Albuquerque Journal Articles
A Safe Haven Before Visitors Arrive Question: My cat Haley is 10 years old. When I have visitors she will attack them even when they are sleeping. She has attacked 2 babysitters. After 2 years she finally is ok with the current sitter. Yesterday my 16 year old had a friend over. The death growl started and she looked like she was going to launch through the air. She went under my bed then enters the 3 year old who said “It’s ok Haley”. Haley immediately stopped growling and rubbed him. Dr. Nichol: Haley’s aggression is partly territorial. Strangers look…
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 had dogs all my life, none ever reacted this way. Dr. Nichol: The recently minted cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon…
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 had dogs all my life, none ever reacted this way. Dr. Nichol: The recently minted cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon…
The Right Medication can make the Difference Question: Marley is a 2 year old, male tabby with his right rear leg amputated at the hip. He is getting around amazingly, a few weeks after surgery, full of speed and grace, but about every hour, his backside spasms for a few seconds- he hops involuntarily backwards, meows in distress/pain/confusion. Otherwise he rests contentedly, purrs when petted and is very chatty with his tail held high. Could it be nerve pain? Dr. Nichol: I am concerned about Marley. Losing a leg is unfortunate for any pet but outcomes are usually successful, especially…
Diagnose First, then Decide if Treatment is Necessary Question: I have a cock-a-poo with several warts. Our veterinarian said to use antibiotic cream but that didn’t help. He did not want to remove them because she is 14. What about using thuja or multi vitamins? Dr. Nichol: It’s no surprise that your canine senior has skin masses; everybody seems to get lumpy and bumpy with age. Miss America, the Nichol family dog, has a few beauty accents. We don’t mention them to her, she would only fret. It’s my job to worry. An accurate diagnosis always matters. Dr. Rebecca Mount,…
Fear is Easy to Manage with Oral Sileo Gel About this time next week many of us will be treated to (or cursed by) fireworks and even a few skyward gunshots, all to improve our outlook for a new year. Oh sure, these immature and potentially dangerous antics fall into the category of irresponsible human behavior but I write the Pet Care column. I’ll leave the commentary for the editorial page. Beyond the risk from fires, injuries, and bullets obeying the law of gravity, our pets can suffer badly. Emotional distress in dogs isn’t hard to recognize. Those who are…
The holidays are great fun, aren’t they? Singin’, dancin’, and carryin’ on. For you and me, sure, but maybe not for everybody. Badly unsettled pets can engage in some unhealthy behaviors because they’re nervous or scared. It’s part of our job as caring pet owners to help them feel better. You’ll need to be observant. 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. Highly stressed cats might over-groom. Worried pets need a break from the…
Patience, Zylkene, & Feliway Question: My 6 month old kitty came from Animal Control when she was 5 weeks. She was definitely scared but settled in with me in a day or so. I live alone so besides veterinarians she’s had no other company. She runs and hides whenever anyone comes over. My wonderful cat sitter is coming over to see if she’ll calm down. Is there anything I can do to get her to quit being so scared? She’s so loving and playful with me. Dr. Nichol: I am so happy that your scared little cat has learned to…
The Link is Strong but it can be Broken Garfield the comic strip cat, famous for his obsessive eating, is not alone. Just this morning our cat Tony, having ripped a hole in an unopened dog food bag, was caught happily gorging. Jokes abound but an expanding feline girth can be lead to heartache. Obesity in cats is a big problem that is difficult to shake. Well, actually, everything shakes on these little porkers. Tony, that little pig, now wears on ankle monitor. Cats weighing over about 12 pounds are at high risk of painful arthritis as well as fatty…
Early Extraction is Safest Question: I discovered that Rocky (5 month old Jack Russell) is growing his adult canine teeth however his baby teeth are not coming out. Will they come out on their own later? Dr. Nichol: Retained baby (deciduous) teeth is a common bump in the road of adolescence for small dogs. Have reached 5 months those little choppers will not fall out on their own. When baby teeth are allowed to stay beyond the toddler phase, the much bigger permanent teeth will arrive right next door. Food particles, hair, and even plant material can get jammed in…