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.

Is Garlic Bad For My Dog?

Dr. Nichol explains what happens to a dog when they eat any amount of garlic.

Dog fight desperation – Could it improve?

Third in a series
If one event quickly follows another, every time, our dogs connect the dots. Jerry’s past rage-infused tirades against Izzy, when he caught her menacing the smaller dogs, taught her to avoid them in his presence.

Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice (podcast)

Does your cat seem lonely? Wouldn’t he love to have a friend? Well, maybe. I treat a lot of aggression between household cats. Fret not; I’ll also explain how to…

Punishment teaching good behavior?

Second in a series Izzy, Willa, and Rosie could have been allowed to fight it out until the last dog was standing. Wouldn’t the thumping the smaller dogs endured teach…

Nervous & Scared: Natural, Chewable Anxitane Helps

Dogs waiting for forever homes in shelters are stressed. This pilot study shows them feeling better and finding great people with reduced anxiety.

Unseen aggression between family dogs

First in a series Behavioral research shows that 75% of dogs are anxious in veterinary clinics. We’re ethically bound not to make it any harder for them.  I quietly opened…

Cat Fear & Aggression in the Veterinary Clinic

This is the story of Sherman, a cat who learned to hate going to the veterinarian. This sad turn of events led to serious challenges for this fine kitty.

Cat overgrooming, balding – Aarrgh!

Question: Ben is our 2 year old indoor cat. We adopted him when he was 6 months old. We added a second cat 3 months ago. That was when Ben…

Small Dog Nips for Attention

Get a small dog to stop nipping for attention. Follow-up question about the discharge coming out of her dog’s eyes.