Albuquerque Journal Articles
Reduce the anxiety, improve the home environment Question: I took in a stray kitten back in August, 2012 after being tased and thrown out by a neighbor. Baby Girl isn’t friendly toward visitors. Now we have moved in with my mom and her two cats. Baby Girl spits at my mom’s female cat. She’s been living in my bedroom and has lost 2#, now at 6.8#. Dr. Nichol: Your poor kitty has reason to be distrustful. Like many cats she may have been more bonded to her territory than she to her person. And, as they age, cats are generally…
Comfort Scared Pets with Good Management Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. Scared dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry or howl, and even urine soil, vomit or pass diarrhea. Many get clingy but some escape the home and risk getting hit in the road. A freaked-out dog or cat needs reassurance, but shelter from the bombardment is even better. Allow an anxious pet to find relief anywhere she feels better. A bathroom, dark closet, or an open pet crate, located away from windows and exterior walls, should be available. Unpredictable flashes…
Chronic Nausea is Most Common Cause Question: My dog recently had a lick granulomas removed by laser. He was placed in an Elizabeth (cone) collar. When I take off the collar for him to eat he stops eating to lick the wounds. I have tried to take off the collar and dress the wounds with gauze and duct tape, as well as Boundary. Each time he chewed and licked off the dressings. Dr. Nichol: Your poor dog licks his wounds incessantly partly because they itch like crazy. This isn’t a simple problem. Anxiety may be a factor, possibly leading to…
An Ovarian Remnant May Be Lurking Question: Pepper, aka Ms. Incorrigible, was a newly spayed rescue. After 6 weeks, she went into heat behavior. A second spaying procedure found 25% of an ovary which was removed. 9 months later she displayed the same behavior-insisting on getting out at night, vocalizing, climbing screens, etc. Of course she was being courted by male cats. Daytimes, we found feral cats and Pepper enjoying each other. This heat cycle went away after 10 sleepless nights. About a month later this started again, same behavior, same suitors lasting 7-9 days. She is now back to…
Prevention & Recall is Best Question: Our dachshund, Scooter, is 16 months old. We have 2 older dogs, as well. Problem is, Scooter likes to eat their poop. We’ve tried giving the older dogs supplements, spraying the poop with distasteful things and we keep it picked up. Dr. Nichol: This is a truly revolting behavior. Puppies who partake in this detestable delicacy are usually just playfully investigating the wide world around them. Middle aged to older dogs can become recyclers because of stomach or intestinal disease, kidney failure, certain medications, or dementia. For Scooter, the young adult gangster of…
Rule out Birth Defects before relying on Diet to Add Weight Question: I have an eleven month old Malinois and a year old Pomeranian, both neutered males. I know that breeds are different, but my pom seems to be a healthy body size and weight, and my Malinois is very, very skinny. I can see his hips and his ribs. He eats all his food and doesn’t throw it up. His stools are normal, and he doesn’t have worms. Is there any way to get some weight on him? Or is he just a late filler since he is so…
Dementia can be Treated Question: We are having a big problem with our Pekapoo. He is 15 1/2 and seems to be hyperactive at night due to Sundowning Syndrome where he very restless. He is going out 3-4 times per night. We have him in a calming vest, have given him Rescue Remedy and a Kong with peanut butter. Nothing is working and his agitation is increasing. We do not want to get him on tranquilizers. Dr. Nichol: You must have taken mighty good care of your Pekapoo for him to have reached such an advanced age. It is…
Frequent Brushing Benefits Skin & Emotional Well-Being Question: I have two cats, Snowball and Alfie who were rescued as newborns from a box in a feed store 8 years ago. Although they are brushed each day they both leave lots of cat hair everywhere. Their coats are healthy and shiny and they seem to be in good overall health, but the hair loss is constant even in winter. They get Science Diet or Iams dry and wet food. Dr. Nichol: I’ve been in practice a long time and I’ve seen a lot. Cats leaving cat hair? I’m OK with…
Intermittent Lameness does Not Signal an immediate Crisis Question: We have a Pomeranian who weighs 10 pounds and just turned 1year. We have been told he has luxating patella dislocating in both kneecaps. He is very active and only shows favor to his knee maybe once a month. Is it possible the bones will form correctly over time? At what age should we consider surgery? What is the down time and what would be the best way to keep this active pup quiet during his healing process? Dr. Nichol: I know exactly what you mean about your playful, young…
Dirty Restroom Facilities Create Trouble Question: Sadie is a large, four year old, spayed calico cat with a big rump. Consequently, she goes outside her box because she backs into a corner to do her business and hangs over the side. I would like to get a box with a cover but I have heard this could contribute to upper respiratory trouble. We have the largest litter box on the planet, but it keeps happening now and then. Dr. Nichol: Sadie is sending you a message: Her litter pan is a bit ripe. She wants to use it properly but…