Albuquerque Journal Articles
Together in a Crowd Grace is a 13 year old Chihuahua with a bad back, permanently dislocated knee caps, and a staggering rear gait. You could say she has pluck and courage but she doesn’t consciously throw her shoulders back and “power through”. She doesn’t need to. She just runs and sniffs and eats and plays with the other 24-30 dogs in her free-ranging canine group as though she were as able-bodied as any of them. If you watch carefully you see her compadres making allowances, giving her a clear path. On late afternoon hikes through the hillsides of the…
Be Kind – Pet Proof your Home The growing popularity of marijuana edibles, along with the increasing likelihood of this drug’s full legalization, has created significant animal welfare concerns. Dogs believe that every filched snack may be their last shot at survival, making them natural born thieves. The chocolate in “magic” brownies is a serious risk all by itself. It’s rare for a dog to die from marijuana toxicity but their wellbeing certainly suffers when they’re overcome with lethargy and unable to walk or climb stairs. Because an overdosed pet can’t verbalize its anxiety and fear the dilated pupils, slowed…
Predatory Aggression can be Redirected Question: Like the cat you wrote about last week my 7 year old neutered-male craves affection but will viciously and without warning bite me. I was sitting on the couch, typing on my iPad and he was snuggled on my arm. I wasn’t petting him and everything seemed peaceful. Suddenly he sank his teeth into my hand. Now I’m afraid to let him sit by me for more than a few minutes. I feel bad because he’s not getting all the love and attention he craves. Dr. Nichol: I get it. We have two cats…
Question: I have a four year old female cat that, on occasion, viciously bites me without warning when I pet her. When my previous cat would bite, I chalked it up to over-stimulation because I detected warning signs (tail flicking and ears flattened). This cat, however, craves the affection – until she suddenly bites like a snake! Could it be because she didn’t learn boundaries by playing with kitty siblings? Should I tone down my affection? Signed, Cut-up owner of Cobra Cat Dear Cut-up: Is that your real name? Maybe it’s just what Cobra Cat calls you. It’s true…
Find the Cause; Avoid the Misery Question: I have a miniature dachshund, 1 1/2 years old. About a week ago she started shaking/trembling when it was bed time and every night since then she starts to tremble at night and hides behind my couch. Could something be wrong with her or is she just scared of something? Dr. Nichol: Your little dog sounds frightened. Disc disease in her neck or back or internal pain can cause trembling but the consistent occurrence at the same time every evening causes me to suspect a fear association. This could be triggered by a…
Soldering Infection may be at Fault Question: I have a 10 year old male orange tabby. He has always been a vocal cat and enjoys “talking” back and forth with you. A week ago he lost his voice. He seems healthy otherwise, but is a bit sad and perplexed about not being able to speak. Is this something that you have seen resolve over time? We hesitate to take him to the veterinarian. He gets upset and becomes quite loud when being transported. He goes outside in his protected backyard, and I wondered if seasonal allergies might be a culprit.…
Reliable Commercial Food is Healthy & Complete The popularity of feeding raw meat to dogs continues. Your pupster can harken to his barbaric roots by ravaging the “genuine article”. Why not? What group of free-living wild dogs has ever barbecued their kill to safeguard against potentially dangerous microbes? It just wouldn’t be natural. Well, I’ve met lots of dogs in my career and have never encountered a credentialed canine expert in microbiology or even intestinal disease. Not a single one has taken a food safety class, has made a cooking fire, or even knows how to light a stove. But…
Science reduces the Guesswork You’ve decided to adopt a kitten and you’ve been a careful, detached observer of a litter. You’re chafing at the bit, just itching to snuggle and cuddle those fuzzy little cuties. OK, it’s time to get physical but remain objective just a little longer. You really want the right cat for the next 18 years. Quietly let each baby sit in your hands. Is he relaxed? Anxious, restless kittens are unlikely to relate well in social situations. Now put the kitten on the ground and walk away. Does he follow? When you stop does he stay…
Kittenhood matters Can you choose a great kitten who will be the excellent companion you’ve always wanted? I think you can if you follow an objective method. That’s easier said than done, we cat lovers being such fools for a cute face. Trusting fate can work OK but you’ll want to avoid the cat who could make your life a living heck (or worse). What’s best for cat parents is important but the wellbeing of the pet matters too. Cats need forever homes. Each year 25% of them get permanently rejected. Only one third of them live with the same…
Kindness will Light the Way Question: All my life I’ve had a dog through every turmoil and problem. I recently began a relationship with a woman who has a wonderful canine partner (let’s call her Nickel to protect identities) who is completely avoidant! We’ve tried the calm, soft voice approach. We’ve attempted the food lure. We’ve cut off escape routes, or mildly contained her in an attempt to get her used to my presence, but this beautiful friend sees me as something to run away from. Sometimes the escape is so dramatic that Nickel has hit her head on walls…