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Patience, Zylkene, & Feliway Question: My 6 month old kitty came from Animal Control when she was 5 weeks. She was definitely scared but settled in with me in a day or so. I live alone so besides veterinarians she’s had no other company. She runs and hides whenever anyone comes over. My wonderful cat sitter is coming over to see if she’ll calm down. Is there anything I can do to get her to quit being so scared? She’s so loving and playful with me. Dr. Nichol: I am so happy that your scared little cat has learned to…
The Link is Strong but it can be Broken Garfield the comic strip cat, famous for his obsessive eating, is not alone. Just this morning our cat Tony, having ripped a hole in an unopened dog food bag, was caught happily gorging. Jokes abound but an expanding feline girth can be lead to heartache. Obesity in cats is a big problem that is difficult to shake. Well, actually, everything shakes on these little porkers. Tony, that little pig, now wears on ankle monitor. Cats weighing over about 12 pounds are at high risk of painful arthritis as well as fatty…
Early Extraction is Safest Question: I discovered that Rocky (5 month old Jack Russell) is growing his adult canine teeth however his baby teeth are not coming out. Will they come out on their own later? Dr. Nichol: Retained baby (deciduous) teeth is a common bump in the road of adolescence for small dogs. Have reached 5 months those little choppers will not fall out on their own. When baby teeth are allowed to stay beyond the toddler phase, the much bigger permanent teeth will arrive right next door. Food particles, hair, and even plant material can get jammed in…
Heal well with Careful Treatment Question: We have a Rhodesian ridgeback, chow, Sheppard mix. I made the error of shaving his coat. Now these red bloody abrasions keep appearing. Dr. Nichol: As with any medical problem, attempting to diagnose a skin disorder without a physical exam would be a serious gamble. But – I suspect clipper burns. Without frequent lubrication the friction between those rapidly moving blades generates serious heat. Clipper burns are seldom severe but they are miserable and can take a few weeks to heal. Cleaning those wounds twice daily with a moist wash cloth is the safest…
Special Care is needed for Scared Dogs Question: We have a lab mix 2 years old. She’s had issues with trust but has done well, always sleeping inside. While my friend was pet sitting her daughter hid behind the door and when our dog came in she shut the door, scaring the dog. Now she will come up to the door but will not cross the threshold. We have tried coaxing her with treats and toys to no avail. We miss her terribly! The weather will be getting cold and I am fearful for her to be outside. Dr. Nichol:…
Testing Cats can Assure Human Safety Question: I have friends that have macular degeneration. One is legally blind. I have read Internet articles telling that cats can carry the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (cq). One of them states that Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of eye inflammation in the world. Could this be causing the eye problems that our long-term cat owner friends have? Dr. Nichol: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is transmissible between animals and humans. It’s caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite that can infect any warm-blooded mammal but cats are its definitive host. I’m…
Knee Caps need Repair. Stem Cells can Help 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 veterinarian told 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: That missed jump may have strained the tendons that support and guide your girl’s knee caps (patellas). Rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help…
Question: Will the mist of an essential oils diffuser bother my two male cats? How long is a cat’s memory? I will be gone for a month as my daughter is getting married in Little Rock, AR. Is there anything I can do to help them remember me? Dr. Nichol: Essential oils are fine for cats but a Feliway pheromone diffuser will promote a calmer emotional state for them. This will be especially important while you are away. Your boys will miss you but they are glad that you’ll be attending your daughter’s wedding. They are social creatures whose well-being…
Question: I have a nonprofit cat rescue, ForeclosurePets, here in Washington State (I am a NM native). I currently have a mom, who is very friendly, and her 3 kittens. They are about 9 weeks. I got them 2 weeks ago. The kittens will play at a distance with a teaser, and I have gotten them to eat wet food with me sitting on the floor near them. I need to get them people friendly. Dr. Nichol: Thanks for doing such important work. The mother cat’s affinity for you indicates that she had positive human exposure prior to the age…
Avoid the Fear Triggers; Reduce the Anxiety Balloon Fiesta is great fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak out from those cosmic monsters leering and looming over them. The far-off hiss of a propane burner or a multi-colored speck in the distance can trigger overwhelming terror. There’s nothing logical about phobias. Dogs with this irrational fear haven’t been physically assaulted by balloons but like humans with unfounded anxieties, they need special consideration. Hiding, trembling, and nervous panting are indicators of real misery. Simple avoidance will reduce the risk of a balloon-phobic dog’s head…