Albuquerque Journal Articles
Anxitane can Help with Social Anxiety Question: I have a 5-year old female border terrier who is almost the perfect pet. The problem is that I cannot bring her with me when I visit someone else’s home. Even if I let her empty out before we enter, the first thing she does (even on a leash) is mark her spot. She does this going to the vet or to the groomer. I would like her to come with me when I play at my weekly card games (like my former companion did) but cannot trust her. Dr. Nichol: We can’t…
The right Medications can make a Big 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,…
Head Halters are Safe and Effective Question: How do you feel about choke collars for dogs? Dr. Nichol: You ask a complex question with behavioral as well as physical implications. Walking a dog is a lot more fun when everybody is under control but jerking on a pet’s neck can have serious consequences. Not all dogs are equally at risk. Most thick furred brutes like malamutes and Chow Chows are sturdy and difficult to injure but a substantial number of small dogs like miniature poodles, Yorkies, and Pomeranians have collapsing tracheas (windpipes) that can suffer permanent damage. Many others including…
Territorial & Fear-related Aggression is best Avoided 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…
Ignore Bad Behavior & Teach Focus on Leader Question: I have a 3 year old female border collie. We have stopped going for walks because of her atrocious behavior, which ranges from screeching like a pterodactyl, to whirling like a dervish. This is with a Halti leader. We have tried BAT. Other dog owners give us dirty looks or worse, make comments. She is such a wonderful dog at home. She does have 2 very good dog friends. Dr. Nichol: I feel your pain. The Nichol family is also afflicted with a socially challenged but well-loved Border collie. Our “Miss…
The Right Food Matters but a Cat must Eat it. Question: My 14 year old cat has had increased urination. The vet gave antibiotics, ruled out diabetes, and prescribed c/d diet. Cher snubbed her nose at it. Two days without eating I gave her Fancy Feast. Google says dry food causes urinary tract. I need to change foods, but to what? Dr. Nichol Cher’s been fussy ever since she and Sonny split up. A great singer, but what a Prima Donna! You were right to be concerned when she skipped her meals. Cats, especially those who are overweight (Cher, of…
Surgery plus Stem Cells can make a Huge Difference Question: I have a 3 year old cockapoo and she was trying to jump and did something to her leg. She cried for about 30 seconds, it was horrifying. She was born with loose kneecaps. My vet was telling me about stem cells. I’m skeptical with any new procedures. Are there side effects or possibly future problems? She loves to play and I’m afraid it might happen again. Dr. Nichol: Knee pain is common in small dogs. If your cockapoo has somewhat bowed rear legs, one or both of her knee…
Set Him Up to Succeed; Avoid Punishment Question: My husband and I got a shelter cat about 6 weeks ago. He is one and a half years old and neutered. For the first two weeks he would poo and wee in the automatic litter tray. Then one day he decided to poo on the floor. We started cleaning out the tray more regularly but he would poo to the side. He would run and hide when we came to him just after he pooed on the floor. My husband was so angry he rubbed his nose in it. Dr. Nichol:…
Causes include Medication Side Effects or Aging Brain Disease Question: I have a wonderful 12 year old German shepherd mix. She has arthritis in her back legs. She is now on prednisone and tramadol 3 morning, 3 night. She follows us around and won’t leave our side. She tries to sleep on the bed or she is constantly crying. We can’t even use the restroom without her. When we let her outside she barks. We have to watch her and have the light on or she won’t do her business and starts crying! We love our Miss Noel but she…
Mouth Pain or Uncomfortable Joints are likely to Blame Question: I have a 20 year old cat that is having “fur” issues. Her coat is matted in several places. I have tried to cut off the mats but the problem is getting worse. I know she’s uncomfortable. The vet said that shaving her might help, but that it might stress her out. She is also a diabetic. She is otherwise in good health. Dr. Nichol: Hair mats for kitties are not a fashion statement like dreadlocks but a sign of trouble. Painful joints could be making it hard for your…