Albuquerque Journal Articles
Medication can make the Difference In last week’s column I introduced Sherman, a cat who did fine in the doctor’s office as a youngster but later became frightened and reactive/aggressive. This turned into a big problem when he got truly sick. His folks had thought that cats needed little, if any, medical care. It’s a common mistake. Sherman had lost his appetite and significant weight. A thorough exam and blood and urine tests would be essential to an accurate diagnosis but any kind of restraint had historically caused him to panic and fight. Cats who struggle, especially those who are…
Cats who Hate the Doctor When I met Sherman he was a sporty little black and white feline youth of about 8 weeks. I vaccinated and neutered him, events that left our professional relationship unscathed. Sherman was also treated well at home, on his way to an excellent life. Every time I encountered Sherman I found him to be cooperative and enjoyable. His folks, Bonnie and Rick, wanted only the best for him. Then there was a job transfer to California. I really liked that little family; I was sad to see them go. One day, about 8 years later,…
Set Pets Up for Success; then Teach them What to Do Right John received a parrot as a gift, one with a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every utterance was rude, obnoxious, and laced with profanity. John did his best to improve the bird’s demeanor by saying only polite words, playing soft music, and setting a good example of decorum. But it seemed like a lost cause. Finally, John got fed up and he yelled at the bird. The parrot yelled back. John shook that nasty bird, who got angrier and even more rude. In desperation John grabbed…
It’s Easy to Give them a Break & Keep them Safe Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Family, football, turkey, pie, and beer. Well, maybe for you and me. Keep a close eye on your pets. Tense body postures around visitors or startling at sudden noises, hiding, freezing with ears flattened, the head low, and the tail tucked are important clues. Scared dogs may lick their lips and yawn. Stressed cats might over-groom. Pets need a break from the action. Hide boxes for kitties and out-of the-way resting areas for dogs will allow them to sit out the political discussions.…
Stressed Cats Struggle Behaviorally and Physically Do you live in a litter pan or suffer through feline caterwauling and brawling? Take a long gulp of coffee just for maintaining your sanity. The story of Larry, Moe, and Curly (not their real names) is sure to help you feel better. Moe was so young when he left his mother that he required bottle-feeding. With no real concept of playing well with others he powered through a youthful bout of kidney failure but then advanced to periodic vomiting and chewing plastic wrappers. Losing his lunch furthered Moe’s social isolation but it was…
Chocolate is Dangerous for Dogs Halloween is great, isn’t it? You can go incognito and so can your dog. And the snacks, oooh, they’re to die for, aren’t they? But if it’s a dog who indulges – even a little- chocolate can be fatal. Of the vast array of goodies consumed in mass quantities during the holidays, chocolate is certainly the most dangerous for dogs. Whether they devour one piece of candy at a time or raid the whole bag you have a medical emergency. Chocolate and cocoa products contain caffeine and methylxanthines, substances we humans handle with no problem.…
A ScareCrow will Prevent Intrusions by Neighbor Cats Question: I have a spayed female cat who mostly stays indoors and but likes to go out in the evenings. There are a couple of male cats who wander into her territory. The angry, fighting, howling cat words are loud and scare me. My first tendency would be to yell and pull her to safety, though more than likely I would get scratched and bit as well. What should one do to help the animal without getting myself hurt? Dr. Nichol- We would like to think of these visitors as fine…
Picking the Greatest Puppy for Your Life Sharing your life with a great dog is like any important relationship. Start out on the right paw and everybody has a shot at success. Behavioral research shows that puppies do better if they stay with their mothers and litter mates until at least age 5-7 weeks. Picking the right breed is important but remember that puppies are unique individuals. You’ll want to pay attention to the different temperaments within each litter you consider. They’re not appliances that roll off an assembly line. I recommend first choosing the racy appearance of your shiny…
Phobia of Celestial Assault Balloons Fiesta is fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak-out from those cosmic monsters leering and looming over them. Even the far-off hiss of a propane burner or a multi-colored speck in the distance can trigger overwhelming terror for dogs who’ve logged a few frightful fiestas. There’s nothing logical about phobias. Dogs with this irrational fear haven’t been physically assaulted by balloons but like humans with unfounded anxieties, they need special consideration. Hiding, trembling, and nervous panting are indicators of serious misery. Simple avoidance will reduce the risk of…
Careful Evaluation & Dosing are Critical to Success Question: I have a 14-year-old diabetic cat. She was healthy and stable; her insulin (glargine) dose was 1.5 units. About a month ago she became lethargic and indifferent to food. Her fructosamine was 400 and there was sugar in her urine. Her insulin was increased to 2 units. She’s had good and bad days since then but hasn’t completely returned to her normal self. Is Prescription Diet m/d best for her? There seem to be canned foods out there that are lower in carbohydrate and higher in protein. Dr. Nichol: When diabetes…