Dr. Paola’s Pet Advice: Carrots, Eye Protection & Paw Chewing
The “Ask Dr. Paola” series offers expert veterinary guidance on common canine health and wellness issues. This installment addresses three key concerns: the safety of carrots as dog treats, sun protection for puppies with sensitive eyes, and managing chronic paw chewing.
Dr. Paola confirms raw carrots are a safe and beneficial treat when given in moderation. They are low in calories, provide fiber for healthy digestion, and are rich in beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and skin. The crunchy texture can also offer gentle teeth cleaning. However, overfeeding can lead to digestive upset like soft stools or gas, and improper sizing poses a choking risk. Dogs with conditions such as diabetes may require stricter limits. Carrots should always complement, not replace, a complete diet.
For puppies like Onyx, a 6-week-old dachshund needing sun protection for a blown pupil, shielding the eye from direct sunlight is crucial to prevent discomfort and further damage. While commercial doggles (e.g., RexSpecs) are recommended for UV blocking, they may not fit a very young puppy. Temporary measures include limiting outdoor exposure to shaded areas and taking short walks during bright daylight. Training with positive reinforcement, starting with soft headgear indoors, helps acclimate the puppy to wearing protection. A veterinary ophthalmologist referral is advised for persistent fit issues or custom options.
Chronic paw chewing is a common problem often linked to multiple factors, including environmental allergies, food intolerances, parasites, or secondary infections. Dr. Paola highlights that dietary adjustments, such as eliminating common proteins like chicken, and supplementing with omega-3 rich salmon oil, can improve skin health and reduce inflammation, as observed with Judi's eight dogs. Environmental triggers like pollens or cleaning products also contribute, making paw wiping after outdoor activities beneficial. A thorough veterinary evaluation for each affected dog is essential to identify underlying causes, rule out secondary infections, and develop an individualized treatment plan, which may involve allergy testing or prescription diets.
Dr. Paola also shares her best pet food dispensers advice to help manage portion control and reduce behavioral issues like excessive paw chewing.
Dr. Paola also provides automatic pet feeder advice to help ensure your furry friends maintain healthy eating habits when you're away.
While discussing proper pet nutrition, Dr. Paola also recommends researching the best automatic cat feeders pet owners can use for consistent meal timing.
Beyond addressing common concerns like carrots and paw chewing, Dr. Paola also provides best automatic pet feeders advice for busy pet owners.
(Source: https://www.dogster.com/ask-dr-paola/october-13-2025)
