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Today’s cats live a lot longer than their free-living ancestors not just because of advances in nutrition and medical care. Their people are getting educated and paying closer attention. A research paper, recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, evaluated the link between feline dental disease and kidney failure. The steady release of inflammatory products from chronically inflamed gums inflicts long term damage on the kidneys. The risk increases with age. Tartar buildup is a fact of life for anybody who eats. The chewing motion packs these deposits against the gums and, later, beneath the gum…
Living Gracefully Last week I introduced a handicapped Chihuahua mix named Grace and her canine compadres of the Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary. The healthy interactions of this free-ranging group are a great example of how well dogs can get along when they are unencumbered by contrivances like houses and fences. Pet dogs, with limited indoor and outdoor space, can feel crowded by their canine housemates. Their inability to create distance from each other can intensify competition for food, human attention, and other perceived “scarce” resources. Set your dogs up for success by feeding them in separate rooms. And be…
Together in a Crowd Grace is a 13 year old Chihuahua with a bad back, permanently dislocated knee caps, and a staggering rear gait. You could say she has pluck and courage but she doesn’t consciously throw her shoulders back and “power through”. She doesn’t need to. She just runs and sniffs and eats and plays with the other 24-30 dogs in her free-ranging canine group as though she were as able-bodied as any of them. If you watch carefully you see her compadres making allowances, giving her a clear path. On late afternoon hikes through the hillsides of the…
A peaceful existence is difficult for a lot of us in today’s world. There is so much conflict, office politics, lack of acceptance, isolation. It’s almost everywhere you look. Aren’t we considered a “developed” nation? Maybe not. It’s a good thing we have pets. I know a place where strife and acrimony are rare. I’ve been there. Oh, sure, there is the occasional harsh word but it’s over quickly. The inhabitants give each other space. They are like us and they are different. Maybe there is something to be learned. Grace is getting up in years. Actually, getting up and…
Be Kind – Pet Proof your Home The growing popularity of marijuana edibles, along with the increasing likelihood of this drug’s full legalization, has created significant animal welfare concerns. Dogs believe that every filched snack may be their last shot at survival, making them natural born thieves. The chocolate in “magic” brownies is a serious risk all by itself. It’s rare for a dog to die from marijuana toxicity but their wellbeing certainly suffers when they’re overcome with lethargy and unable to walk or climb stairs. Because an overdosed pet can’t verbalize its anxiety and fear the dilated pupils, slowed…
Predatory Aggression can be Redirected Question: Like the cat you wrote about last week my 7 year old neutered-male craves affection but will viciously and without warning bite me. I was sitting on the couch, typing on my iPad and he was snuggled on my arm. I wasn’t petting him and everything seemed peaceful. Suddenly he sank his teeth into my hand. Now I’m afraid to let him sit by me for more than a few minutes. I feel bad because he’s not getting all the love and attention he craves. Dr. Nichol: I get it. We have two cats…
Question: I have a four year old female cat that, on occasion, viciously bites me without warning when I pet her. When my previous cat would bite, I chalked it up to over-stimulation because I detected warning signs (tail flicking and ears flattened). This cat, however, craves the affection – until she suddenly bites like a snake! Could it be because she didn’t learn boundaries by playing with kitty siblings? Should I tone down my affection? Signed, Cut-up owner of Cobra Cat Dear Cut-up: Is that your real name? Maybe it’s just what Cobra Cat calls you. It’s true…
Lifelines come when they are needed the most Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. Rather than panicking and running toward us with abandon he held back a bit, knowing it was a gamble. Still, he had to take a chance. Frank and I and our relaxed but active dog might be his only shot at survival, especially in his current state: wet, cold, thirsty, hungry, and a potential coyote snack. The hike we enjoy most evenings in our semi-rural corner of Albuquerque’s North Valley is equal parts neighborly, agrarian, and, well, a bit wild.…
Find the Cause; Avoid the Misery Question: I have a miniature dachshund, 1 1/2 years old. About a week ago she started shaking/trembling when it was bed time and every night since then she starts to tremble at night and hides behind my couch. Could something be wrong with her or is she just scared of something? Dr. Nichol: Your little dog sounds frightened. Disc disease in her neck or back or internal pain can cause trembling but the consistent occurrence at the same time every evening causes me to suspect a fear association. This could be triggered by a…
Soldering Infection may be at Fault Question: I have a 10 year old male orange tabby. He has always been a vocal cat and enjoys “talking” back and forth with you. A week ago he lost his voice. He seems healthy otherwise, but is a bit sad and perplexed about not being able to speak. Is this something that you have seen resolve over time? We hesitate to take him to the veterinarian. He gets upset and becomes quite loud when being transported. He goes outside in his protected backyard, and I wondered if seasonal allergies might be a culprit.…