Dog Health Q&A: Walking Issues, Eye Gunk, and Dental Care

Dr. Paola Cuevas addresses common dog health concerns in this Q&A. The first question tackles a dog's refusal to walk, suggesting environmental anxieties, overstimulation, or underlying physical discomfort as potential causes. For an 8-year-old, 8-pound dog experiencing this in busy areas, Dr. Paola recommends a vet check for orthopedic or sensory issues and suggests gradually desensitizing the dog to busy environments. The second question concerns dark eye gunk. While some discharge is normal, especially in brachycephalic breeds, excessive, color-changed discharge warrants veterinary attention, as it could indicate conjunctivitis or other eye problems. Finally, the article discusses dog dental hygiene, recommending daily brushing to prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. For dogs resistant to teeth brushing, Dr. Paola advises a gradual desensitization process using positive reinforcement and suggests using dental wipes or chews as interim solutions. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of regular veterinary checkups and proactive pet care.

While addressing your dog's health concerns, consider that proper nutrition from the best pet food dispensers of 2026 can support overall wellness and prevent many common issues.

 

Many pet owners also wonder about automatic pet feeder health implications and whether these devices affect their dog's eating habits and digestion.

 

While we focus on dog health today, pet owners with multiple animals often ask about the best automatic cat feeders for convenient feeding schedules.

 

While addressing these common health concerns, many pet owners also wonder how the best automatic pet feeders health benefits can support their dog's overall wellness routine.

 

(Source: https://www.dogster.com/ask-dr-paola/august-4-2025)