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.

Media – Dumpster Dog Cherishes Memory of his Best Friend

Their Shared Blanket Question: My Honey, who passed Christmas Eve 2019, found a litter of puppies in the dumpster. We kept the big boy. She named him DD (Dumpster Dog).…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Grooming, nail trims, & ear cleaning – ARRGHH!!!

Some dogs won’t put up with it. They squirm, struggle, and might even bite. Nobody is having fun. We can get this right without the tears and misery.

Media – A Cat who Licks Off her Hair

Itching & Anxiety Question: I adopted an anxious 3 year old cat 3 years ago. Recently I’ve noticed Bella appears more anxious when I’m away from our home. She has…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fear & Loathing at the Veterinary Clinic

A whole lot of pets are unhappy going to the doctor. Veterinarians don’t mean to scare anybody but we can work with loving pet parents to reduce the angst. White…

Media – COVID19 in Cats & Dogs

Sick People Infect their Pets This COVID19 pandemic continues to hang over us like a dark cloud, new variants putting unvaccinated people at increasing risk. Now we know that pets…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fireworks Freak-Out

There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety…

Media – Freaked-Out by Fireworks

Many Great Ways of Helping Scared Cats & Dogs Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. Dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs fighting over Mom or Dad – who’s closer?

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

Media – Homeless Dogs – Help with the Heat

Question: I feel bad for the dogs of homeless people during these really hot summer months as their owners beg for food on street corners. Just today I saw a…