Albuquerque Journal Articles
Not always Pretty Question: We have had a truly organic constantly changing “rabbit garden” within our backyard. Bunny Town USA has had many happy years and happy healthy rabbit broods. Three years ago we had wild mice and a feral cat. Sometime after, the rabbits began their battle with mites. Even in the cold the rabbits have heavily crusted ears. They have self-aborted/not had baby bunnies for two years. We are down to five elderly rabbits, surviving but not thriving. It has become a “beaten down bunny town world”. Dr. Nichol: Bunny Town needs a revival. Rather than or, if…
Young Cats with Enriched Lives more likely to Succeed Question: I have always had a cat. Several months ago we lost our last cat and we were heart broken. I would like to find two cats/kittens from the same litter. Would it be a problem finding two different kittens that would live together? We want a cat that would be inside only and who loves to be in our lap. Dr. Nichol: We all want pets who personify peace and tolerance, holding paws, singing kumbaya, and behaving more like pacifists than politicians. Witnessing feline brawls, cat calls, and other slurs…
What’s Better than Yelling? Question: I have a Chihuahua who wants to attack everyone. In the car she goes crazy; she barks at everyone on the street. She doesn’t stop until we get home. At home, if we have guests and if they move or walk, she runs to them to scare them. She doesn’t bite, just pretends. She’s really sweet and never has bitten anyone. It’s just fear and protecting her territory. Dr. Nichol: It’s hard for small dogs to feel safe because everybody else is bigger and capable of stealing their lunch money and squashing them like bugs.…
Find out How Question: I have an 11 year old Yorkie, Luca. He has heart murmurs and takes 2 diuretics. He’s been stable for a couple of years. The diuretics mean he pees a LOT. He had always gone outside but he had a bladder stone removed and now has issues holding it in. We have a little terrace that he can pee in, but he’s so house broken that he doesn’t go there. We’ve tried putting a rug soaked with his pee and inviting him there but he doesn’t like it. How do I un-house break him? Dr. Nichol:…
Big Appetite? Weight Loss? Question: What can I do with my cat’s incessant meowing? Myrtle is 18 years old. She’s able to hop up on the furniture. First thing in the morning, she starts around 6 a.m. and will keep it up. I’ve tried ignoring it, and other times shushing her to no avail. She will yowl, calling out for me and when I answer, she comes to find me. When I feed her it’s like a frenzied meow – hurry up and put the dish down. I have Feliway plugged in but she still is anxious. Dr. Nichol: Cats…
Mites or Other Infections are the Primary Cause Question: We took our cat to the veterinarian due to noticing his ear was down and swollen. The doctor reassured us his ear will go back down in time. He did tell us Maurice has ear mites. Once that problem is gone will that help the process of his ear going back to normal? Dr. Nichol: Maurice’s ear flap, also known as a pinna or auricle, has come to resemble a sopapilla because of his scratching and head shaking from those &%#! ear mites. That self-trauma has damaged capillaries causing leaked blood…
Allow the Little Ones to Drag the Leash at Home Question: I have a 4 month old cavachon puppy, adorable, playful, and lovable. Her name is Joy. On leash walks she emits the cry of a banshee, bucking wild bronco, putting on the brakes, and rolling. No amount of patient standing or treat offered helped, cuddled and held her to no avail and finally lying dead weight I carried her inside. I’ve never had a dog react this way. Dr. Nichol: A cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon frise. This isn’t the only…
Treat the Cause Question: Our two-year-old Golden retriever is totally unhappy traveling in any vehicle, including our motorhome; which is a shame because we travel a lot. We tried giving him a tranquilizer, but then he was just as anxious because he felt so horrible from the medication and still hated the movement of the motorhome. Simba is our fifth Golden and we have never encountered this problem. Dr. Nichol: Simba is in good company; lots of dogs freak-out riding in a car. You can help your boy feel better but it will be necessary to treat the underlying cause…
Reduce Temptation; Cat Chewing Done Right Question: My cat Bella Lynne is 3years old and she chews on oxygen hoses. I need help. Dr. Nichol: Cats are predators who need to stimulate the specialized nerve receptors in their faces. The chewy texture of your oxygen hoses is irresistible to Bella Lynne. Set her up to succeed by making them less appealing while offering a compelling alternative. Ask the butcher for fresh beef or pork bones with tags of meat still attached. Rawhide chews softened in a bowl of water are another feline favorite. Avoid poultry bones, please. Why not bones…
Or Purchase the Right Cat Food The raging debate on healthy cat diets continues. Dry vs. canned, high protein or grain free? You could go to the mountaintop and consult Google, that wizened guru. But instead I’ll share current research which, like all good science, continues to shift. Obesity is epidemic for our short eared, round headed pets. As they expand their girth their diabetes risk skyrockets, not to mention joint disease. Diet matters and so does lifestyle. Cats are behaviorally and physically programmed to spend their days lurking, listening, and sniffing for prey. In nature they only catch 1…