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 Is Suddenly Anxious!

“Hi Dr. Paola,

My 6-year-old Coton de Tulear, Chloe, has always been a calm and happy dog. Recently,
she has become nervous and has a lot of anxiety. She always loved being in the car; now she shakes and trembles.

She acts like she is afraid we are going to leave her somewhere. When we get out of the car, she screams and cries, even though we always take her with us and have never left her in the car. She likes being alone in our house and has no issues when we leave.

My husband has been working on restoring a canoe. She is scared of the loud noises the sanding machine makes. She seems very nervous. Should we give her a mild tranquilizer? Should we ask her vet for some medication? What can we do? She gets tons of attention from us. It is like her personality has changed.

Thank you, ”  – Nancy

Nancy,

It can be unsettling when a dog’s behavior changes so noticeably, especially in a companion as gentle as a Coton de Tulear. A specific negative association can trigger sudden anxiety, and in Chloe’s case, the fear may have started with the loud sanding machine and generalized to other situations, like the car. Dogs can link an unpleasant sensory experience to nearby contexts, even if the connection seems indirect to us. This is called sensitization, and once it takes hold, a dog’s threshold for fear can drop in other environments.

Before considering medication, it is important to rule out any underlying medical issues that might contribute to increased anxiety, such as pain, sensory changes, or metabolic conditions. If your veterinarian finds her healthy, you can focus on behavior modification. Gradual desensitization combined with counterconditioning is the gold standard. For the car, that might mean starting with very short, positive sessions, pairing each step with high-value treats or a favorite toy, and only progressing when she is relaxed. Keep her environment as predictable and calm as possible while she recovers her sense of safety.

Some dogs do benefit from short-term anti-anxiety medication or supplements when combined with a structured behavior plan. If her anxiety is intense or interfering with daily activities, discuss with your veterinarian whether situational medication or a longer-acting option is appropriate. The goal is to help Chloe rebuild her confidence at her own pace so she can return to the happy, adaptable dog she was before.

Good luck!

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Is Jumping on Everyone!

“Hello Dr. Paola,

I am having NO luck trying to stop my 4-year-old Boxer from jumping on people when they come to visit. Can you give me any tips? Everything I have tried is not working. As you probably know, Boxers are very stubborn with a mind of their own.
Thanks,” – Carolyne 

Hi Carolyne,

Boxers are indeed full of personality and determination, which makes them wonderful companions, but also means they need very clear and consistent boundaries. Jumping is so rewarding for dogs because it gets immediate attention, so the best strategy is to teach an alternative, incompatible behavior that earns them equal or greater rewards. For example, a dog cannot be sitting, lying down, or remaining on a designated mat while jumping at the same time. By reinforcing these incompatible behaviors, you make polite greetings the most valuable choice.

You will need to plan some training sessions. Before visitors arrive, have your Boxer on a leash to prevent her from practicing the unwanted behavior. Ask for a sit, a down, or a “go to your mat” cue and reward generously as soon as she complies. Have visitors participate by only offering attention, petting, or treats when she is maintaining that position. If she gets up and jumps, the greeting stops immediately, and it resumes only when she returns to calm behavior. A short play session or walk beforehand will help reduce her initial burst of energy, making it easier for her to succeed.

With repetition, consistency, and rewards tied exclusively to calm, grounded greetings, she will learn that keeping her paws on the floor is the quickest way to get the affection and attention she loves.
I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Is About to Give Birth!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

What should I do when my dog Lola gives birth?” – Kevin

Hi Kevin,

The best way to prepare for Lola giving birth starts well before labor begins. Regular veterinary visits during pregnancy are essential because they allow your vet to confirm the pregnancy, estimate the due date, and assess the number and positioning of puppies through imaging. These check-ups can detect potential risks early, such as a narrow birth canal or unusually large puppies, giving you time to plan for a safe delivery. Your veterinarian can also guide you on Lola’s nutrition, parasite prevention, and exercise so she enters labor in the best possible condition.

When labor starts, create a quiet, warm, and comfortable whelping area where she feels safe. Most dogs handle whelping instinctively, but you should monitor from a short distance, making sure puppies are delivered at steady intervals and are breathing and nursing soon after birth. If she has strong contractions for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy, rests for over two hours between puppies when you know more are coming, or seems exhausted or distressed, seek veterinary care immediately.

After birth, ensure all puppies are breathing well, staying warm, and nursing frequently. Let Lola bond with them, but check briefly that each is thriving. Being well-prepared through prenatal care and knowing what is normal during delivery is the best way to protect both Lola and her newborns.
Best wishes,

– Dr. Paola

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Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) affects roughly 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults.¹ It can be a challenging condition to manage because of its complications and the many knowledge gaps that exist. Scientists aren’t even sure of the specific causes, although research has found some promising leads. While veterinary medicine doesn’t use the same term, they recognize ADHD-like behavior in dogs.

Scientists have identified three main types in humans, depending on which behavior is dominant. They include inattentive, hyperactive, and combination. Symptoms vary with each one, providing valuable insight into their treatment. A lack of focus and organization skills are typical for inattentiveness. Excessive energy and fidgeting describe the second. The third presents with both. But how does this work with dogs?

What Affects ADHD-Like Behaviors in Dogs?

According to the AKC, ADHD-like behaviors are influenced by age and sex, with young males being the most likely to display inattention and impulsivity.² This also mirrors the demographic breakdown in humans.

Breed is another factor to consider. Selective breeding for certain traits in working breeds, for example, has led them to be highly active, and that leaves them liable for hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These behaviors only become worse if they are not provided with lifestyles where they can be active and given a job to do. This is especially true of breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, and Jack Russell Terriers. Meanwhile, dogs like Chinese Crested and Chihuahuas that are bred specifically for companionship, were found to display less of these traits and behaviors in studies.

What’s interesting as well is that studies have shown that a pet owner who previously owned a dog is more likely to have a dog with ADHD-like behaviors, although more research is required to understand why this is the case. However, they speculate that experienced dog owners likely select dog breeds that are more challenging and active.

Treating ADHD-Like Behavior

Before you go to the vet, understand that your dog’s mental and physical activity levels, as well as if they have company, are two factors that could mitigate your dog’s inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. So, spend some more time with your pooch and ensure they are getting as much physical and mental stimulation as needed through both exercise and training.

A vet will likely begin with a complete medical history and workup to eliminate other causes for the unwanted behavior. The goal is to determine whether it has a behavioral or physiological root. That fact can point to an effective treatment plan.

Behavior modification techniques are the preferred ways to deal with ADHD-like behavior. The rarity of hyperactivity suggests some needs in the pup’s well-being are unmet. Remember that dogs must have enrichment and mental stimulation for an optimal quality of life. Unwanted behavior is often a result of a lack of interaction, training, or socialization.

In some cases, a vet may prescribe medication to help treat the issue. Interestingly, some human prescriptions for depression and anxiety are often also efficacious for dogs with behavioral problems. Nevertheless, treatment of ADHD-like behavior is a long and arduous journey. It’ll require patience and understanding to conquer, and you should work with a veterinary behaviorist.

Final Thoughts

Many pets have behavioral issues. Sadly, some problems can lead to relinquishment. Therefore, it behooves prospective pet owners to research a dog breed before committing to ownership. Some pups are more active than others and may not be the best fit in some homes. Treating ADHD-like behavior is challenging but not impossible to manage. Early training and socialization can prevent some cases.

Featured Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

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