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.

Hot Tubbing for Dogs

A Lab’s Common Sense should keep her Safe Question: I have a 9-month-old female Labrador Retriever that loves water (naturally). Would our hot tub be harmful if the temperature is…

Beer Drinking for Dogs

Safe in Small Amounts, it can Damage the Health of a Trusting Dog Question: My 5-year-old male lab/shepherd cross “Q ” has picked up beer drinking. He sits next to…

Grapes are Dangerous

Kidney Damage can be Permanent Question: I read in the ABQ Journal that frozen grapes are a good summer snack for dogs. I’ve been giving them to my dog and…

Health Risks of Sharing Food with a Dog

Intestinal Parasites can be a Major Human Health Risk Question: Can you get sick or contract a disease from sharing things, for example a Popsicle or letting them lick your…

Older Lab Struggling on Summertime Walks

Disorder of the Larynx may be at Fault Question: How can I tell when my black lab, 12 years old, is becoming overheated on our walks?  We walk about 20…

Summer Heat

Know How to Avoid Serious Risk & What to do in an Emergency Most of us have enough sense not to leave a dog in a hot car, but our…

Lyme Disease & Back Pain

A Treatable Disease that is Missing from New Mexico Question: My dog has Lyme disease and an injured spine. Her vet has prescribed prednisone. My concern is a compromised immune…

Ehrlichiosis in Dogs can have Multiple Symptoms

Blindness may be Reversible is Treated Soon Question: Is there anything I can do to cure Ehrlichia in my dog?  She only has 1 symptom; she suddenly lost her eyesight…

Ehrlichiosis

A Potentially Fatal Disease, Most Dogs Respond Well to Treatment Question: I am the “grandmother” of a handsome poodle with a big problem. He has been diagnosed with Ehrlichia platys…