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! How Do You Know When “It’s Time”?
“Dear Dr. Paola,
How do you know when it’s time to put your pet down? Boots is a Bischon and 16. He has arthritis in his back legs on gabapentin daily. He can’t hold his poop and pee and will just go in the house. He whines a lot, but I’m not sure if he feels pain or just wants me by him. He does not jump up or down from the furniture anymore. I don’t want to be the bad person that just puts him down.” – Pam
Hi Pam, I can feel how much you love Boots just by reading your question and I understand how difficult this decision is for you. Deciding when it’s time to say goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest choices we face as pet parents, and it’s clear you want to make the most compassionate decision for him.
I suggest you begin by assessing Boots’ quality of life. Veterinarians often use frameworks like the “Quality of Life Scale,” which evaluates factors like mobility, appetite, hydration, pain control, hygiene, and overall happiness. From what you describe (whining, incontinence, and loss of mobility), these may indicate he is struggling. Whining can be a sign of pain, discomfort, or confusion, especially in older dogs developing senile dementia. While gabapentin can help with arthritis pain, it may not fully address his discomfort if other conditions, such as cognitive dysfunction or organ decline, are also affecting him.
A good starting point would be to ask yourself:
- Does he still enjoy the things that once made him happy?
- Are his good days outnumbered by bad ones?
- Does he seem to be suffering more than thriving?
And please remember it’s not about being a “bad person;” choosing euthanasia is an act of love and compassion when it prevents prolonged suffering. A conversation with your veterinarian can provide clarity. They can assess Boots’ physical and emotional state and help you weigh whether his pain and decline outweigh his moments of joy. You may also find it helpful to schedule an online call with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet to help you navigate your feelings, understand the options and consequences, and better understand Boots’ needs.
Ultimately, Boots trusts you to act in his best interest, and whatever you decide, it will come from a place of love and care. I have a feeling that you’ve given him a wonderful life, and your thoughtfulness now reflects the depth of your bond. Remember that love and attachments are different, true love prioritizes the other one’s well-being while attachment focuses on our own feelings.
Best wishes,
Dr. Paola
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Help! My Dog Keeps Licking Her Lips!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My dog Pip is licking her lips for several minutes at a time. It even wakes her up. She does it if we are out walking, she’s lying in her bed, etc. It happens approximately every hour. Has she got something wrong with her? What should I do?” – Shelley
Hi Shelley, thank you for reaching out about Pip. Lip licking in dogs, especially when it happens frequently and disrupts her sleep, can indicate that something is bothering her. This behavior is often a sign of nausea, discomfort, or even anxiety. In some cases, it can also point to dental issues, oral irritation, or an underlying gastrointestinal problem, such as acid reflux.
Since the behavior occurs both during rest and while you’re out walking, it’s less likely to be situational (like stress or fear) and more likely something physical or medical. Nausea, for instance, can cause dogs to lick their lips repeatedly as a way to manage excess saliva or an unsettled stomach. Similarly, oral pain, like a sore tooth, gum irritation, or even something stuck in her mouth, could lead to this behavior.
To help Pip, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can perform a thorough oral examination, check for signs of discomfort, and possibly run tests to rule out gastrointestinal issues. If you can, try to record a short video of her lip licking to show the vet; this can be very helpful in diagnosing the cause.
In the meantime, keep an eye on any other signs, such as changes in her appetite, vomiting, or excessive drooling, and try to keep her comfortable. If you’re unsure whether to wait or act urgently, consulting with our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage online veterinary service can guide the best next steps. I’m confident that with the right care, Pip will feel better soon!
Help! My Dog Keeps Burping!
“Hello Dr. Paola!
My dog Lucy has become extremely burpy in the last year. She never really burped and then it seems like lately she is constantly burping throughout the day but really only when other people are around (Lucy does love attention lol). She’s on medication for epilepsy which is the only thing that’s changed for her. Is this normal?” – Kacey
Hi Kacey, thank you for your question about Lucy. Her increase in burping, particularly with her epilepsy medication in the mix, is worth exploring. While some burping in dogs can be normal—just like us, they sometimes swallow air while eating, drinking, or during excitement, a noticeable increase in frequency or intensity may signal something else.
Epilepsy medications can sometimes impact the gastrointestinal system. Certain medications might cause mild acid reflux or alter the way food moves through the stomach, leading to burping. Lucy’s behavior of burping mainly around people could also indicate she’s learned how to get attention—it’s not uncommon for dogs to repeat behaviors that elicit a fun response from their humans!
However, it’s important to start by ruling out medical causes. Excessive burping can indicate issues like mild acid reflux, gastritis, or even swallowing extra air when excited (aerophagia). Since her medication is the only recent change, it would be a good idea to consult her vet to see if her medication could be affecting her digestion or if another underlying issue might be at play. Your vet may recommend adjustments to her medication, her diet, or might add something to help soothe her stomach.
In the meantime, try feeding her smaller, more frequent meals and ensuring she eats calmly to minimize air swallowing. You might want to try a slow feeder bowl for Lucy.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Paola
- View past week’s questions here: January 20, 2025
- See our full list of past articles here
- Click here to submit a question
Help! How Do You Know When “It’s Time”?
