Subscriber Archive
Last in a series
Most people want a peaceful life for themselves and for their pets. Sadly, some of the problems I treat are avoidable. Nothing is for sure, but if you spend the time to observe and quietly interact with the applicants for the job as your best friend, you may never need a veterinary behaviorist.
There are so many things to see and sniff outside the home territory. It’s more than just natural for dogs to investigate everything; reading the bulletin boards and posting messages is essential to who they are.
Fourth in a series
Nobody starts out with a totally clean slate. The research is clear: much of our pets’ behavior is genetically prewired, while heavily influenced by life experiences – even in youngsters. The probability of separation anxiety, noise phobia, fear, and aggression are often passed from generation to generation.
More than miserable, blistering summer days can bring dangerous hot spots and a failure of normal panting to release body heat. Keeping our dogs safe and comfortable is about more than ventilation and air conditioning. It’s not hard if you understand the problems.
Third in a series Dogs can be wonderful companions but some are demanding. Decide how much time you’ll have for play and training before the first happy barbarian leaps into your arms. Aargh! Why can’t this be simple? Have you ever heard of hassle-free marriage or effortless child raising? Me neither. Bringing out the best in a dog can be challenging. Set yourself and your excellent new pooch up for success. Pick the right one. Remember Rodney Dangerfield? Just like small dogs, he couldn‘t get no respect. People fuss about yapping and ankle biting. It’s true that some pint-sized pupsters are easily frightened. After all, everybody else is a lot bigger. The reality is that most small dogs go unnoticed because they’re relaxed and quiet. The little ones don’t eat much, their medications are cheaper, they can share an apartment with you, and exercising them is easier. A Chihuahua can…
Dr. Jeff Nichol explains treatment for heat stroke, ticks, cat and dog behavior and a lot more. Listen to the podcast now.
By Dr. Jeff Nichol Second in a series Politicians vie for our attention and, for very different reasons, so can dogs, especially if they catch us looking. Decide what you want before getting covered in spit and hair –from dogs that is, not from primary candidates please. If you love dogs you may be tempted to have more than one. That can work fine if you live off the grid, on 100 acres of National Forest, in a cave. As a human, you would be the de facto leader of that canine group. Your subordinates would be survivors, hunting and scavenging, while competing for romantic partners so they can pass on their genetic code. As the grand poo bah, you would occupy the very top of the hierarchy. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The fly in that ointment is that generating personal income requires living near your job. That means that…
By Dr. Jeff Nichol Panting, pacing, licking, pesky – you’re not alone. Our dogs do the same things when they get wiggy. Anxiety is more than miserable; left uncontrolled it causes internal physical disease. A great dog who panics can become defensive. You can help both of you feel better.
By Dr. Jeff Nichol First in a series Human relationships can start out really well, but then go sideways. Is there something wrong with us if we don’t get along with somebody? I don’t think so. Behavior disorders can be real problems in species with complex brains – like us and our pets. But most creatures are functional with others. Our happiness and connectedness with others begins with compatibility. Wet kisses and full body contact feel wonderful but love at first sight can go wrong. The dogs in my life have entertained me and they’ve consoled me. They’re a lot like a human soul mate but different. None have been perfect but, shucks, neither am I. Most of us do what we can to bring out the best in each other. Our chances improve if we start with a good match. A great dog for me might be the wrong…