Subscriber Archive
Is everybody ready for earsplitting blasts? Mick, the Nichol family Border collie will do OK; he knows his folks will be on duty. There are pure bred and mixed dogs, and plenty of cats of indeterminate parentage, who are genetically programmed for noise phobia. And because the brain is a plastic organ, meaning repetition tends to strengthen its circuits, July 4th freak-outs can worsen each year. It’s a problem that often shares canine cabezas with separation anxiety. Shelter from the aerial bombardment and light flashes will be essential. Dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry, vomit, urinate or even pass diarrhea. Some escape their yards. Allow your cat or dog to find relief anywhere they feel better: a bathroom, closet, or a crate that’s covered on top and all 4 sides (door open), nestled away from windows and exterior walls. Close the blinds and turn off the TV. You can mask…
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Dr. Nichol addresses a letter in which a dog owner asks about the effectiveness of “Thunder Shirts” on dogs who fear storms and loud noises.
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Question: A year ago I emailed you about Amber, my female cat. She had an ear mite infection and severely scratched the right side of her head. The veterinarian gave her an injection to kill the mites and steroid and antibiotic injections for the wound. The wound on her face is still a problem. Every time it heals and I remove the cone, Amber ends-up scratching it again, thusly requiring wound care and the cone. After your response in the Albuquerque Journal, the veterinarian put Amber on a special diet for sensitive stomach and food/skin allergies. The results were negative. I’ve gotten the wound to heal many times, but when that cone comes off, Amber scratches the newly healed flesh and tears it apart, always in the same place. I have her wear the cone all of the time. Dr. Nichol: Amber’s skin is driving her @#$%&* crazy whether or…
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There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety from the bombardment. We can make a big difference for these panicked pupsters.
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Question:
I know that AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has accepted a certain kind larva as an approved ingredient in pet diets. What are your thoughts about insect-based food formulations as an alternative protein source?
Jeff Nichol, DVM, has a plan to get your pets ready for a LOUD Fourth & beating the heat of summer.
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Last in a series
Jerry was already getting help with his own struggles when I met him, Charlene, and their dogs Izzy and wee Rosie and Willa.
What are the dangers of lead shotgun pellets found in the skin of a newly adopted pet.
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Fourth in a series
I could only help Charlene and Jerry with the fighting among their dogs if I had their buy-in. They were both feeling pretty low. So, I shared the game plan.