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 good cat gone bad

Second in a series Quiz: Why would PJ attack his person Jenny? a)       He didn’t like the way she smelled b)       She was dressed like a sparrow c)       PJ is…

Angst as you leave, Overjoyed when you return – Does it Matter for Separation Anxiety?

Helping dogs who freak-out when home alone is complicated. Improvement requires lots of changes but do you have to completely ignore as you leave and return?

Ambushed & wounded by an orange tabby

First in a series It had been a rough day, topped-off by stop and don’t go traffic on I-25. Jenny was frazzled when she pulled into the garage and came…

Aggressive Cat: Watch cat? Scared cat?

A normally placid pussy cat can turn terrifying when facing unfamiliar visitors of the human or canine kind. They can even be dangerous.

Counter surfing – not just fun & games

Question: How do we stop “Olive” from counter surfing? Besides keeping things off of the counter. Sometimes that’s not possible. If I am making dinner or the phone rings, etc.…

Dog Training? Choose a trainer wisely

Bad behavior has to stop ASAP. Punishment can work fast but reward-based training delivers happy, well-behaved dogs. I’ll get you started.

Dental care important & safe for older dog

Question: I’ve had my dog Max since he was a baby, 15 years. Lately he’s refused dry food and he shies away when I touch his face. His breath is…

Add another Dog – Will they play nice? They don’t?

Has a new dog stirred the political pot at your house? Or maybe you’re thinking of adding to your pet family. Wanna avoid the brawls?

Old age & avoiding the litter pan

Question: I inherited my mom’s cat, a Main Coon, after she passed away. He was a kitten then, and has lived with me for 15 years. A year ago, he…