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 – Leash Walk Freak Out

The leash walk – you’re only way of getting the heck out of the house – can be maddening and maybe even unsafe. Just seeing another creature causes your dog…

Media – COVID-19 in Pets

Don’t Panic-Be Careful Staying home is a real drag but if you have pets you’ll never be alone. We don’t need social distancing from them, do we? Here’s the update…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Churchill Sheltering with a Cat

You and I are stressed by the collective anxiety of a serious epidemic. Winston Churchill was prime minister of Great Britain while his country was getting bombed by Nazi Germany.…

Media – Wild & Aggressive On-Leash

Why must a Dog Act-Out? Question: I walk my 2 year old standard poodle on a trail. He’s a great dog. When he’s on a leash he often rears up…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Outdoor Joy & Shelter in Place

 We have a lot to worry about, don’t we? Our activities are restricted, we can’t go out to eat, the kids are home from school, and your 401(k) is…

Media – Crusty Eyes are Painful & Dry

 She’d Feel Better if She Could Cry Question: One of my dogs has a crusty discharge from her eyes. It doesn’t wipe away, and when I pull it off, the…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Calm the Heebie Jeebies

We love our pets like little people in furry suits – that’s the way I feel about mine. But if we’re going to get the calm behavior we want we…

Media – Hissing, Spitting, & Feline Invective

Amusements, Separation before Reconciliation Question: I have two cats that aren’t getting along. One is my husband’s and the other one is mine. We moved in together 7 months ago…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Pet Cat – Nip

Good cats can go bad when petted. Yell at him? Hose him? Just give up on sharing affection with a kitty you love? Much better – find out why a…