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.

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Gifting Pet? Trojan Horse?

puppy in a santa hat

The pets in my life have taught me, saved me, and grounded me. Shouldn’t everybody have unconditional love and support? Maybe. Christmas pet presents can go right or they can…

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Media – Elder Cats Losing Interest?

Maybe they could Feel Better Question: Are my two 15 year old cats harmed if they don’t play? When they were younger they would play until midnight. Now they sleep…

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Dr. Nichol’s Video – Worried about Outdoor Pets? Good.

cold dog

How cold is too cold for an outside dog or cat? Maybe the teens, or the 50s? – What’s safe and humane depends on several factors.

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Media – It’s More than Just Mouth Pain

Siamese

Non-stop Misery is Curable Question: Is my cat’s plasma cell stomatitis contagious? Can it be passed from a cat to a human? Dr. Nichol: Mouth pain, swelling of the gums,…

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Media – Scary Low Weight and Rapid Growth

Malinois

Question: I have an eleven month old Malinois and a year old Pomeranian, both neutered males. My pom seems to be a healthy body size and weight, and my Malinois…

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Dr. Nichol’s Video – Stop sniff pee–Enough Already!

dog walking

Everybody needs exercise but stopping every 6 feet on a leash walk doesn’t get it. You’re dragging your dog; nobody is having a good time.

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Media – Wild & Crazy Deaf Kid

Heeler puppy

Punish? Set him up for Success Question: We bought a blue heeler puppy for my son for his 13th birthday. “Bucky” is deaf. He is spunky- too much so. We’re…

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Dr. Nichol’s Video – In Bad Taste – Poop Eating

birthday dogs

Do you have a 4-legged pooper scooper? Get the lowdown on why some dogs eat stool and what you can do about this most odious habit.

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Media – Crying for Mom

Puppy crying

Not Ready for Boot Camp Question: My new puppy, Buddy, arrived yesterday. He has been socialized with other dogs on a regular basis because the breeder has a doggy daycare.…

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