Introduction to Ask Dr. Paola Series
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.
How Can I Help My Dog After Being Exposed to Loud Noises?
Noise sensitivities often behave much like a well-worn path in the brain; each frightening event deepens that trail, so our goal is to gently guide your dog toward a calmer emotional route. A structured desensitization and counterconditioning plan uses recorded thunder or fireworks at a volume so soft it barely registers. For example, you might play the sound while your dog enjoys an activity he associates with comfort, such as calmly chewing a long-lasting treat or practicing a favorite cue. Over several sessions, the volume is raised only when he remains relaxed. This approach has strong support in veterinary behavior literature because it helps dogs associate once-alarming noises with something pleasant rather than something threatening. During real storms or predictable holidays, canine ear protection can be added to soften the intensity of the sound and give him an extra layer of security.
Environmental management is also important to create a sense of safety. A familiar room, gentle music, pheromone analogs, pressure garments, AKA anxiety vests, and your quiet presence can help him process the experience with less fear, much like a child settles faster when held by someone they trust. When noise events are expected to be severe, such as around festivities, your veterinarian can evaluate whether short-acting anxiolytic medication is appropriate, which research shows can significantly improve the success of behavior therapy.
Help! My Dog Eats Poop!
Coprophagia is actually quite common in terriers, especially those with high curiosity and strong natural foraging instincts. For many dogs, the behavior begins as simple exploration, then becomes a habit because the act itself feels rewarding. Some individuals are also drawn to stool when their diet leaves more undigested material in the feces, although true medical causes are much less common. If your dog’s weight, appetite, and stool quality are normal, the behavior is usually rooted in instinct rather than illness.
Managing the environment is the most effective first step because it removes the chance for the habit to continue. Prompt cleanup in the yard and close supervision during walks keep him from rehearsing the behavior. Giving him opportunities to use his terrier brain through scent games or puzzle feeders can redirect that same interest toward something more appropriate. When he notices feces, calmly guiding him away and rewarding the choice teaches him a new pattern of behavior.
Help! My Dog is Losing Hair!
Coat recovery after significant itching rarely happens evenly, and the pattern you are describing is actually quite common in dogs with strong color contrast. White hairs contain very little pigment, so those follicles often resume growth more quickly once the skin becomes calm again. The black hairs require more pigment production and a longer return to their active growth stage, so they tend to lag behind. This can create the impression that something is wrong even when the skin is healing normally.
If your dog’s itch is controlled and the skin looks healthy, from now on, patience truly becomes an important part of the treatment. Supporting the skin barrier with balanced nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids, and gentle grooming can help the follicles regain their normal rhythm. If the darker areas fail to recover over the next few months or new thinning appears, your veterinarian can check for other potential causes, such as thyroid imbalance or persistent inflammation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Paola provides expert advice on how to help your dog deal with loud noises, eat less poop, and recover from hair loss. By following her tips and guidance, you can help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life. Whether it’s desensitization and counterconditioning, environmental management, or patience and nutrition, Dr. Paola’s advice can help you tackle common dog health issues and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Paola or consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.