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! Can I Use Flea + Calming Collars Together?

“Can you put a flea and tick collar and a calming collar on a dog at the same time?" - Denise

Hi Denise,

A flea and tick collar can generally be used alongside a calming collar, but there are a few practical factors to consider. Most parasite collars contain active ingredients such as imidacloprid or flumethrin that spread across the skin’s lipid layer to control ectoparasites. Calming collars may contain a synthetic dog-appeasing pheromone or aromatherapy blends like lavender or chamomile. There is no known pharmacologic interaction between these ingredients, so from a systemic safety standpoint, they do not cancel each other out. The concerns are more local and practical than chemical.

Wearing two collars can increase friction, trap moisture, and create pressure points on the neck, especially in active dogs. Over time, this may lead to irritation, hair thinning, or inflammation, particularly if essential oils are involved, since some dogs can develop contact sensitivity. In addition, many flea and tick collars have a noticeable odor that can overpower or alter the scent released by an aromatherapy calming collar. Because aromatherapy products rely on a consistent fragrance to influence behavior through the olfactory system, a stronger competing smell may reduce their intended calming effect. It is similar to trying to notice a subtle lavender scent in a room where a strong disinfectant is present.

If Flash has sensitive skin or truly needs calming support, a thoughtful combination may be more comfortable and effective, such as using an oral or topical parasite preventive paired with a calming collar, or maintaining the flea collar while choosing a non-contact calming option like a home diffuser. This approach helps preserve both skin health and the intended behavioral benefit while keeping his comfort and overall well-being at the center of the decision.

Kind regards,

Dr. Paola

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I Need Help With My Dogs Anxiety!

“I need help regarding my dog’s anxiety… I have a 15-month-old Yorkie, Bailey, that literally shakes and cries when out and about, riding in the car, stroller, etc. On daily walks, she lunges and barks at anyone walking by and, of course, other dogs. I believe out of fear. If a neighborhood dog barks from within their house when we go by, she turns around and heads for home. I spoke to her vet about CBD, and she mentioned a company called Ellevet. I hate to put her on daily meds, but I cannot take her anywhere, and I’m feeling trapped at home as she runs to sit at the door when she sees me getting ready to go anywhere. My previous Yorkie loved to go everywhere, loved car rides, etc." - Diane

Hi Diane.

The behaviors you describe in Bailey, shaking, crying, retreating when dogs bark, and lunging on walks, are very consistent with fear-based anxiety. At fifteen months, she is still emotionally maturing, and some small-breed dogs are genetically predisposed to heightened vigilance. When she barks and lunges, she is not trying to be difficult; she is attempting to create distance from something that feels threatening. When she turns toward home after hearing a dog bark, that tells us she does not feel safe in that moment. Her nervous system is reacting as if the world outside is unpredictable, and that constant state of alert is exhausting for both of you.

For dogs like Bailey, the foundation of treatment is controlled desensitization and counterconditioning. This means exposing her to triggers at a distance where she notices them but does not panic, and pairing that exposure with something she loves, such as high-value treats. Over time, the brain can begin to associate those previously scary sights and sounds with positive outcomes. Think of it as gradually adjusting the brightness on a light rather than flipping it on at full intensity. Management is equally important. Walk during quiet times, create distance from other dogs, and avoid forcing interactions. For car rides, begin with simply sitting in a parked car and rewarding calm behavior before progressing to short drives.

Regarding CBD, current veterinary research does not provide strong, consistent evidence for anxiety relief in dogs, and product quality can vary widely. While some dogs may show mild improvement in situational stress, evidence is not yet strong enough to consider it a primary treatment for significant anxiety; therefore, it should not replace behavior therapy. If Bailey’s fear significantly limits her quality of life, there are well-studied anti-anxiety medications such as fluoxetine or sertraline that can be used safely under veterinary supervision, often temporarily, to lower her baseline anxiety so learning can occur. Medication in this context is not about sedation; it is more like lowering the volume on a radio that is stuck on high, allowing her brain to process new experiences without panic. I hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Dr. Paola

Are Bark Collars Inhumane?

“My dog Honey is 9 months old. She barks incessantly. Usually early evening. Or when a leaf falls ?. Is it inhumane to use a bark collar? " - Shirley

Dear Shirley.

At nine months, many dogs are in what behaviorists often describe as an “adolescent phase,” a bit like a human teenager discovering their voice and reacting to every little stimulus in the environment. Barking at falling leaves, passing sounds, or movement in the yard is very common at this stage because the brain areas responsible for impulse control are still maturing. Most excessive barking in young dogs is linked to excitement, alert behavior, or a lack of structured outlets for physical and mental energy, especially in the early evening when many dogs experience a natural activity surge.

Bark collars, particularly those that deliver electric stimulation, are generally discouraged in modern behavior medicine because they suppress the behavior without addressing the underlying motivation. From a welfare perspective, they can increase anxiety or create unintended associations with environmental triggers. Imagine if every time you spoke, something unpleasant happened, but no one explained why, the confusion alone could raise stress levels. I would recommend focusing on positive reinforcement training, environmental management, and enrichment instead. Teaching a quiet cue, rewarding calm behavior, increasing exercise before the evening period, and providing structured activities like food puzzles or scent games often reduces this type of barking much more effectively.

If the barking feels overwhelming, working with a professional positive reinforcement trainer can be extremely helpful, especially while Honey is still young and highly adaptable. The goal is not to silence her voice completely; barking is a normal form of communication, but rather to help her learn when it is appropriate and when calm behavior pays off. With consistent guidance and adequate outlets for her energy, most adolescent dogs gradually develop much better self-control as their nervous system matures and they learn the social rules of coexisting with humans in peace. Good luck!

Dr. Paola