Posts by drjeffnichol

Microchip and Caring People Saved this Life The following narrative is a difficult story with a good ending and an even better lesson. A friend and longtime reader wrote this…

Dementia is Common in Canine Seniors Question: My 13 year Sheepdog has started barking since he came out of kennels in March. I have gotten complaints from my neighbour as…

Good Treatments depend on Age & Severity Question: My husband and I are the owners of a beloved one year old Airedale terrier. Toby has been x-rayed and diagnosed by…

Question: Our German shepherd, Chrysanthemum (6 months old), has fear-aggression issues so we’ve been taking her to Bullhead Park to try socializing. There were 5-6 dogs there and she was…

Specific cause unknown The risks to canine health from eating jerky treats are on the front burner again. I shared information on this problem in my Pet Care column back…

There may be a new and ugly infection of dogs that could spell trouble – or maybe not. Confirmed so far in only a handful dogs in Ohio, the organism,…

Thorough Vaccination will Diminish Risk Question: A friend with connections to a therapy dog group emailed me about two “new” dog illnesses. They seem serious. Dr. Nichol: Not only are…

Patient repetition of Rewards for Courage Question: My mom is a young widow. And very lonely. She mentioned she wanted a cocker. So I surprised her with one for Christmas.…

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…

One Day Housetraining is Fast & Simple Question: My puppy is 10 weeks old and has been paper trained since 4 weeks. I want him to go outside so I…

A Trip to the Doctor means Managing Travel Anxiety Question: We have an older female German shepherd that for the past couple of months has ‘matter’ in both eyes off…

Myasthenia Gravis may be the Cause Question: Why does my Jack Russell (5 months) get sick when he drinks? Every time the poor little guy gets a drink, especially first…

Natural Behavioral Outlets Essential to Well-Being Question: I am a new mom to two wonderful shelter dogs, including Moxie, a 15 month old pit bull/heeler.  She has never urinated or…

Surgical Management is Best for Young Dogs Question: My dog Lola is a happy 3 year old Lhasa-poo. Recently, she eagerly ran down the stairs and hurt her leg. Her…

Avoid Fear Triggers & Teach Scared Dog that Strangers are Safe Question: Our 6 year old, mostly red healer, was rescued from an Indian reservation, then rescued again with her…

Diagnosis may be Complex; Relief is Essential Question: I have a Great Pyrenees dog, 10 years old. For the past 6 months he acts like he has sleep apnea: he…

A More Enriched Environment will Provide Healthy Alternatives Question: My dog brings feces into the house from outside almost as an “offering”. How can I stop that behavior? Dr. Nichol:…

Weight Reduction is the Best Medicine Question: We have a 10 year old German shepherd/Malamute mix who is using the bathroom in the family room every night. She is house…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

A Head Halter is a Great Leadership tool Question: I read the post on your facebook page about the Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd and felt an instant kinship! Our 1 year old…

No Electric Shock Collar; Enrich this Dog’s Life Instead Question: I have a Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd who is 1 year old. He barks constantly. If nothing is out there to bark…

Cats who drink & urinate a lot may have diabetes. Some cases are complicated by an additional hormone disorder called Cushings. Both are treatable.   Question: My 9-year-old cat was…

If They’re a Big Enough Pain in the Rear-Get Rid of those Anal Glands Question: My four-year-old male cat has had anal gland problems since he was a year old.…

Anal gland disease & the itchy rear end.   Question: My indoor pet Siamese cat has recently began dragging her butt across the floor.  She has never been outdoors, and…

How to Manage the Feeding Frenzy Question: My 4 year old pug is obsessed with food. She turns into the Tasmanian devil. I tried just filling up the bowl and…

Large Breed Puppy Food Cuts the Risk of Bone & Joint Growth Disorders Question: I have a 7-month old Labrador retriever. How long should I feed puppy food, and at…

Frequent dog food changes, gas, & dry flaky skin. This fellow needs a consistent diet.   Question: We adopted “Satchmo” a few months ago–he was the featured pup in the…

