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.
Zebras are not domestic livestock like horses but they, too, survive in the wild by foraging. That means browsing and grazing. The El Paso Zoo has several of these beautiful…
Ear infections are the most common problem seen by veterinarians. Sadly, we don’t’ get the chance to help enough of them in time to prevent severe pain. Redness, swelling, and…
We don’t like seeing our pets itch and scratch. I’ve treated lots of them. Our best management, back in the day, was corticosteroids like prednisone but long term use often…
It was rainy in the Pecos Wilderness for Mick’s first hike wearing his backpack. While carrying my water and snacks, he found bones from a deer’s front leg. Under good…
Last in a series Had Evie been genetically equipped with a healthy, well-adjusted brain she might have stayed in her first home. Sadly, those folks found her reactive outbursts annoying…
OMG! Yell, swat, yell some more? Samantha, a sweet basset hound, was the highest-ranking dog in her home but she was not a stable leader. Her pushy, overbearing behavior toward…
Every fearful pet is different. Genetics is often the big culprit but life’s traumas can be another major factor. Dogs who’ve been abused, predictably avoid or react badly to their…
Second in a series Despite her struggles, Evie was a fun dog, throwing her toys around and then treating them like puppies. Vicky and Richard were strongly bonded to her.…
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…