Albuquerque Journal Articles
Adult & Senior Dogs can Make Great Pets Sometimes I volunteer to direct the behavioral rehabilitation of pets in shelters and foster homes. One of these was a German shepherd mix named Sarge, whose reactive aggression toward other dogs made him unattractive to potential adopters. Sarge’s plight caught the attention of Melinda, a committed volunteer at Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department. Here are Melinda’s comments on this dog she had worked hard to save. Dr. Nichol, Sarge was put to sleep. It seems my half hour training session each day could not overcome the frustration of an active and intelligent dog…
Complications like Urinary Infections Derail Good Control Question: I have a 14-year-old cat who was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago. She was completely healthy and stable; her insulin (glargine) dose was 1 1/2 units. A month ago she became lethargic and indifferent to food. Her fructosamine test showed 400 and there was sugar in her urine. Her insulin was increased to 2 units. She’s had good and bad days since but hasn’t completely returned to her normal self. I’m no longer convinced that Prescription Diet m/d is the best food for her. Dr. Nichol: Something important is still…
Similar to a Human’s Alzheimer’s Dogs can have Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Question: I have an older Lab cross that has undergone extreme personality changes. He is withdrawn, does not want to be around us and refuses to come indoors at night. Is this condition treatable? Toby’s regular vet thinks he is in pain due to severe arthritis but, he is not sure what is going on. Dr. Nichol: Your veterinarian is probably right about the joint pain. Degenerative arthritis affects a whole lot of dogs as well as cats of retirement age. Big kids like your Lab mix are especially…
A Steady Diet of Dry Food is Best Question: I’m a new dog Mom. Is it okay to give peanuts to my little dog? She won’t eat peanut butter but loves those peanuts. Is it okay to give can pumpkin when she has not gone #2 in a day or more? I’ve given her some baby food pumpkin and apple which she loves and that seems to work. I also give her a 3.5 oz of Cesar gourmet filets along with some dry food twice a day? Dr. Nichol: That’s quite a menu. Peanuts are fine, in moderation. While not…
Have a good Christmas? Great! The carousing and cavorting has only begun. With New Years Eve right around the corner everybody who’s anybody is certain to accessorize with glo-sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry. Lots of laughs for us but for an inquisitive pet the experience can quickly turn from exhilarating to excruciating. Biting through the chewy plastic casing releases the vile tasting luminescent dibutyl phthalate. Your furry friend’s festive frolicking will plummet at warp speed as he drools, foams, and shakes his head. Swallowing even a small amount will cause retching and vomiting. Cats have been known to dash around and…
Time to Cat-Proof for the Holidays Canine dietary indiscretions like chocolate, raisins, grapes, and turkey carcasses are well known. Let’s be fair; cats deserve recognition for their high risk Christmastime binging too. Tinsel tops their list. Once swallowed peristaltic movements often advance it safety toward the proper exit but if a strand gets hung up, those back and forth motions cause major trouble. Wads of tinsel form serious obstructions. Lengths of it saw holes in the intestinal wall. At our house recognized a choice: decorate with tinsel or have a cat. We’ve chosen our cat. The silica gel packs included…
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…