A great way to keep a dog occupied & maintain healthy teeth & gums.   Question: I have a healthy 3 1/2 year old female Great Dane.  She really likes…

Fine-as long as the pig & the dog aren’t related.   Question: I was wondering if pig ears are bad for dogs.   Dr. Nichol: I’ve always thought that this…

Feed no bones. Eat without your pets. Table food leads to trouble.   Question: Our one-year-old female Jack Russell Terrier might have swallowed some fish bones.  She seems fine, but…

Are you crazy? Dogs & cats don’t eat corn in the wild. They need meat, right?   Question: Can animals, dogs and cats, digest corn? I know that in most…

Low thyroid function is a factor for some obese dogs.   Question: We have a 4 year old male whippet (Echo) with a severe weight problem that we have been…

Great for the humans but dogs need them predigested.   Question: My little terrier loves raw vegetables, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, okra, etc. and fruits-apples, oranges. Will eating these harm her?…

You’ll be surprised by what human foods are dangerous to dogs.   Question: Please lists foods that may be or are toxic to dogs. I know about chocolate but my…

Many Dogs Need Less Food. Coaxing a Dog To Overeat May be Bad for her Health. Question: I have a 3-year-old black German Shepherd that rarely eats. She usually only…

Rewarding this behavior with food will encourage more of it. Avoid the problem & the weight gain that goes with it by putting  your pets outside while you eat.  …

Attention Seeking Behavior is a Factor Question: My daughter-in-law feeds the dog from her plate using the same utensils she eats with. I am truly serious. She eats a spoonful…

Dogs are the best trainers. Here’s how you can be the trainer. Teach your dog to eat dog food.   Question: I really enjoy the light and amusing style in…

Surgery can be a Life Saver Question: Our Keeshond has laryngeal paralysis, acts like he is gagging all the time, and when he gets excited he lies down literally gasping…

Heart Disease, the most Likely Cause, may Result in Sudden Death Question: Do dogs faint?  Yesterday I noticed my 6 year old female German Shepherd appear to faint twice.  We…

Congestive Heart Failure is Common & usually Responsive to Treatment Question: My dog is 16 years old and has not been to the vets in a long time. He has…

Canine Flu Vaccine Available By now we’re all aware of the H1N1 swine flu. Canine flu (H3N8), while not contagious to humans, is also on the upswing. Fortunately New Mexico’s…

A Possible Serious Epidemic-Dogs have No Natural Immunity Dog lovers need to be aware of a new infectious disease called dog flu. So far there have been no cases identified…

Latency causes Repeat Infections; Eye Infections are the Worst Part Question: We adopted a one year old male orange tabby in January, 2005.  He had been in the city’s shelter…

Injectable Vaccine is Better Question: I don’t have a question just a heads up to all dog owners that take their dogs to dog parks.  Please get them vaccinated for…

Gradual onset of paralysis of the voice box can be dangerous but it is treatable.   Question: My 11 year old female lab’s breathing is labored when walking & if…

Tooth Root Infections Can Be Diagnosed with Dental X-rays Question: I took my female mixed terrier for many check ups for, what I thought, was a respiratory problem. There was…

Dogs don’t get colds the way we do, but they can get some serious upper respiratory disease. See the doctor.   Question: I have a 7-year-old mixed breed (lab &…

“Reverse Sneezing” usually has allergic causes. Antihistamines should help.   Question: I have a 3 year old female pug named “Pug”. I know we should have come up with something…

Medications can have side effects. Know what to look for.   Question: My dog, Comet, is 11 years old with enlarged heart and liver. She is refusing to eat her…

How to recognize it, How to prevent it, How it’s treated.   Question: What are the symptoms of heartworms and is there a cure? If I give my dog a…

Immune System Compromise Due to FeLV or FIV May be at Fault Question: About a year ago I started feeding a stray cat and lately he’s been coming in the…

Collapsing Trachea is Common, especially in Overweight Small Breeds Question: My 9-month-old Pomeranian puppy suffers from a breathing problem. It seems to be an asthma attack. What can I do…

