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 Dog Has a Gum Disease!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My Bella is a Pomeranian and has a lot of health issues. We’ve now come to find out she has a gum disease and every vet I take her to regarding getting her teeth cleaned wants $700 to $1000. I am on a fixed social security income and can’t afford that. It hurts my heart to know that she’s in pain, do you have any suggestions?” – Jeannette
Jeannette, I’m so sorry to hear about Bella’s struggles and the financial restrictions you’re facing. I can feel how deeply you care for Bella, and it’s clear you want to do everything possible to keep her comfortable and healthy. Periodontal disease, especially in small breeds like Pomeranians, can indeed be painful and challenging to manage without professional dental care. The costs of such procedures can be daunting, but some alternatives and approaches might help ease Bella’s situation while working within your financial constraints.
Low-cost veterinary clinics or nonprofit organizations are often a lifeline in these circumstances. Many communities have services dedicated to helping pet parents access affordable care. Reaching out to local shelters, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary schools can connect you with programs that provide dental cleanings at reduced rates. It’s worth asking your current veterinarian if they know of any community resources or if they have available payment plans.
In the meantime, you can take small but meaningful steps at home to help Bella feel more comfortable. Daily brushing with dog-specific, enzymatic toothpaste can reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria. If she’s not used to it, start slowly, treating it like a gentle ritual rather than a chore, break the goal into many small steps, and try your best to keep it positive. You might also consider antiseptic oral rinses designed for dogs, which can help control infection while you plan for professional care. Veterinary-approved dental chews can also support her oral health, though these should be used cautiously if her gums are very tender.
Your devotion to Bella shines through, and that love is her greatest asset. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about her immediate pain levels, a veterinary tele-triage consultation with a veterinarian could provide guidance and help prioritize her needs. Remember, even small efforts can make a significant difference in her comfort and health while you work toward a long-term solution.
Best wishes,
Dr. Paola
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Help! We’re Inviting a New Pup into Our Family!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
We have met a pup we would like to invite you to our family, It is a Jug crossed with a Dachshund. Are there any particular considerations to take into account or things we should or should not do or reasons not to buy pup” – Julie
Hi Julie, congratulations on considering welcoming a new pup into your family! It sounds like you’ve met a delightful mix of a Jug (Jack Russell Terrier and Pug cross) and Dachshund, which can make for a unique and energetic companion. Blending the traits of these breeds means your pup is likely to be lively, intelligent, and charming but may also inherit certain characteristics and potential challenges that you’ll want to prepare for.
From a behavioral perspective, Jack Russells and Dachshunds are known for their strong prey drives and independent streaks, which can manifest as stubbornness or a tendency to chase small animals. The Pug influence may balance this with a more relaxed temperament. Like with every pup, it’s crucial to be proactive with consistent training based on positive reinforcement from the start. Early socialization is key to preventing future behavioral problems.
Health-wise, it’s a lotto-drawn; mixed breeds can benefit from genetic diversity, but they can also inherit breed-specific issues. Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their elongated spines, especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so avoiding activities like jumping off furniture and maintaining a healthy weight will be essential. Consider installing ramps around your home. Pugs, on the other hand, can inherit respiratory challenges from their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, while Jack Russells are active dogs that may be prone to joint issues or injuries from their adventurous spirit. Regular vet check-ups will help you monitor for these risks.
You didn’t mention the pup’s age but between 24 to 48 months of age, health screenings for IVDD can be performed via X-rays. It is always a good idea to get a veterinarian involved to guide you about important considerations and next steps. Before welcoming a pup into our home, it is important to reflect on whether this mix’s energy levels and potential quirks align with your family’s lifestyle. If everything feels like a fit, you’ll likely find yourself with a loyal and loving companion.
Always remember, adopting a pup is like bringing home a little piece of sunshine—it requires care and commitment, but the joy they bring is unmatched!
Help! What Should I Feed My Doxie?
“Hello Dr. Paola!
Would you recommend grain or grain-free for a four-month-old Doxie puppy Enzo? We currently have him on Orijen’s grain-free puppy food“ – Donna
Hi Donna, and congratulations on your new Doxie puppy, Enzo! Choosing the right diet for a growing puppy is crucial, as their nutritional needs during this stage directly impact their long-term health. Orijen’s grain-free puppy food is a high-quality option that focuses on animal protein sources and nutrient-dense ingredients, but there are a few factors to consider when deciding between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets.
Grain-free diets became popular due to concerns about grain allergies, but true grain sensitivities in dogs are rare. While many dogs thrive on grain-free diets, the FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the research is ongoing, some veterinarians recommend grain-inclusive diets unless there’s a specific medical reason to avoid grains, to be honest, vets differ in opinions just like human doctors do.
If Enzo is thriving on Orijen’s grain-free formula—showing good energy levels, a shiny coat, healthy stools, and steady growth—it’s a sign the diet is working for him. However, if you’re concerned or unsure, you could consider transitioning to their grain-inclusive formula.
Ultimately, the best diet for Enzo is one that supports his nutritional needs and aligns with his unique health and lifestyle. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure he’s growing as expected. If you notice any changes in his health, behavior, or growth, it’s a good idea to review his diet with a veterinarian to make adjustments as needed. For quick questions or guidance between visits, you could also book an online consultation with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage veterinary service. They can provide reliable advice and help address your concerns promptly.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Paola
This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series
