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.

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…

Dogs fighting over Mom or Dad – Equal Treatment?

Threats and innuendo between family dogs can quickly cross the line. Fighting over who gets more attention worsens with equal treatment.