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 Suddenly Sleeps in a Different Spot!

“Hi Dr. Paola,
I have two dogs, Bandit and Bea, and one likes to sleep beside the bed, and the wall, and the other likes to sleep at the end of the bed on the floor, and they have their beds there accordingly. These have been their sleeping spots for 4 years. Then, about 4 days ago, my male dog, who likes to sleep in his big bed at the end of our bed, decided he wanted to sleep in the small bed beside the bed and the wall. He doesn't fit in it, but he makes it work, but then the other dog, whose bed it is, has been put out and upset over it. So
I grabbed her second tiny bed and put it next to her other one, so they both have tiny beds by the wall, and it seems to be working, but I have no idea why our boy has had a change of heart. How do I go about figuring this out?
The only thing I can think of is that I'm pregnant, and the day before this happened, I changed sides of the bed with my husband, so I'm now on the dog's side, and maybe he wants to be closer to me? Other than that, nothing seems to have changed. Thanks!"
- Louanne

Dear Louanne,

What you are observing is actually quite consistent with normal canine behavior, even if it feels sudden. Dogs build strong associations with sleeping spots, but those preferences are not fixed; they are influenced by comfort, security, temperature, and social bonding. A change like you described, especially switching sides of the bed during pregnancy, can absolutely shift your dog’s preference. Dogs are very sensitive to subtle changes in scent, body heat, and even hormonal fluctuations, so your boy may simply be choosing proximity to you because it feels reassuring, much like a child gravitating toward a caregiver when something in the environment feels different.

It is also worth considering physical comfort. Even if he “makes it work” in the smaller bed, he may perceive that location as warmer, more sheltered, or closer to a favored person. Sometimes, dogs trade space for security, similar to how they might choose a cozy corner over a large open area. Your solution of adding another small bed was thoughtful and welfare-friendly, since it prevents competition and allows both dogs to feel they have a safe place. As long as there are no concerning changes in mobility, restlessness, or other behavioral shifts, this is likely a harmless adjustment rather than a problem that needs correcting.

If you want to gently guide him back to his original bed, you can make that spot more appealing with soft bedding, a familiar scent, or occasional rewards when he settles there, but it is equally reasonable to allow this new arrangement if both dogs remain relaxed. Think of it as them rearranging their “furniture” to match a new household dynamic. If either dog begins to show signs of tension, disrupted sleep, or guarding behavior, that would be the moment to intervene more actively or seek guidance, but for now, this looks like a flexible social adjustment rather than a red flag.

Best,

- Dr. Paola

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Help! I'm Not Sure If I Should Spay My Dog Now!

"Hi Dr. Paola,
Luna is a 9-month-old black lab. Should I get her spayed now?"
- Robert

Hi Robert,

For a 9-month-old Labrador Retriever dog breed like Luna, the timing of spaying is a thoughtful decision rather than a one-size-fits-all rule. In medium to large breeds, including Labradors, current evidence suggests there may be benefits to allowing them to reach closer to full skeletal maturity before spaying, which is often around 12 to 18 months. Early spaying can be associated with a slightly increased risk of certain orthopedic conditions, such as cruciate ligament disease, and in some cases may influence the risk of specific cancers. That said, spaying before the first or second heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors and eliminates the risk of uterine infection, which is called pyometra and can be life-threatening.

In practical terms, this becomes a balance between long-term orthopedic health and reproductive health risks, along with your ability to manage her safely if she goes into heat. If preventing pregnancy is not a concern and you can manage her environment carefully, waiting a few more months is a reasonable and commonly recommended approach for Labradors. However, if avoiding heat cycles or accidental breeding is a priority, spaying now is still a medically sound and responsible choice. This decision is best tailored to Luna as an individual, taking into account her growth, lifestyle, and most importantly, your household setup, much like choosing the right timing to close a chapter rather than rushing or delaying without context.

Sincerely,

- Dr. Paola