Collapsing Trachea is a Lifelong Challenge Question: I have a young male chi-wiener dog who has a cough that sounds like human whooping cough.  He gets it maybe once a…

Some abnormal heart sounds are dangerous but early, thorough diagnosis is key to good outcomes.   Question: I’m a proud owner of a beautiful Siberian Husky who is eight weeks…

Treat year ‘round with once monthly chewables.   Question: We moved 6 months ago and our vet there didn’t heartworm test our dog after he was 9 months old because…

Give OTC Meds Prior to Travel Question: Lu Lu, the 4 month old miniature poodle, has responded well to your house breaking tips and continues to be a happy, energetic, entertaining puppy…

No Need for Concern-No Toxic Risk Question: When our shelter rescue dog joined our family recently, we noticed shotgun pellets imbedded in several locations on his body.  He must have…

Diet, Internal Illness are possible Causes Question: I have a 15 year old boxer beagle mix. He is in great health except he is getting gas worse and worse. It…

Vaccination May or May Not be Necessary Question: Our vet recommends Luke have a leptospirosis vaccine. In what specific areas are the large outbreaks of lepto occurring? Does a dog…

An Excellent & Safe Pastime Question: My two mini-poodles love to eat rawhide chews. What are you recommendations on this? Dr. Nichol: Go for it. Rawhides are healthy for the…

Euthanasia May be Best Question: I bought a puppy. A day later it had diarrhea and green stuff coming from his eyes. I took the puppy to the vet and…

Frequent Insulin Adjustments can Create Big Trouble Question: My dog has diabetes.  For a long while, we weren’t able to get her glucose below 200.  Now it will spike or…

Rattlesnake Bite is a Strong Possibility Question: When I was hiking in the foothills with my two female rottweiler mixes (age 9 and 12) I realized that the older one…

Vaccines & Training are Available but Vigilance is the Best Preventative Question: My wife was walking our dog Sasha on an asphalt path and came upon an immature rattle snake.…

A new vaccine by Red Rock Biologics can reduce the risk of painful injury and death from rattlesnake bites in dogs. The vaccination is given in two doses about one…

Also covered in the Snake Bites section of this book, this answer will provide additional detail.   Question: Last year my friend’s dog got snake bit. I have a new…

Bone Lesions can only be Controlled with Long Term Medication Question: After we moved to Tucson in 2002 our Keeshond developed Valley Fever which didn’t invade his lungs or spine,…

Overweight Dogs Stealing Food Food Competition is Normal-Feed Separately Question: I have two dogs who eat each other’s food nearly every day to the point where the lab is becoming…

Cataracts are Common but Treatable Question: My 10-year-old heeler cross, Maeve, was diagnosed last year with diabetes. She has responded very well to the twice-daily insulin injections and the low-fat…

No Need for Concern about the Use of Jugular Veins Question: My 95 pound sheepdog mix has been a blood donor for the past year.  I was happy to allow…

Nose Temperature is Never Reliable; a Thermometer is Much Better Question: Is a cold nose an indicator of health in a cat (like a dog) or is it OK if…

Heart Disease, the most Likely Cause, may Result in Sudden Death Question: Do dogs faint?  Yesterday I noticed my 6 year old female German Shepherd appear to faint twice.  We…

Numerous Health Risks plus Overpopulation Make Spaying the Right Choice Question: A friend recently got a lab X puppy.  When I asked if he was going to spay her –…

There are a Few Routes; All take Education Question: How does a person become an animal behaviorist? Does one need to go through veterinary college or something more like an…

Many Possible Causes but Cancer Tops the List Question: Our 12 year old Lab/Border Collie has had back pain for 2 years and is very weak in the back legs.…

Adverse Reactions Plagued ProHeart but other Good Preventatives Remain Question: I read that ProHeart 6 had been recalled.  My poodle was on this medication.  What can be used in its…

Many are Simple to Manage, Others are a Challenge. Nearly all do Well Question: My 10-year-old spayed lab cross has been hypothyroid for 2 1/2 years. Molly’s thyroid is still…

