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.

Digging dogs! Make it stop? Do it right

digging dog

Digging dogs can damage a great yard. Don’t punish; it’s normal behavior. Instead, give that dirt dog their very own wonderful digging box. Make it attractive by loosening the dirt,…

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Trouble at both ends

dog

First in a series Have you ever heard the expression, “Like a dog chasing its tail?” This actually happens. Milo is a handsome miniature poodle who, in his youth, was…

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BARKING! Make it Stop!

Dogs Need a Job – Gainful Employment. Confucius said, “A man (woman) who enjoys what they do never works a day in their life.” Our dogs can have that life.…

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Barking in the night

dog

Question: Our longtime neighbor got a dog last year, but has not, it appears, had it trained to not bark when it goes out 4 to 6 am, and 11…

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Pets who Dread Thanksgiving

dog at thanksgiving

Give ‘em a Break & Keep them Safe Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Turkey, Tofurkey, pie, football, libations. Keep an eye on your pets. Barking or tense body postures…

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Wild & Exuberant – Punish? Yell? A New Skill?

dog

Out-of-control behavior in a dog of any age can drive you crazy. Reprimands and physical corrections teach nothing, except more intense agitation. Instead, you can “redirect” your kid to earn…

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Cat wigged-out when home alone

cat hiding

Question: We are heading to Puerto Vallarta for a two week vacation. We have a sweet 1 year old girl cat. She is extremely bonded with my wife and seems…

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What if King Charles is your dog with neck pain?

dog

Question: I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is nine. Recently over the last two weeks he developed an involuntary what I would call muscle spasm. I can see…

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Cat skin lesions & arthritic pain

cat

Question: We have a fuzzy cat named Jimmy. He’s 12 years old and he started to hesitate before jumping onto the furniture. His veterinarian shot x-rays of his hips and…

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