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.

Move off the Grid? Learn Dog-Speak Instead

Third in a series Fear is the driving force in nearly all dog bites to humans. Really? Fear of a toddler or preschooler? Don’t bother trying to apply human logic…

Cat Scratching the Furniture?

Scratching stuff is normal for cats. Forget punishing your kitty for scratching your good things. Our job is to set them up to scratch right.

Trapped Dog Bites Child while Adults Snooze

Second in a series I was not scarred for life when Buster the Boston bit me but it was certainly an eye-opener on canine and human behavior. All 4 parents…

The Cleavers’ Boston

First in a series Visiting the Grahams was always exciting although, in retrospect, it was pretty ordinary. Kenny Graham was a funny kid, the same age as my big sister…

Is My Dog OK At Home Exam

Our dogs are special to us. None of us wants there to be any problem. They need to stay well and enjoy a great long life with us. If you…

The Apple & the Tree

Retrievers can retrieve tennis balls until exhaustion. An Australian shepherd might herd you until you hide in a closet. At the Western Veterinary Conference last month I attended presentations on…

Dog with an Idle Mind

  Puppies and dogs of any age can be unrelenting chewers and destroyers of all things we may hold sacred. We can love man’s and woman’s best friend like a…

Life isn’t Perfect; It’s Still Mighty Good

  Last in a series For many dogs, separation anxiety has a hereditary basis but changes in their environment often worsen the problem. It turned out that Newt had been…

The Monster in the Yard

Third in a series Newt did well on his antianxiety medication. He was alert, happier, and playing with a new puppy but there was no home run. He continued to…