A Lab’s Common Sense should keep her Safe Question: I have a 9-month-old female Labrador Retriever that loves water (naturally). Would our hot tub be harmful if the temperature is…

Safe in Small Amounts, it can Damage the Health of a Trusting Dog Question: My 5-year-old male lab/shepherd cross “Q ” has picked up beer drinking. He sits next to…

Kidney Damage can be Permanent Question: I read in the ABQ Journal that frozen grapes are a good summer snack for dogs. I’ve been giving them to my dog and…

Intestinal Parasites can be a Major Human Health Risk Question: Can you get sick or contract a disease from sharing things, for example a Popsicle or letting them lick your…

Disorder of the Larynx may be at Fault Question: How can I tell when my black lab, 12 years old, is becoming overheated on our walks?  We walk about 20…

Know How to Avoid Serious Risk & What to do in an Emergency Most of us have enough sense not to leave a dog in a hot car, but our…

A Treatable Disease that is Missing from New Mexico Question: My dog has Lyme disease and an injured spine. Her vet has prescribed prednisone. My concern is a compromised immune…

Blindness may be Reversible is Treated Soon Question: Is there anything I can do to cure Ehrlichia in my dog?  She only has 1 symptom; she suddenly lost her eyesight…

A Potentially Fatal Disease, Most Dogs Respond Well to Treatment Question: I am the “grandmother” of a handsome poodle with a big problem. He has been diagnosed with Ehrlichia platys…

Dogs & Cats are Not at Risk Question: Do I need to protect my dogs from the West Nile virus?   Dr. Nichol: This spreading infection is nerve wracking for…

A Healthy Dog Can Run Longer than a Human Can Ride Question: I was wondering what’s your take on biking with a dog. I’ve got an Aussie that I’ve been…

Advanced liver disease can be deadly but many cases are manageable.   Question: Our beautiful old dog is getting a little weak. And her stomach is getting big but when…

A Thorough Diagnostic Workup is Essential for Life Question: My 7-year-old Akita mix has started drinking a lot of water. He was tested for diabetes and Cushing’s and results were…

Often Difficult to Diagnose & Treat, Cushing’s is fairly Common Question: I lost a 9-yr-old Boston Terrier to Cushing’s disease. What is that? Could I have done something to save…

Poorly functioning adrenal glands produce low amounts of the body’s cortisol. Learn the signs of this disease. Also know how to recognize trouble with medication dosages.   Question: My 5…

Cursed with funky, misshapen vertebrae, Bulldog tails can plug the anus.   Question: Help! My bulldog has screwtail. I’d never heard of such a thing. What do I do?  …

Severe flea infestations can cause blood loss anemia. Shock & death are a big risk.   Question: I have a small dog who has been passing out! She comes out…

Pets, without question, feel pain just as we do. Better pet hospitals treat & prevent pain.   Question: I have often wondered about cats and dogs and pain, especially when…

Hidden problems like joint pain, organ disease, & thyroid trouble can be found with lab testing. Proper treatment can improve life quality & life expectancy.   Question: My 14 year…

Wounded, bleeding tails are a miserable mess. Here are some answers.   Question: I have a small problem with my chocolate Labrador. Her tail at the end is hairless and…

It’s fatal in 50% of dogs who have it. It must be treated quickly & aggressively   Question: What is done to treat Hemolytic Anemia?  My 9 year old Airedale-…

Umbilical hernias are common in puppies. Most are insignificant. A few can be dangerous.   Question: We have a 10 week old white German Shepherd puppy and I just noticed…

Anal Glands are a common cause of rear end discomfort. It’s usually easy to remedy.   Question: Is it an old wife’s tale or a fact that if a dog…

Long toenails make for painful arthritic feet. Black nails are hard to trim safely. Here is the how-to.   Question: I’ve recently acquired my deceased mother’s dog. I’m taking her…

Surgical removal is only necessary for field dogs.   Question: We recently adopted a 6-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy from an animal shelter.  He is “double dewclawed” on his hind legs. …

