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 Blog – Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice

Cats are a unique species. They’re not 10# people in furry suits and they’re certainly not dogs with short ears. Despite those differences, or maybe because of them, their presence…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Options for pets who freak out for the 4th

Restrictions on fireworks won’t stop the earsplitting blasts that turn otherwise stable pets into trembling, panting emotional disasters. Some will get so overwhelmed that they‘ll drool, cry or howl, urine…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Pushy, Demanding, Mouthy, Bitey Dog

Some dogs can be pushy, pesky, and demanding of attention. It’s an annoying problem, often related to anxiety. What begins as attention-seeking can end up as play-related aggression. This causes…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Sleeps in Dirty Litter Pan

Better Alternatives will mean Better Choices   Question: My cat has a thing about sleeping in her litter tray even when it has been used. How can I get her to…

#34 – Fireworks Freak-Out

There are lots of remedies for this phobia. Beyond recommending drowning out the noise with fans and music, pheromones (Adaptil), and food toys to promote foraging, I urge you to…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Canine misbehavior is all around us. Everybody needs relief.

“I am freaked-out. I fear that you are going to hurt me, you homicidal nut job! If you push me I may perceive a threat and panic. I have a…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Fearful Urination – Set Your Dog up for Success

Question: Our 6 year old, mostly red heeler was rescued from an Indian reservation, then rescued again with her companion dog after her owner died, then rescued by us because…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Canine misbehavior is all around us. Everybody needs relief.

Visiting the Grahams was always exciting although, in retrospect, it was usually pretty ordinary. Kenny Graham was a very funny kid, about the same age as my big sister Martha…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide for a Cat Wound

Veterinary Treatment is Best – Question: I put hydrogen peroxide on a cat wound, ooops, now I know. What can I do now? The wound looks like a gouge. A…