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.

Mama’s Empathic Example

Kindness can be found everywhere from chimpanzees to dog, cats, and people.

Neuter, clip, inject?

Question: A neighbor got a shelter dog. “Rowdy” appeared to be an intact male. But the new owner said that was how males can be neutered now, just ‘clipped’ but…

Fixing bad cat behavior

Cats can be cranky, pesky, and a bit snarky with other pets. Scolding and water spraying doesn’t teach them better behavior. Instead of reacting badly, our kitties can have fun…

Secretly Sick

Don’t Let Your Cat Fool You Do you examine your cat’s mouth? That would mean putting him on a table under a bright light with an assistant gently holding his…

Separation Anxiety & Urine Soiling

Newt’s River The anxiety and blood pressure spikes of white coat syndrome aren’t fun for us. Most pets have the same problem. That long walk to the exam room, running…

Smart puppy makes bathroom errors – juvenile delinquent?

Question: My 4 month old blue heeler puppy is crate-trained perfectly. He always pees and poops when he’s outside. Then he comes inside and pees on the floor every 20…

Home Consultation for Storm Phobia

A full home consultation with Dr. Jeff Nichol. Dr. Nichol helps this family address their dog’s fear of storms.

Missing the litter pan – bad aim?

Question: I recently adopted a 1 1/2-year-old cat. She’s as sweet as can be but she defecates just outside the cat box on the floor so I named her Lou.…

Sudden summertime ear pain? Foxtail In A Dog’s Ear

Know what to do, when to act when a dog or cat gets foxtails stuck in their ear canal.