Age is not a disease. Safety is really a function of health. Complete lab work will solve the safety question.   Question: My beloved Cairn Terrier is 13 and his…

No Treatment Necessary Question: I never thought I’d be writing to you (sounds like Dear Abby). I have a 5-month-old Basset Hound named Homer who has a terrible problem with…

Nothing Important to Worry About. Tapeworms & Hanta Virus are Highly Unlikely Question: I recently caught my pedigree-challenged dog chasing and catching a field mouse. She dropped the mouse when…

Impacted anal glands make a dog scoot and/or lick his/her rear end. Relief is simple but important.   Question: I have a daschund (wienie dog, female) about 7 years old.…

Wet nose, dry nose-no big deal.   Question: Should my cat have a wet nose?  In the mornings, his nose is wet.  He did have an upper respiratory infection when…

Joint Pain makes it Hard to get Outside Question: 15 year old terrier/collie mix is losing control of anal muscles. Has difficulty holding squat position. Outside walks in straight line,…

Forget Tempting Treats-Get Medical Attention for that Sick Senior Dog Question: In January my 16-year-old dachshund/cocker cross stopped eating her dry dog food. Canned food caused her to have diarrhea…

SARDS is Incurable Question: We discovered a few weeks ago our Brittany dog, Val, is experiencing SARDS, Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome. I am devastated at how quickly he is…

Blindness can Result but it Can be Treated Question: We adopted the cutest little dog from a shelter. She was a mess-matted, fleas and smelly. The vet said she was…

Small Tumors Should be Removed Question: I am a widowed senior citizen. I have a 10 year old miniature poodle. This little dog has lost most of her eyesight due…

Most Dogs Adjust well to Blindness. Brain Aging Changes are More Likely & Treatable Question: We have a 14 year-old, female Japanese Chin who is blind. Sometimes she complains and…

There are Multiple Causes. Treatment is Usually Successful Question: I have a female mixed breed terrier (12 yrs. old) named Rosie whom we all love dearly. She has a white…

Possible Injury, Possible Birth Defect Question: I am in the process of purchasing a Lab puppy from a litter of 8. The one I picked seems to have a small…

Here is how to Train to Eliminate Anywhere Question: We adopted a puppy in March at 3 months old. We had no problem house training Duke. The problem is he…

Vibrissae Help Animals Feel their Environment Question: Dogs have warts on their jaw or under their chin or both. They seem to have inherited these from their wolf ancestors. What…

Dogs can Catch them from People This is an interesting reflex we share with our pets, quite literally with our dogs. It has long been recognized that when you yawn…

Good Hygiene is Essential but other Humans are the Greatest Risk Question: When the Europeans came to America they brought diseases that we as a people only scarcely survived. Because…

Associate the Name with Obedience & Food Rewards Question: I’ve been perusing the available dogs at various shelters and found a gorgeous white shepherd, but his name doesn’t suit the quite…

Avoid the Ire of Neighbors by Rewarding your Dog for Eliminating at her Territory’s Boundary Question: I used to be a professional dog sitter and when a dog lifts his…

Vinegar & Diatomaceous Earth are In; Round-Up is Out Question: I have two dogs, George & Gracie, whom I love dearly.  I am working under the assumption that there are…

Numerous Health Risks plus Overpopulation Make Spaying the Right Choice Question: A friend recently got a lab X puppy.  When I asked if he was going to spay her –…

More Effective ways of Keeping a Dog at Home are also Safer Question: I was appalled to find that my wife’s adult son had left his dog chained to a…

It’s Happening Fast-But is it the Right Thing to Do? Question: My dog’s 10 and is a great friend. What’s the latest on dog cloning (how/cost/etc.)? Dr. Nichol: Cloning of…

Question: I have a wonderful Boxer who is 4 years old. Cookie has had this unusual habit since she was a puppy. Before she eats she roots in the dry…

This horrible disease of the nervous system is still with us. Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. Dear Dr. Nichol, A couple of weeks ago my wife and I adopted a beautiful Labrador…

