Just as you would not hand a toddler a large tool meant for an adult, small dogs need toys that match their size and mouth structure. Toys that are too large can be frustrating and discourage play, while toys that are too small for a breed’s size and bite strength can pose a choking hazard. The right size encourages safe chewing, interactive play, and mental stimulation, all of which are essential for a dog’s well-being.

For small dogs in particular, toys also help support dental health by reducing plaque buildup and giving them an outlet for natural chewing instincts. Rotating different textures and shapes keeps play engaging, much like offering a child a variety of puzzles to keep their mind active. Choosing durable, non-toxic toys specifically designed for smaller mouths ensures both safety and enrichment, helping your little dog stay both entertained and healthy.
Sincerely,

– Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog Is Limping!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

Bella was running at day care and stopped quickly, and started limping. They say she has a deformity in her kneecap. She is not herself. What can I do to help her feel better? Will this condition improve or continue to get worse?” – Carol

Hi Carol,

What you describe in Bella sounds very much like patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position. This is one of the most common orthopedic issues in small and toy breed dogs, although it can occur in larger dogs as well. Depending on the grade of the luxation, some dogs show only occasional skipping or mild lameness, while others develop persistent pain, limping, or even secondary arthritis over time. Since Bella is not herself and is showing clear signs of discomfort, a veterinary exam is important to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity.

Treatment depends on how unstable the kneecap is and how much it impacts her quality of life. Mild cases can sometimes be managed with weight control, joint-supportive supplements, physical therapy, and activity adjustments. More severe cases often require surgery to realign the kneecap and stabilize the joint, which can provide lasting relief and prevent further damage. The condition does not typically resolve on its own, and in many dogs it progresses if left untreated, so early evaluation is the best way to keep Bella comfortable and protect her long-term mobility. While you arrange her appointment, limiting vigorous activity and providing a soft, supportive resting area will help reduce strain on her knee. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Help! I Am Trying to Avoid Medication!

“I have been using Hills Prescription Derm Dog food for my 8-month-old puppy, Gabi, as she must have allergies and is always itching or biting. I don’t want to use a prescription medicine and have been trying all sorts of treats that are supposed to be probiotic for allergies and skin sensitivities. A friend told me she uses Open Farm, Salmon and Oatmeal. I would like to try it. Does Open Farm have all the nutrients and vitamins that dogs/puppies are supposed to get from regular dog food. I don’t want to make my own dog food as you need to add supplements but am willing to try Open Farm Dog Food.

Please let me know what you think. I never had this problem with any dogs I have had in the past, just this new puppy this year. Thank you for your help.” – Barbara

Hi Barbara.

Skin itchiness and chewing can indeed be related to food allergies, but they can also be caused by environmental allergens, parasites, or skin infections, so it is always important to have your veterinarian confirm the cause before making dietary changes. Prescription diets like Hill’s Derm are carefully formulated for elimination or hydrolyzed protein trials, which are the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies in dogs. Introducing multiple treats or switching foods without a structured trial often makes it difficult to know what is truly helping.

Regarding your question about Open Farm Salmon and Oatmeal, this brand is marketed as a complete and balanced diet, and, when labeled as such by AAFCO, it should contain the nutrients and vitamins required for maintenance or growth. However, if you are feeding a puppy, you must ensure the formula specifically states that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth, including large breed growth if that applies to your dog’s breed. While Open Farm can provide complete nutrition, it is not designed as a diagnostic tool for allergies, the way prescription diets are. If your puppy truly has a food allergy, switching to an over-the-counter food without ruling things out first may prolong her discomfort.

The best next step is to work with your veterinarian on a structured elimination diet trial, which typically lasts 8 weeks and uses a single novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diet with no other foods or treats. This is the most reliable way to identify if food is the cause of her itching. Once that is established, your vet can guide you on safe, long-term diet options that may include high-quality commercial foods like Open Farm.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola