Albuquerque Journal Articles

Annual Heartworm Prevention & Testing

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Annual Heartworm Prevention & Testing

Treat year ‘round with once monthly chewables.   Question: We moved 6 months ago and our vet there didn’t heartworm test our dog after he was 9 months old because the dog was on the heartworm preventive year ’round. Our new vet says that the dog needs to be blood tested every year. Why? It’s so expensive and I’m a senior citizen on a limited income.   Dr. Nichol: You have raised an important question. Here are the basic facts that you must know to protect your dog. There are two types of heartworm preventive tablets. One is give daily,…

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Tail Chasing

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Tail Chasing

Anal Glands are a common cause of rear end discomfort. It’s usually easy to remedy.   Question: Is it an old wife’s tale or a fact that if a dog chases its tail that it will go crazy and have to be put to sleep?  This sweet little Spitz also loves to chase her tail. I would appreciate any help in these two areas.   Dr. Nichol: Tail chasing: Sometimes I feel like my live could be described that way. Will I go crazy and have to be put to sleep? If that happens this column won’t grace this newspaper…

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Managing a Car Sick Puppy

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Managing a Car Sick Puppy

Give OTC Meds Prior to Travel Question: Lu Lu, the 4 month old miniature poodle, has responded well to your house breaking tips and continues to be a happy, energetic, entertaining puppy but she doesn’t do well on road trips.  She frequently vomits and doesn’t appear to be enjoying herself at all.  Is there anything we could do to ameliorate her symptoms so we can get on with our ‘new life on the road with Lu Lu’?   Dr. Nichol: Please say Lu Lu isn’t driving when this happens. Gripping a steering wheel without opposable thumbs is hard enough; it has to be a…

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Nail Trimming

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Nail Trimming

Long toenails make for painful arthritic feet. Black nails are hard to trim safely. Here is the how-to.   Question: I’ve recently acquired my deceased mother’s dog. I’m taking her to the vet soon to have her checked out and to get shots updated. My main question is her toenails are so long that they curve and lay to the side. Can I trim them back to the normal length without causing her any harm? I’m really concerned about her.   Dr. Nichol: Caring for your mother’s dog is a genuine act of love. Your compassion for that little girl…

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Shotgun Pellets Found in a Dog

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Shotgun Pellets Found in a Dog

No Need for Concern-No Toxic Risk Question: When our shelter rescue dog joined our family recently, we noticed shotgun pellets imbedded in several locations on his body.  He must have led a colorful life before coming into our family.  If these pellets are lead, is there any danger long-term of them leaching lead into his body and causing harm?  Should they all be removed?  Any danger if they are steel pellets.   Dr. Nichol: Remember the old Western movies when a wounded gunslinger would take a belt of whiskey and then bite a bullet while his comrade sterilized a knife…

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Double Dewclaws

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Double Dewclaws

Surgical removal is only necessary for field dogs.   Question: We recently adopted a 6-month-old German Shepherd-mix puppy from an animal shelter.  He is “double dewclawed” on his hind legs.  Do they need to be removed?  One vet said they should be removed; the other said it’s optional. I’m planning on walking him every day in fields and on forest trails, also some rugged hiking in New Hampshire. I understand that removing dewclaws is more of a prophylactic measure–“just in case” they get snagged–as well as cosmetic.  (Personally, I don’t care what his feet look like!)  What are the chances…

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Dog Flatulence

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Dog Flatulence

Diet, Internal Illness are possible Causes Question: I have a 15 year old boxer beagle mix. He is in great health except he is getting gas worse and worse. It really smells bad and can clear the room. I have had to purchase a small fan to put at his rear end to blow the fumes out of the room. I have had all blood work, urinalysis, and fecal tests done and he is good. Also, he drinks about a gallon of water a day. He does not have diabetes. He will even “wet” the bed at night sometimes.  …

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Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What do they really need & what’s unnecessary.   Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on a dog or a cat so we got both. We know they need shots but I’ve called a few vet clinics and I’m getting different answers on how many shots they need. Can you advise us on what’s best?   Dr. Nichol: Boy, am I glad to hear this question. It is painful for me to recall the number of these babies who have died of preventable diseases only…

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Leptospirosis in Dogs

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Leptospirosis in Dogs

Vaccination May or May Not be Necessary Question: Our vet recommends Luke have a leptospirosis vaccine. In what specific areas are the large outbreaks of lepto occurring? Does a dog have natural immunities to lepto? Does the vaccine protect against the most lethal versions? Our dog is never off leash, so won’t come into direct contact with wildlife.   Dr. Nichol: Luke is a lucky dog to have owners so concerned about his safety. Leptospirosis, an infectious disease of the kidneys and liver, is caused by an organism that is transmitted primarily through contaminated urine. It’s found most often in…

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Vaccine Reactions

By drjeffnichol | September 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Vaccine Reactions

Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts.   Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual vaccinations. In fact, she almost died. She was literally unable to move without a great deal of pain and her eyes were glazed. She was treated but barely survived. They told us that they give the same dosage of vaccinations to all dogs, whether Chihuahua or Great Dane. I find that hard to believe.  Now, I am extremely reluctant to chance it again. And why is it necessary to vaccinate…

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