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.

Age to Switch to Adult Dog Food & How Often to Feed

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…

How Much to Feed

Being overweight is unhealthy. Here’s how to get it right.   Question: How much should I feed my cat? I thought I was doing the right thing by following the…

Canned Food for Dogs & Cats

Different Species Have Different Needs Question: I read in your column, three weeks ago, about the reverse opinion about feeding cats dry food. Would this advice, also, apply to dogs?…

High Protein Diets for one Cat with FLUTD & another with Obesity

Cat with Different Needs Should have Individual Diets to Manage their Individual Health Question: I live with 3 cats: a 7-year old spayed female with a tendency to UTIs, a…

Raw Meat Diet for Cats

A Good Start but the Best Diets are Balanced Question: I’ve had a shelter cat for a year now. I recently stumbled onto some basic information about pet nutrition and…

Canned Kitten Food is Best for All Age Cats

Avoid Cheese. A High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet is Best. Question: Is cheese bad for cats? Are there foods cats should not eat?   Dr. Nichol: Cats should…

Dogs Eating Cat Food & Cats Eating Dog Food

Cats & dogs are different species with very different needs. Poor health can result from the wrong diet.   Question: Our 8 month old Pomeranian – dachshund sure enjoys eating…

Plant Eating

There is no way to stop plant eating. Give the gift that keeps on giving: a Catnip Garden.   Question: We have an 8 year old purebred Manx who seems…

Weight Reduction for the Overweight Feline

Gradual change to a high fiber low fat diet is safe & effective.   Question: I have a special problem with my cat “Tigger”. He is fat. But I don’t…