Albuquerque Journal Articles
Territorial & Fear-related Aggression is best Avoided Question: My cat Haley is 10 years old. When I have visitors she will attack them even when they are sleeping. She has attacked 2 babysitters. After 2 years she finally is ok with the current sitter. Yesterday my 16 year old had a friend over. The death growl started and she looked like she was going to launch through the air. She went under my bed then enters the 3 year old who said “It’s ok Haley”. Haley immediately stopped growling and rubbed him. Dr. Nichol: Haley’s aggression is partly territorial. Strangers…
Read MoreIgnore Bad Behavior & Teach Focus on Leader Question: I have a 3 year old female border collie. We have stopped going for walks because of her atrocious behavior, which ranges from screeching like a pterodactyl, to whirling like a dervish. This is with a Halti leader. We have tried BAT. Other dog owners give us dirty looks or worse, make comments. She is such a wonderful dog at home. She does have 2 very good dog friends. Dr. Nichol: I feel your pain. The Nichol family is also afflicted with a socially challenged but well-loved Border collie. Our “Miss…
Read MoreThe Right Food Matters but a Cat must Eat it. Question: My 14 year old cat has had increased urination. The vet gave antibiotics, ruled out diabetes, and prescribed c/d diet. Cher snubbed her nose at it. Two days without eating I gave her Fancy Feast. Google says dry food causes urinary tract. I need to change foods, but to what? Dr. Nichol Cher’s been fussy ever since she and Sonny split up. A great singer, but what a Prima Donna! You were right to be concerned when she skipped her meals. Cats, especially those who are overweight (Cher, of…
Read MoreSurgery plus Stem Cells can make a Huge Difference Question: I have a 3 year old cockapoo and she was trying to jump and did something to her leg. She cried for about 30 seconds, it was horrifying. She was born with loose kneecaps. My vet was telling me about stem cells. I’m skeptical with any new procedures. Are there side effects or possibly future problems? She loves to play and I’m afraid it might happen again. Dr. Nichol: Knee pain is common in small dogs. If your cockapoo has somewhat bowed rear legs, one or both of her knee…
Read MoreSet Him Up to Succeed; Avoid Punishment Question: My husband and I got a shelter cat about 6 weeks ago. He is one and a half years old and neutered. For the first two weeks he would poo and wee in the automatic litter tray. Then one day he decided to poo on the floor. We started cleaning out the tray more regularly but he would poo to the side. He would run and hide when we came to him just after he pooed on the floor. My husband was so angry he rubbed his nose in it. Dr. Nichol:…
Read MoreCauses include Medication Side Effects or Aging Brain Disease Question: I have a wonderful 12 year old German shepherd mix. She has arthritis in her back legs. She is now on prednisone and tramadol 3 morning, 3 night. She follows us around and won’t leave our side. She tries to sleep on the bed or she is constantly crying. We can’t even use the restroom without her. When we let her outside she barks. We have to watch her and have the light on or she won’t do her business and starts crying! We love our Miss Noel but she…
Read MoreMouth Pain or Uncomfortable Joints are likely to Blame Question: I have a 20 year old cat that is having “fur” issues. Her coat is matted in several places. I have tried to cut off the mats but the problem is getting worse. I know she’s uncomfortable. The vet said that shaving her might help, but that it might stress her out. She is also a diabetic. She is otherwise in good health. Dr. Nichol: Hair mats for kitties are not a fashion statement like dreadlocks but a sign of trouble. Painful joints could be making it hard for your…
Read MoreEvery Painful Ear needs Medical Attention Ear disease is the most common problem seen in veterinary clinics and we still aren’t treating enough of it. Redness, swelling, and nasty smelling discharges are frequent findings even when dogs and cats are brought to us for altogether different reasons. Many smolder quietly for weeks or longer. By the time the ear flapping, head tilt, and scratching starts an infection can already be advanced. Look carefully, handle those ears to check for pain, and take a sniff. The language barrier doesn’t make it easy. If you ask a pet if her ears hurt…
Read MorePrevent the Angst by Uninviting Strays Question: My male neutered cat Giorgio has been acting out for about a year; he is 100% indoors. Sometimes a cat outside will make him hiss and growl, but he also lunges if I go nearby even an hour later. He continues to have a low growl and will attack anyone or my other cat with viscous intent. He then goes under a bed and will stalk and continue to growl for 3-5 days. All is well in the food and deposit department. Dr. Nichol- Giorgio is certainly one mad cat, but at least…
Read MoreA Head Halter is a Great Leadership tool Question: I read the post on your facebook page about the Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd and felt an instant kinship! Our 1 year old Aussie shepherd is driving us nuts. In addition to nuisance barking at everything that moves, tearing around the house and the yard like a crazy bull in a china shop, she barks and lunges at strangers when I take her for walks. People cross the street to avoid her. She has not bitten anyone, but jumped on and scratched a lady, and now I’m worried about taking her to a…
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