Albuquerque Journal Articles
Low thyroid function is a factor for some obese dogs. Question: We have a 4 year old male whippet (Echo) with a severe weight problem that we have been trying to get under control for some 8 months. We have tried many different diets. With some he was so hungry in about 2 hours that he would begin crying and trying to open the food container. We even had to put childproof locks on all the cupboard doors because he would open them looking for food. Could there be a problem with his thyroid? He also at times appears…
Read MoreNo Hypoallergenic Diet Controls Weight. Add Fiber Question: My cat Annabelle was 16.5# of love, but with Science Diet r/d she is now down to 15#. Unfortunately she is showing signs of food allergy (according to a cat dermatologist), and I’m having trouble finding alternatives that are high fiber and low fat. Dr. Nichol: Both of Annabelle’s problems, her weight and allergy, are important. There is no combo diet. Use Hill’s hypoallergenic diet z/d. Feed ¼ cup morning and night. Offer raw carrots the rest of the time. Don’t let her take up smoking; singing or meditation are much…
Read MoreHere’s how to enforce a safe & effective diet for the rotund feline. Question: I have a male cat that weighs 22 pounds. I have him on lite cat food (Science diet) but he doesn’t lose any weight he just craves more food. He pushes the other cats out of the way to steal their food. I’m not sure what the best approach is. My other cats are all of a healthy weight (four in all). Dr. Nichol: This boy sounds like Jabba the Hut. If I were you I’d take control or he may start to eye…
Read MoreFeed an excellent diet & forget the rest. Question: Can you tell me your thoughts regarding supplements for young pups? It seems there are differing opinions as to whether or not it is necessary. He is on Nutro’s Natural Choice for ‘dogs’ not ‘pups’ which the breeder (and many others) have suggested. Dr. Nichol: You are an excellent dog owner. I wish everyone loved their pets the way you do. Supplements. Feed a high quality, balanced dog food (not puppy food) and additives are unnecessary. Is it OK to add to the diet anyway just to be sure?…
Read MoreHow to tell the good nutrition from the junk. Question: I know someone who feeds her dog people food constantly. I try to tell her that it is not good for the dog, but she disagrees with me and wants it in writing from a vet or she won’t believe me. Am I wrong? Is people food okay for pets? Dr. Nichol: Well at least she doesn’t feed her people dog food. Yech! Your question: You are right, your friend is wrong. Here is why: Dogs are a different species. Their nutritional needs and digestive tracts are different.…
Read MoreGreat for the humans but dogs need them predigested. Question: My little terrier loves raw vegetables, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, okra, etc. and fruits-apples, oranges. Will eating these harm her? She eats this in addition to her dry food. Dr. Nichol: Fruits and vegetables for dogs: unnecessary if you are feeding a complete and balanced diet-which most are nowadays. In fact anything you add to a balanced diet is really just throwing it out of balance and thus lowering your dog’s plane of nutrition. And while dogs need the vitamins and nutrients in those healthy foods they have…
Read MoreYou’ll be surprised by what human foods are dangerous to dogs. Question: Please lists foods that may be or are toxic to dogs. I know about chocolate but my daughter tells me that onions and peanuts should not be feed to dogs even in very small amounts. My dog likes raw carrots, celery and bananas. I know that your position is to feed them just high quality dog food but do other things in small amounts harm them? Dr. Nichol: Are you ready? Is your dog ready? Onions, chocolate, alcoholic beverages (hic), yeast dough, coffee (for some of…
Read MoreFailure to Eat, especially for Fat Cats, can be Deadly Question: Our 2 year old cat Zipper REFUSES to eat canned food. He pretends to cover his wet food as he would items in his litter box. He just waits until we give him dried food. How long can he go without food? Dr. Nichol: Cats can get into big trouble if they completely stop eating. Consistent food intake is a matter of survival, especially for the chunky monkeys, many of whom have infiltrated their liver cells with fat as they’ve gradually expanded their girths. Sudden weight loss due…
Read MoreFat Cats Are in Serious Danger Question: I gave a kitten to a cat-loving family about 6 months ago. He was about 2 months old then. Now he’s HUGE. I almost didn’t recognize him. He is still young and not full-grown yet but he’s really, really fat. The cats knock the bag of dry food over and climb right in to help themselves. For breakfast each cat gets a fried egg!! I was wondering why only one cat is fat and the other is average? Dr. Nichol: All the cats in that family are in hog heaven; some are…
Read MoreMany Dogs Need Less Food. Coaxing a Dog To Overeat May be Bad for her Health. Question: I have a 3-year-old black German Shepherd that rarely eats. She usually only eats once a day, if that. She gets a whole lot of exercise everyday. The only way we usually get her to eat is to throw her ball at the food bowl until she finally eats. Dr. Nichol: I assume that since this girl plays hard and often that she is a healthy dog. If she is free if symptoms of disease and is happy and active you are…
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