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.

The Business End of Pet Health Care

What’s right & wrong on the discussion of money. Question: Two weeks ago our cat Walter was real sick and was in the animal hospital for 5 days. Each day,…

Cloning a Dog

A new dog with new lessons. Sometimes different is better. Question: I read a few weeks ago that they were trying to create an exact replica of someone’s pet dog. …

Quality Standards for Veterinary Medical Care

How to know if your veterinarian is doing the job right.   Question: Why is there so little standardization between vets? The best ones do extensive prep work, blood testing,…

Daily Dog Care

The Basics Question: What do you have to do to take care of a dog daily?   Dr. Nichol: This is a great question. Give excellent food in two measured…

Blood Types in Pets

Cats, with only Two Blood Types have Good Success with Kidney Transplants Question: One of my students asked me if animals of the same species have different blood types like…

Normal Body Temperature

101.0 F (+ or – 0.5 degrees) Question: I’m curious as to the normal body temperature of a dog.   Dr. Nichol: 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 0.5 degree…

Carsickness in Dogs

Dramamine or a prescription medication given before the car ride will prevent nausea. Question: My 6-month-old Silky Terrier is plagued with carsickness. We have tried traveling on an empty stomach…

Where to Find Good Care for Your Pets When You’re Out of Town

Leave out food & water? Friends who visit your home? Expensive kennels? Here’s how to choose.   Question: Soon our children will be back in school and our family has…

Current Parvo Vaccination Recommendations

Get Advice from a Reliable Source Question: Conflicting advice for older dogs and parvo vaccination. I’ve recently been advised by a pet supply outlet that my older dogs (8 year…