Ask Dr. Paola – Fireworks, Poop Eating & Hair Loss (January 5, 2026)

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!

How Can I Help My Dog After Being Exposed to Loud Noises?

“What can we do to assist our golden Buddy when he is exposed to firecrackers and thunderstorms? He is eight years old and smart as a whip and twice as friendly, but loud noises ruin his day or night. Thank you.”
– Jim

Dear Jim,

Thanks for sharing Buddy’s experience. 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 Buddy 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 golden 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. I hope this helps!

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Eats Poop!

“Dear Dr. Paola,

Why does Bobby like to eat dog poop? His own, other dogs, he just loves it. We don’t let him eat it, but he tries so hard. He’s a Fox Terrier. “ – Luke

Hi Luke,

This is frustrating, but if it helps, you are not alone. 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 Bobby’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. If you need help with step-by-step instructions on scent game training, at Pangovet, we can help you create a custom plan for Bobby.

Best,

– Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog is Losing Hair!

“My Border Collie lost hair after being put on Apoquel for allergies. He’s on Zenralia now, and the itchiness is controlled, and hair is growing back—but only the white patches, not the black spots. Vet says give it time, but I feel like something’s off. Is this normal? And is there anything I can do to help?
 ”  – Mandy

Hey Mandy,

I understand this might seem confusing, but your vet is right. 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. Don’t worry, Apoquel is not associated with selective loss of dark hair, so the uneven regrowth likely reflects the natural recovery process rather than an adverse reaction to the medication.

If his itch is controlled on Zenralia 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. If any new changes make you uncertain, at Pangovet, we would be happy to guide you through the next best steps to help you help Milo.

Kind regards,

– Dr. Paola

Dr. Paola Cuevas

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