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.
Question: We recently adopted a cat, Lulu. Our two older dogs are OK with her however, our young dog, Sparky, wants to chase her. He is just too eager and excited…
Cats can be cranky, pesky, and a bit snarky with other pets. Scolding and water spraying doesn’t teach them better behavior. Instead of reacting badly, kitties can have fun with…
Question: What is your view of “cat grass?” Dr. Nichol: I’ve never used cat grass. I don’t eat it, grow it, mow it, or smoke it. On the other hand,…
Horses and dogs communicate with us – even if we don’t notice. They can love what we do and repay us with joy or they can react badly. Smart dogs…
Question: I hope you can help me and my cat “Lucky,” who I adopted 8 months ago. He is 5 years old and weighs 16#. He hides under the furniture…
Tunneling, climbing, running off – OMG! Raise the fence? Electric wire? Let’s figure out why this is happening and help your good dog stay home and succeed. Serious anxiety needs…
Teach Avoidance without Electric Shock Question: I need information on humane rattlesnake “proofing” techniques for dogs. It seems to me that keeping your dog on leash would be a better…
Cats are simpler pets to care for than dogs, right? Uh, no. They are every bit as complex and just as prone to pain as any of us. We can…
Third in a series Our pets have good lives: a comfy bed, 3 squares, and flat screen TV. But they aren’t little people in furry suits. Beneath that cuddly exterior…