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 – Destruction & Panic when Alone

So what can you do if the dog who’s stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? If you have a dog like this you can feel desperate. Dogs…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Veterinary Fees Cause Pet Owner Angst

Ask Questions & Make Informed Choices Question: I am writing to you to vent my frustration toward the excessive fees charged by veterinarians. We took our pet for a routine…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Destruction & Panic when Alone

What can you do if the dog who has stolen your heart damages your house while you’re away-often? More than frustrating, separation anxiety can damage the bond that makes these…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Culture Shock: Taking Outdoor Cat to Far-Off Apartment

Loss of Territory; Stress with New Indoor Cats Question: I was at my mother’s for her birthday and there was this beautiful cat on her porch. I petted and loved…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Destruction & Panic when Alone

Why it Happens; What to Do Dogs are our best friends for some really strong reasons. They’re always delighted to see us, they’ll follow us anywhere, and they’ll never run…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Reinforce correct behavior in tyrant

Question: I have a 1.5 year old neutered male Yorkie who is exhibiting aggression at all human family members except me, the mom.  It doesn’t matter whether I’m holding him…

Dr.Nichol’s Video – Home Wrecking, Ripping, Scratching Cats

It would seem logical to correct or punish a destructive cat but these apparently nefarious acts are actually part of the normal feline behavioral repertoire. Feliscratch is a synthetic analogue…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Chronic Kidney Failure is Manageable

Older Cats need Special Care Question: I have a 17 year old long haired female cat that was diagnosed with chronic renal failure two years ago. She has received 100…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Home Wrecking, Ripping, Scratching Cats

Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) I was recently contacted by a 72 year old man who explained that he’d had cats his entire life. He and his wife had…