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.

Time Out for Nutball – Everybody needs to Feel Better

A dog will believe that any response from its person is an earned reinforcer. That’s why reprimands and punishments fail. To stop digging the hole even deeper you’ll need to…

Immigration hate crime – can’t we just get along?

Second in a series The combatants were in their corners; the cacophony of cussing and the hurling of insults had ended.  Somehow, each cat was remarkably unscathed. Their well-intentioned humans,…

Wild & Highly (Hyper) Active Dog – Everybody needs to Feel Better

A dog will believe that any response from its person is an earned reinforcer. That’s why reprimands and punishments fail. To stop digging the hole even deeper you’ll need to…

Cat frat hazing or attempted murder?

First in a series Karen and Richard loved “Larry” and Curley”, a couple of fuzzy BFFs who’d shared their home with them since kittenhood eight years earlier. Everybody snuggled. It…

Cats who Hate each other’s Guts

Dangerous cat fights can worsen fast. Some cats belong together; others don’t. Keep the peace and learn how to give them space from each other.

Can a scared cat risk a doctor visit?

Pet lovers are kind and empathic folks. This is good for more than just our cats and dogs. We are healthier humans for bringing out the best in others –…

Dog on Furniture – Get Off!

Dogs who are told to get off the furniture repeat their crimes when the boss is out of sight. Consistency and kindness matter.

If it Looks, Smells & Tastes Like food, It Might be Dangerous

The time honored American tradition of conspicuous Christmas consumption isn’t just for humans. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides the following list of holiday hazards for pets: Alcoholic beverages,…

Holiday Pet Angst: Naughty or Nice?

Do your pets crack under holiday pressure? Together we’ll reach peace on earth.