Albuquerque Journal Articles
Read Labels of Prepared Foods & Snacks Have I ever mentioned that dogs and cats are not little people in furry suits? Oh, sure, they’re like us in lots of ways. They snuggle and play and talk to us, which may be why we keep them as pets rather than, say, cockroaches or earthworms. Be careful. There are species differences that can lead to trouble. From time-to-time in this column I’ve explained the risks of holiday hazards, household toxins, and human medications. But people food – especially the processed kind – can blindside you and your dog. A sugar substitute…
Read MoreMotivate, have Fun, Never Punish Question: My nine month old kitten will not come when I call her. My other two cats come when they are called and for supper. I have to chase the kitten around the back yard and eventually lose that argument, and even the feather toy does not lure her into the house any more. Dr. Nichol: There are house rules and this naughty kitten needs to comply, darn it! Sadly, cats are different than we are. Despite how much we love them they are not little people in furry suits. But there are similarities. Some…
Read MoreReduce the Triggers, Reinforce Calm Behavior, & Medication Question: We rescued a beautiful female 18 month old shepherd/whippet from the Taos shelter. She had been left in the backyard by herself. She is terrified when she goes to the veterinary clinic. She hides behind me and even tries to climb up my back to get away! Her main problem is submissive/excitement urination. She just sees us and lets go. Dr. Nichol: That is one wigged out whippet. Imagine how terrified a human would be to lose that much control. Your dog’s frantic attempts to escape the good intentions of scary…
Read MoreSeizures are a Major Challenge Question: Our 13 year old cat had been a diabetic for 9 months. We dropped her off for boarding but later received a call that she had gone ‘ critical’ but was stable. During our trip back home we were informed that she had had seizures. She was ok under anti-seizure medication but when it wore off the seizures started again. We were advised that euthanasia was the only humane option. Did our cat know us the last time we held her and said goodbye? We wish we had not left on our trip and…
Read MoreEstablish Health Status before Providing Dog Food Only Question: We have a dog that we have difficulty feeding. He is a very finicky eater. Most of the time he’ll eat frankfurters but nothing else. We began giving him those because we were afraid he would get sick not eating. What should we do to help him? Dr. Nichol: You may be the owner of a healthy dog who has duped you with a common brand of canine chicanery. By eating only frankfurters he has reinforced your “desirable” behavior of feeding him only frankfurters. Turning up his nose when you have…
Read MoreYoung Cats are More Likely to Accept a Newcomer Question: In May 2011, I adopted two female cats. The younger one is five now and has always been energetic and playful. The older cat recently died. I’m wondering if my remaining cat “needs” a friend. I’d prefer to not adopt an additional cat due to the risk of unknowingly choosing one that comes with high medical bills or potential behavior problems. Dr. Nichol: I’m sorry for the loss of your older kitty. As you move forward you are smart to gather information. Some cats enjoy company but if your girl…
Read MoreCover the Crate & apply Adaptil Wipes Question: Our Puggle is 4 years old. She is a fabulous dog . Just one problem. She goes crazy in a vehicle especially when she sees oncoming traffic. We have done a great deal of travel with her, it never gets easier. We have tried Benadryl to calm her….not! We have a barrier in the back of the jeep for her, she still jumps around back there and goes crazy. We tried a crate and she tore out of there. Dr. Nichol: Jeepers! I already know why your puggle struggles; facing oncoming traffic…
Read MoreSedation is Safer for Medical Care Question: I have a 15 year old cat who cannot stand to be touched by hands. He got extremely traumatized when he was neutered as a young boy and will only allow me to pet him with my feet. He is very long haired and has long claws. I had a groomer that he would allow to shave him but he started hyperventilating and slobbering and I was afraid he was going to have a heart attack. I am 80 years old and cannot handle him myself. I really hate to have him sedated…
Read MoreVaccinated Puppies & Adult Dog make Safe Friends Question: I am getting an 8 week old Lab puppy. I already have an older Lab who is fully vaccinated. I am concerned about protecting the pup from parvo. I plan on avoiding dog parks, pet stores, and sidewalks. I will also avoid taking her to my parents’ house because their dogs, though vaccinated, visit the dog park. I want to expose her to as many things as possible, but also keep her healthy. Are my parents a risk if they were just playing with their dogs? Can I still take my…
Read MoreSeparate Warring Cats, then Reintroduce Carefully Question: I have a brother and a sister cat. They used to be very loving to each other by sleeping, playing, and cuddling. Then the male cat swallowed a thread that led to an emergency surgery. Upon his return he was a “new” cat to her. She has since growled at him and wants nothing to do with him. He bullies her too. We have a cat tree and other vertical high spaces, plenty of indoor space for her to stay hidden, plenty of daily interactions with toys and supervised outside visits. Dr. Nichol:…
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