Weekly article archive

The following questions and answers have appeared in my weekly column in the Albuquerque Journal since July, 1996. Each week a new one is added. You'll find information on the physical and behavioral maladies of dogs and cats and a few other species too. I invite you to use the search feature to find the specific answer that you and your pet need.

Trap, Neuter, Release

Feral Cat Population Control & the Impact on Wildlife A few times a year I spend a Sunday morning spaying and neutering feral cats at the behest of Street Cat…

Cat Seizuring following possible Head Trauma

Medication only needed until Healing is Complete Question: I have a 6 month old foster kitten and she has seizures of unknown origin. She has a healed fracture of her…

Dog Crated Day & Night Urine Soils

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…

ACL Rupture in a Small Dog

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…

Cat Defecates Next to Litter Pan

Make Success Easy; Avoid Punishment Question: I have two cats, Puppy and Critter. Puppy uses the Litter Robot to urinate but defecates right in front of it. When I catch…

Fearful Dog Losing Bladder Control

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…

Who Decides How Much Care is Right for an Older Pet?

The Doctor Informs & Advises. The Owner Makes the Call Question: Last week you advised an owner of a Great Pyrenees to get expensive tests for her dog’s breathing problems.…

Noisy, Difficult Breathing is Dangerous

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…

Cord Chewing is Shockingly Dangerous

Taste Bads & Funner Alternatives. Avoid Punishment Question: My cat has a terrible chewing problem.  He chewed through my curling iron cord, leaving exposed wires. He chews the plastic top…