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.

Overweight Dogs

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…

Overweight Cat with Food Allergy

No Hypoallergenic Diet Controls Weight. Add Fiber Question: My cat Annabelle was 16.5# of love, but with Science Diet r/d she is now down to 15#. Unfortunately she is showing…

Fat Cats

Here’s how to enforce a safe & effective diet for the rotund feline.   Question: I have a male cat that weighs 22 pounds.  I have him on lite cat…

Supplements

Feed an excellent diet & forget the rest.   Question: Can you tell me your thoughts regarding supplements for young pups? It seems there are differing opinions as to whether…

Diet: Which Food is Best?

How to tell the good nutrition from the junk. Question: I know someone who feeds her dog people food constantly.  I try to tell her that it is not good…

Vegetables in the Diet

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?…

Table Food-What’s Toxic & What’s Best

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…

Cat Refuses Canned Food-Holding out for Dry

Failure to Eat, especially for Fat Cats, can be Deadly Question: Our 2 year old cat Zipper REFUSES to eat canned food. He pretends to cover his wet food as…

Feline Obesity & the Risk of Fatty Liver

Fat Cats Are in Serious Danger Question: I gave a kitten to a cat-loving family about 6 months ago. He was about 2 months old then. Now he’s HUGE. I…