Albuquerque Journal Articles

More Effective ways of Keeping a Dog at Home are also Safer Question: I was appalled to find that my wife’s adult son had left his dog chained to a clothesline pole.  He had no food or water and very little shade.  I gave him food and water, and he seemed SO GRATEFUL. I considered it animal abuse but my wife said that this was a country dog, and when he learned not to run away her son would let it off of the chain.  I think I know the answer, but is my wife right? Is it OK to chain a…

It’s Happening Fast-But is it the Right Thing to Do? Question: My dog’s 10 and is a great friend. What’s the latest on dog cloning (how/cost/etc.)? Dr. Nichol: Cloning of nonhuman animals is on the fast track. Remember Dolly the sheep back in ’97? She didn’t end up doing so well but her short life was followed by the successful cloning of a cat, a guar, a rabbit, cows, mice, goats, pigs, mules, and recently a horse. Soon primates, dogs, and endangered species are expected. Companies like Genetic Savings & Clone, Lazaron, and Perpetuate will stamp out replacement pets for…

Question: I have a wonderful Boxer who is 4 years old. Cookie has had this unusual habit since she was a puppy. Before she eats she roots in the dry food, then moves her head to the side and seems to push down, then she roots again. She gets a primeval look in her eyes. At first I thought she was mentally ill but she is a sweet, fun loving, highly intelligent dog. Have you ever heard of this strange but true behavior?   Dr. Nichol: Such primitive antics might be abnormal for some dogs, but Cookie is a Boxer.…

This horrible disease of the nervous system is still with us. Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. Dear Dr. Nichol, A couple of weeks ago my wife and I adopted a beautiful Labrador Retriever cross puppy from an animal shelter. Everything was great for the first week, then he stopped eating, had pus in is eyes and nose and quit playing. Our veterinarian said that little “Brandy” has distemper and that he may die. We thought distemper was all but wiped out. How could this happen?   Dr. Nichol: Brandy’s story is really tragic and fairly common. Young puppies are the least likely…

With a few exceptions, never is best. Brushing is much healthier. Question: How often should I bathe my pets? I’ve heard everything from once a week to never.   Dr. Nichol: In almost all pets the right answer is never. No kidding. Here’s why. Unlike humans, pets don’t have sweat glands. Without them there is really no hygienic need for frequent shampooing. But pets, especially dogs, do start to swell funky without grooming. This is because, like all of us, they normally accumulate skin flakes and dead hair on their skin. But each time you use shampoo you wash away…

Call of the Wild? Great pet with an independent spirit? Dangerous & illegal? Question: I know some people who breed wolf hybrids. I’ve seen these animals and they are magnificent. The breeder tells me that when mixed with a Malamute, they are protective but loving pets. They seem a little wild to me. What do you advise?   Dr. Nichol: I have to admit that it’s kind of thrilling to think of owning a critter out of Call of the Wild. But there are some factors worth considering before you take the plunge. First, it is illegal to own a…

It’s just for looks, but for your pups it’s important. 1-3 days old is best for safety. Question: My Boxer just had a litter of the cutest babies I have ever seen. But, as you know, they were born with long tails. To make them look like Boxers we need to get their tails docked but we don’t know at what age to have it done. Our vet’s office said 1-3 days old but isn’t that awfully young?   Dr. Nichol: I am glad you asked. This is a point of confusion for many folks.   Around the age of…

More than just a nuisance, flies can cause maggots to destroy the health an older dog. Question: My old dog has flies buzzing around. What works well?   Dr. Nichol: Get a spray or lotion at a feed store that is intended for horses. Keep it away from the eyes and dilute it as recommended on the label and you’ll be fine. Flies are important because they can lead to maggots.

Size Does Matter Question: We have two 10 year old beagles who have always been “outdoor” dogs. I have built them a house framed with 2×4’s, plywood, and have insulated the floor, walls, and ceiling with pink fiberglass insulation. It even has a tabbed hinged door that they can open themselves. They have carpet and an old down sleeping bag inside. The problem is due to the cold weather; my wife thinks they should be inside. I hung a thermometer in their house and the other morning the outside temperature was 15 degrees and “dog house” temperature was 50 degrees!…