Albuquerque Journal Articles

Second in a series – There were no cell phones or GPS in the early ‘80s. I had no idea where Susan and Greg Trujillo lived but not to worry.

First in a series Lots of the pets I’ve treated have lived with horses, cattle, chickens, and goats. And flies. So many flies that fly paper, fly traps, and fly poison are freely deployed in a war of epic proportions. These pests are damaging to creatures great and small. I had just finished examining and vaccinating a cocker spaniel puppy named “Joe” when I attempted friendly conversation with his person, a hirsute young man, of about 25. I asked how he’d chosen his puppy’s name. He hesitated, peering at me from under his bushy mop as though I was dense.…

Question: My 7 year old Australian Shepherd is difficult to take out in public. If someone walks too close, she will jump up at them with mouth open and has scratched people. On the other hand, if a dog comes at her in a threatening manner, she stands still seeming to expect me to protect her. Dr. Nichol: Open mouth, jumping-up, without a growl or snap, sounds like an exuberant, life-of-the-party animal. Missing any sense of personal boundaries, your Aussie tries to get all over her new friends like a cheap suit. That leash in your hand is part of…

Teach Avoidance without Electric Shock Question: I need information on humane rattlesnake “proofing” techniques for dogs. It seems to me that keeping your dog on leash would be a better solution, so I don’t need it for myself. In Santa Fe they are using shock collars, and I would like to suggest an alternative method for a person who is not comfortable with having his dog shocked. Personally, I am shocked that anyone is instructing dog owners in that method. Dr. Nichol: Shocked? I’m incredulous. I love my dog. No way would I subject him to painful electric current. The…

Third in a series Our pets have good lives: a comfy bed, 3 squares, and flat screen TV. But they aren’t little people in furry suits. Beneath that cuddly exterior beats the heart of a predator. Tom and Andrea’s dog, Alita, like any self-respecting savage was always ready.  A toad in the garden, minding its own amphibious business, suddenly hopped. Then it hopped again. Wow! A snack! Toads, consumers of insects, snails, and slugs are beloved by gardeners. They move suddenly and quickly, making them fun backyard toys for dogs and cats. The species found in our corner of the…

Second in a series “Alita”, the spaniel mix on the treatment table, wore the expression of a dog who knew she needed help while wishing she were anywhere but in a hospital. Her deeply reddened gums, heavy salivation, back-and-forth eye movements, and trembling suggested the correct answer to last week’s quiz. I instructed Amos and Dougie to put Alita in the tub and rinse her mouth with a gentle stream of cool water. Why not break out the firehose and eliminate the oral irritant ASAP? Or make it more comfortable for the poor dog by using warm water? Any toxin…

First in a series It was about 8 in the evening. I was juggling one appointment after the next, along with sick pets who needed to be worked into the flow. As usual I was falling hopelessly behind. I had already poked my head into the waiting room; it bordered on standing room. Then Martha interrupted me in the exam room. I’d been clear: our clients time with me was sacred. But I knew she would never break that rule without good reason. I excused myself from the wellness exam in progress and closed the door behind me. “Martha, what’s…