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.

Stop, sniff, stop, pee, repeat

Something for Everybody Question: My nephew and I both have large male dogs. I told him that when I take our 100# black Labrador for a walk, he sniffs, browses…

A Predictor of an Excellent Walk

Mick is learning to earn the privilege of a walk. He wants to wear his new Gentle Leader head halter because he knows he’ll have a good time. He’s not…

Possum Home Invasion

Question: I have two 15 year old cats who are both well toilet trained. Recently I moved from the city to the country. Since then I have been getting nightly…

Poop Eating – Always in Bad Taste

Do you have a 4-legged pooper scooper? Get the lowdown on why some dogs eat stool and what you can do about this most odious habit.

Cat pee – Where do you want it?

Shouldn’t a cat, who’s livin’ the feline dream at your house, crave the answer to this age-old question? They do, sort of. It matters what the person wants but it’s…

Cat Bullies Puppy – Who’s House is This?

Question: We were heartbroken when Oliver, our black Lab, passed after developing bone cancer. Even our 10 year old kitty Oriole got along with him. We adopted a chocolate Lab…

A Cat of the Cloth can Quit Cold Turkey

Question: My cat is 17 months old. He is a neutered male named Woody. He is a very nice kitty but not a cuddler. He is obsessed with chewing fabric,…

Puppy Biting

Mouthing? Teething? Playful nipping? Or is that youngster snarling and lunging? Get control now – without punishment or fear.

House Soiling Perp Walk

Question: My 1 1/2 year old yellow Lab poops and pees in the house, sometimes after being taken outside multiple times and doing nothing out there. She knows she’s not…