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.

Bite the Food, Not the Person

Fourth in a series
By calling Brandi and rewarding her with a treat Sally was able to preempt this big hound’s fear-driven assaults on Raymond. Her good man could now walk around the house without igniting a barrage of canine invective and hostility. Our patient had become somewhat more manageable but her people were getting tired of constant constable duty.

Who had to Change? Everybody

Third in a series – I felt bad for Raymond, assaulted through no fault of his own, but it was Brandi the big hound who spent nearly every waking moment on the edge of hysteria. She watched Raymond with one eye, anticipating that this kindly Dr. Jekyll’s might transform into the murderous Mr. Hyde at any moment. But there was more going on in that confused canine cabeza.

Tiger Mama Needs Babies

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born…

Why are Men the Dog Devil?

Second in a series If a saber toothed tiger is charging at you, an adrenalin surge is well justified. But Brandi, the 3 year old hound recently adopted by Sally…

Chin Acne in Cats

Feline acne starts as comedones on the chin and lower lip. Poor grooming may be a factor. Stressed cats may just hunker down and neglect their personal needs. When a…

Challenge Your Knowledge of Canine Behavior

First in a series Multiple choice: Dogs adopted as adults, who are aggressive toward the man in the home: (a) Were previously mistreated by a male (b) Are jealous, wanting…

Choosing The Greatest Kitten For Your Life

Dr. Nichol visits Animal Humane New Mexico with some advice on how to pick the greatest kitten for your life.  

Missed the Litter Pan Again Oh No!

Avoid the Mess: Set your Cats Up for Success The scent of urine in all the wrong places is a drag on everybody’s wellbeing – your cats’ and yours too.…

CBD – Is it Safe? Does it Work?

Always on the lookout for new and better treatments, I follow the research. At the recent conference of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Philadelphia I listened as…