Albuquerque Journal Articles

The Food and Drug Administration, along with independent researchers, have discovered a possible link between grain-free, “legume-rich” pet foods and a potentially life-threatening heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Deficiency of the amino acid taurine may be another significant factor. Specific categories of diets have been linked to heart disease. A group of Newfoundlands, who were fed a lamb and rice diet, have developed reversible DCM linked to taurine deficiency. Golden retrievers, American cocker spaniels, and Dalmatians also appear to be vulnerable. Vegan and vegetarian diets have been implicated but limited ingredient foods manufactured by Hills and Royal Canin have…

Last in a series Rather than indulging in frivolous ego-driven jealousy, like humans, our dogs live in the moment. They compete because they’re programmed to worry that food or proximity to their leader might vanish, causing them to wander aimlessly in the abyss, wither, and die of starvation, isolation, and heartache. Polly’s aggression was turbo charged by her severe anxiety disorder, very likely genetic in its origin. Her squabbles with Holly were already beyond name-calling and hair pulling; a shootout with life-threatening injuries, or worse, was right around the corner. My clients wanted an immediate end to the hostilities but…

Third in a series Polly and Holly, our canine pugilist protagonists, were first brought to me for help several years earlier. Their hostility had already become dangerous. Holly the victim was done quaking in her boots when Polly the bully threatened. It was game-on at first sighting. Most people are oblivious to the pecking order among their dogs. And that’s fine. Members of this species communicate among themselves almost continually, nearly all of it with subtle body signals. Those with more stripes on their sleeves quietly require their underlings to step away from the food, toys, or leaders. Ego isn’t…

Second in a series We want our pets to have peaceful lives, getting along well with others in our home. Dog fights are deeply disturbing. Everybody wants these conflicts solved fast, simply, and reliably. Sadly, it’s never that easy. Every situation is different and complicated. Aggression between family dogs, more often among females, is the most common problem treated in veterinary behavior practices. In an earlier life, prior to my residency, I surgically repaired some really heinous wounds. Most of these participants in canine domestic violence survived, a few, often involving big dogs assaulting smaller pets, did not. It’s hard…

First in a series The brain is considered the most complex organ in the body. No one is perfect because, with 86 billion active neurons in the human mind (only 3-4 fewer cell layers in our pets’) there are a whole lot of ways for behaviors to be different or abnormal. Polly is a 10 year old Australian shepherd mix who shares her home with Holly, a dog of similar age and parentage. They’ve lived most of their lives together and have always, sort of, hated each other’s guts. In addition to two doting pet parents, this active family includes…

Question I have a 2 year old intact female Weimaraner with severe anxiety and reactive behavior. She chews bark, material, paper, nuts, plastics, and her crate. She barks in her crate so much that she stands in her drool. She rubs skin off her muzzle. She is dog reactive. Hesitant with touching except with me and my husband. She is extremely affectionate with us. Dr. Nichol: This big girl is blessed with strong human bonds while suffering from a soul-crushing behavior disorder. Separation anxiety, destructiveness, and agitation toward unfamiliar people and dogs are not rare afflictions. Your Weimaraner deserves a…