With a few exceptions, never is best. Brushing is much healthier. Question: How often should I bathe my pets? I’ve heard everything from once a week to never.   Dr.…

Call of the Wild? Great pet with an independent spirit? Dangerous & illegal? Question: I know some people who breed wolf hybrids. I’ve seen these animals and they are magnificent.…

It’s just for looks, but for your pups it’s important. 1-3 days old is best for safety. Question: My Boxer just had a litter of the cutest babies I have…

More than just a nuisance, flies can cause maggots to destroy the health an older dog. Question: My old dog has flies buzzing around. What works well?   Dr. Nichol:…

Size Does Matter Question: We have two 10 year old beagles who have always been “outdoor” dogs. I have built them a house framed with 2×4’s, plywood, and have insulated…

A Shared Doghouse or Indoor Separate Crates are Best Question: I have two dogs, Zara with a built-in fur coat, very thick, and Luke, typical short hair, about 35 lbs…

What’s right & wrong on the discussion of money. Question: Two weeks ago our cat Walter was real sick and was in the animal hospital for 5 days. Each day,…

A new dog with new lessons. Sometimes different is better. Question: I read a few weeks ago that they were trying to create an exact replica of someone’s pet dog. …

The Basics Question: What do you have to do to take care of a dog daily?   Dr. Nichol: This is a great question. Give excellent food in two measured…

101.0 F (+ or – 0.5 degrees) Question: I’m curious as to the normal body temperature of a dog.   Dr. Nichol: 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 0.5 degree…

Dramamine or a prescription medication given before the car ride will prevent nausea. Question: My 6-month-old Silky Terrier is plagued with carsickness. We have tried traveling on an empty stomach…

Get Advice from a Reliable Source Question: Conflicting advice for older dogs and parvo vaccination. I’ve recently been advised by a pet supply outlet that my older dogs (8 year…

Health means more than just ‘Start out slowly, then taper off’. Question: I have a beautiful 8-month-old Bichon Frise puppy who loves to go running with me.  I started her…

Why that funky body style? Are they all loveable?   Question: What are basset hounds good for?   Dr. Nichol: That depends on who’s asking and why. Originally Bassets were…

There are several useful tools; each has its place. All are safe if used properly.   Question: Do you know of any health problems related to either prong/pinch collars or…

There is a good method to taking it slow & careful. A gentle dog should fit in well-eventually.   Question: Five days ago I got a young dog. I already…

Even small breed dogs need good manners. Taking a puppy to school gets you both trained-and your lives together get better.   Question: We just got a brand new puppy…

Your Veterinarian should be there for Guidance & Support Question: I have a 17 year old cocker terrier. She now has multiple problems and is on many meds. She is…

Daily Vitamin C will provide a healthy lawn.   Question: We have a 6-month-old blue heeler, female; she is slowly turning my grass yellow.  Is there anything that I can…

Everybody has one. Here’s how to hunt one down.   Question: Why don’t dogs and cats have belly buttons like people?   Dr. Nichol: Well, the truth is that they…

Do your Best job of Diplomacy Before calling Animal Control Question: One of my neighbors has had his Labrador confined behind his house (on the windowless side) for years.  Never…

Be Careful with “Designer” Dogs; Inbreeding Often Spells Poor Health & Bas Temperaments Question: I will be getting an Argentine Dogo puppy form a breeder in Austin in a few…

They have some Issues of their Own but are Better in some ways than Large Dogs Question: A couple of weeks ago there was an article in the Journal about…

The Best Individual means More than Breed. Watch the You Tube Video Question: We are looking to purchase a puppy.  We have two children ages 12 and 13.  We enjoy…

Good tunes and the dogs who love them.   Question: I have a one year old Bearded Collie who barks and howls whenever I play the piano. My question is,…

Dogs are man’s and woman’s best friends but some have really bad habits. Take a step back. Many out-of-control dogs can learn to abandon unhealthy behaviors and follow their leaders.…