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 Podcast – Stranded and Alone in the Night

Lifelines come when they are needed the most Surprises happen on the Rio Grande irrigation system. Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. He had…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Missing a cat’s signals can lead to punishment

Question: I have a four year old female cat that, on occasion, viciously bites me without warning when I pet her. When my previous cat would bite, I chalked it…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Stranded and Alone in the Night

Lifelines come when they are needed the most Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. Rather than panicking and running toward us with abandon he…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Bedtime Trembling

Find the Cause; Avoid the Misery         Question: I have a miniature dachshund, 1 1/2 years old.  About a week ago she started shaking/trembling when it was bed time and every…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Puppy Housetraining – in 1 Day?

Housetraining can feel like such a challenge that many people just give up and mop up. You can get so completely flummoxed and frustrated that you lose their patience. You…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Speechless Cat

Soldering Infection may be at Fault    Question: I have a 10 year old male orange tabby. He has always been a vocal cat and enjoys “talking” back and forth with…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Use of Punishment in Pet Training

Download a .pdf version of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on The Use of Punishment. Giving dogs and other creatures a clear reason not to…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Unsafe Raw Diets for Dogs

Reliable Commercial Food is Healthy & Complete The popularity of feeding raw meat to dogs continues. Your pupster can harken to his barbaric roots by ravaging the “genuine article”. Why…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Housetraining? Gross or a Successful Bonding Exercise

Housetraining can feel like such a challenge that many people just give up and mop up. You can turn this around. While your shiny new puppy learns where to find…